Looking for everything you need to know about the crochet moss stitch? Find it here in this ultimate crochet tutorial…
Common Questions about the Moss Stitch Crochet Stitch
This stitch is also regularly called the seed stitch because it’s similar to that stitch pattern in knitting. I’ve also heard this stitch called the linen stitch and it is also sometimes called granite stitch or woven stitch.
The moss stitch is a very simple combination of single crochet and chains. You single crochet into the chain space in the row below, chain one, and skip the single crochet of the row below. It’s amazingly easy but gives a wonderful texture to your projects.
This stitch is wonderful for almost any project. It’s such a simple stitch you can use it for a crochet blanket or baby blanket, hat, mittens, scarf – really anything!
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Moss Stitch – Crochet Stitch Tutorial
Here are a few things you will need to crochet the moss stitch:
Yarn: To work the moss stitch, you can use any weight yarn you prefer. The yarn in this example is a super bulky (weight #6) from We Crochet called Tuff Puff.
Crochet Hook: Any hook that works with your yarn weight. If you are unsure, check the ball band for the recommended hook size. I am using a 10.00mm hook from Clover.
Notions: You will always need a tapestry needle to weave in ends and a pair of scissors when working crochet.
Stitch Abbreviations:
Chain Stitch (ch)
Single Crochet Stitch (sc)
Please note that I do my moss stitch crochet a bit differently than some other tutorials. There are those out there that call for a ch 2 at the beginning, and others that have you work into the ch-1, but I honestly hate to work into a chain so I use a single crochet at the edge of my work. The turning chain never counts as a stitch in my version.
To begin, chain an odd number.
Row 1: Sc in 2nd ch from hook, *ch 1, skip next ch, sc in next ch; repeat from * to last ch, sc in last ch; turn.
You should have one less stitch than your starting chain, so if you chained 21, you will have a stitch count of 20 sts.
Row 2: Ch 1 (does not count as a st), sc in first sc, *ch 1, skip next sc, sc in next ch-1 space of previous row; repeat from * to last sc, sc in sc; turn.
Repeat row 2 for stitch pattern.
Moss Stitch Crochet Video Tutorial
In this video tutorial, I will teach you step by step how to crochet the moss stitch. The skill level for this stitch is beginner as you only need to know how to single crochet and chain.
Check out this video tutorial for help and don’t forget to subscribe to my YouTube Channel for weekly video tutorials!
Moss Stitch Crochet in the Round
To work the moss stitch in the round, you won’t need the extra sc at the end of the round like we did when we worked it flat. You might find it helpful to use a stitch marker to mark your first sc.
Chain an even number of stitches and slip stitch (sl st) to form a loop.
Round 1: Ch 1, sc in first ch, *ch 1, skip next ch, sc in next ch; repeat to last ch, ch 1, join with a sl st to first sc.
Try experimenting to see if you like working the rounds in the same direction or if you would like to turn on each round. As long as each ch 1 space gets a sc and each sc from the row below is skipped with a ch-1, you really can’t go wrong.
For our tutorial, I’m going to turn as I feel it gives a better finished product and is less likely to skew.
Round 2: Turn, ch 1, sc into ch-1 space, *ch 1, skip next sc, sc in ch-1 space; repeat to last sc, ch 1, skip sc, join with slip st to first st.
Repeat round 2 for stitch pattern.
How to Work a Moss Stitch Border
A moss stitch crochet border can add interest to a project and finish off the edges nicely.
To work this, you would want to sc a nice edge around your project first, working a (sc, ch 2, sc) in each corner. Make sure you have an odd number of stitches.
Round 1: Ch 1, sc in first st, *ch 1, skip next sc, sc in next sc; repeat around edge, working (sc, ch 2, sc) in each corner. Join with sl st to first sc.
This sets up your simple sc, ch-1 pattern, and the next round would repeat as many times as you desire.
Round 2: Turn, ch 1, sc in first ch-1 space, *ch 1, skip next sc, sc in next sc; repeat from * around, working (sc, ch 2, sc) in each corner. Join with sl st in first sc.
Repeat round 2! You can finish off the edge with a round of sc, leave as is or do a scalloped edge with hdc or dc shells or even picots.
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Moss Stitch Crochet
The moss stitch is so easy that there really isn’t much of a way to mess it up. You always work a single crochet into the chain 1 space of the previous row and you always chain 1 and skip the single crochet of the previous row.
Having the single crochet at the end helps to keep you on track. I’ve seen other moss stitch guides that have you work an odd number of stitches but I have found that this keeps my work even and I don’t have to pay as much attention to my stitch count this way.
Free Crochet Patterns that Use the Moss Stitch:
Simple Pocket Shawl
This free crochet pattern uses a moss stitch pattern for the border and pockets, and a single crochet mesh for the body of the shawl.
C2C Moss Stitch Wash Cloth
Did you know you could work moss stitch crochet as corner to corner?? You can! This easy wash cloth pattern will show you how, and it has a video tutorial.
Quick and Easy Mug Cozy
This simple gift idea uses the moss stitch with a ribbed edge. This free pattern is an easy one that is great for beginners as it’s also only single crochet and chains.
Unicorn Backpack
This backpack is SO easy! There is very little shaping and it uses the moss stitch for texture on the main bag. Crochet some straps and a horn and stitch them on.
C2C Moss Stitch Baby Blanket
Another C2C Moss Stitch pattern! This one uses Bernat Blanket yarn to create a soft, cozy blanket so you can practice your C2C moss stitch skills AND warm your lap at the same time.
Glacial Freeze Pullover
Looking for a moss stitch crochet project that’s a bit more challenging?? This stitch pattern is not just for beginners! This crochet pullover pattern features a moss stitch body with wide single crochet ribbing.
I hope you’ve learned everything you need to know about moss stitch crochet. It’s still one of my favorite stitches even though it’s so simple. There is something really relaxing about working this simple stitch pattern.
Happy Crocheting!
Amanda
