How to Crochet the Moss Stitch (Linen Stitch)

The Moss Stitch—also known as the Linen Stitch or Granite Stitch—is a beautiful, textured crochet pattern that creates a dense, woven look. It's perfect for blankets, scarves, and washcloths. This tutorial will walk you through the basics so you can start using it in your own projects.

• Yarn: Any medium-weight yarn (worsted weight is ideal for practice). The tutorial uses Paton's Alpaca Blend.
• Crochet Hook: Size J (6.0 mm) or the size recommended for your yarn
• Scissors
• Yarn needle (for weaving in ends)

Step 1: Make Your Foundation Chain

Start by making a slip knot and chaining an even number of stitches. For practice, chain 16 stitches. The Moss Stitch requires an even number to work correctly.

Step 2: Work the First Row

• Skip the first three chains from your hook (the loop on the hook doesn't count). Count the next chain as chain 1, then 2, 3, and 4.
• Work a single crochet into the 4th chain from the hook.
• Chain 1, then skip the next chain and work a single crochet into the following chain.
• Repeat this pattern across the row: chain 1, skip 1 chain, single crochet into the next chain.
• When you reach the end, work one single crochet into the last chain of the row.

Step 3: Start the Second Row

• Chain 2 and turn your work like turning a page in a book.
• Do not work into the first single crochet stitch. Instead, work into the chain-1 space (the big hole created by the chain from the previous row).
• Work a single crochet into that chain space.
• Chain 1, then skip the single crochet stitch below and work into the next chain space.
• Continue across the row: chain 1, skip the stitch, single crochet into the chain space.

Step 4: Finish the Second Row

• When you reach the end, look for the last single crochet stitch from the row below.
• Work your final single crochet to the left of that last single crochet post, right under the turning chains. You should see a nice-sized hole to work into.
• This keeps your edges straight and clean.

Step 5: Repeat for All Remaining Rows

• Chain 2 and turn.
• Skip the first single crochet stitch and work into the first chain space.
• Continue the pattern: chain 1, skip the stitch, single crochet into the next chain space.
• Always finish the row by working into the space to the left of the last single crochet and under the turning chains.

1. Use a stitch marker on your first chain to help you keep track of your starting point until you get comfortable with the rhythm.
2. Count your stitches every few rows to make sure you haven't accidentally added or dropped any. Each row should have the same number of single crochets.
3. Keep consistent tension—the Moss Stitch looks best when your stitches are uniform. Practice on a swatch before starting a big project.
4. For straight edges, always work your last stitch into the space to the left of the last single crochet, under the turning chains. This eliminates the need to work into the top of a turning chain.
5. Experiment with color changes—the Moss Stitch creates little "V" shapes that look beautiful when you change colors every few rows, creating subtle pops of color.