How To Crochet The Moss Stitch

About Crochet Moss Stitch

If you are looking for a crochet stitch that creates a warm dense textured fabric, consider the moss stitch. 

The moss stitch pattern is created by alternating basic crochet stitches of single crochets and chains in a specific pattern. 

Single crochet stitches are worked into the chain spaces of the previous row, while the chain stitches are worked over the single crochet stitches. 

This alternating pattern creates a staggered, dense, and textured effect.

What To Use Moss Stitch For

Moss stitch is versatile and can be used for many different projects, like:

• Dishcloths and washcloths
• Blankets and afghans
• Scarves and cowls
• Pillows
• Coasters
• Placemats
• Pot holders
• Baby items, like blankets, booties, hats, or clothing.
• Use it as a trim or edging for blankets, bags, jackets, cardigans, or other items.

Tips And Variations For Moss Stitch

Gauge and hook size: Moss stitch tends to create a dense fabric, but you can adjust this by adjusting your hook size. If you want a looser and softer draping fabric to choose a larger hook, and for a more dense fabric, use a smaller hook.

Yarn: Moss stitch works well in just about any yarn, but choosing one that gives a good stitch definition will help enhance the look of the pattern. 

Worsted (Afghan, Aran, 10 ply) yarn or DK (light worsted, 8 ply) yarn are great because they are thick and give this stitch definition.

Experiment with color: Get creative and use multiple colors to create stripes or color blocks, use variegated yarn to create a gradient effect, or just use one color.

Customize: The moss stitch can be easily adjusted to fit any project size. The pattern is worked over a multiple of two stitches, so start your work by making an even number of chains until you reach your desired length or width.

Crochet Stitches

You will need to know a how to make chain stitches and single crochet to make this moss stitch pattern.

Step By Step Tutorial

Below are instructions for how to crochet moss stitch in rows.

Skill Level

Beginner

What You Will Need

For this tutorial, I am using Lion Brand Mandala ombre yarn and a size 1-9 (5.5mm) crochet hook, but you can use any kind of yarn you like.

Tip: For the practice piece choose a light colored yarn because you will be able to see the stitches better.

Stitches Used In This Pattern

• ch - chain
• sc- single crochet
• sk - skip
• st/sts - stitch/stitches
• hk - hook
• rpt - repeat

Pattern Notes

• Moss stitch is worked over an even number of stitches, so you can make your practice swatch any size you like.

Pattern Instructions

Foundation

Foundation -  Chain an even number of stitches. (My swatch for this tutorial has 20 chain stitches)

Abbreviated Version

Foundation - Ch an even number of sts.

Row One

Row 1 - Single crochet in the 2nd chain from the hook (turning chain), * chain 1, skip 1 chain stitch, and single crochet in the next chain stitch; repeat from * across the row, ending with a single crochet in the last chain stitch of the row. Turn 

Abbreviated Version

Row 1 - Sc in 2nd ch from hk, *ch1, sk 1 ch, sc in next st; rpt from * across ending with sc in last st. Turn.

Row Two

Row 2 - Chain 1 (turning chain), single crochet into the first chain 1 space of the previous row, * chain 1, skip over the single crochet stitch in the row previous row, and make a single crochet in the next chain 1 space, repeat from * across the row, ending with a single crochet in the turning chain of the previous row. Turn 

Abbreviated Version

Row 2 -  Ch1, sc in ch-1 sp, * ch1, sk 1 sc, sc in next ch1-1 sp, rpt from * across ending with sc in turning ch of previous row. 

Repeat row 2 until you reach your desired length.

Projects Using Moss Stitch

If you are looking to practice the crochet moss stitch try this moss stitch dishcloth pattern, or this easy moss stitch crochet drawstring bag.

Crochet Stitches For Blankets

This crochet stitch is ideal for making blankets. If you're want to use this stitch to make a crochet blanket but unsure where to start, read our blog post How to Crochet a Blanket Step by Step. It walks you through the process of planning and creating a crochet blanket from scratch.

More Crochet Stitches

• How to crochet lemon peel stitch
• How to crochet the Suezette stitch
• How to crochet a slip knot
• How to crochet a slip stitch
• How to crochet chain stitch
• How to half double crochet 
• How to single crochet

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