How to crochet Moss Stitch (also known as Linen Stitch)

June 26, 2019July 16, 2019
by doraexplored

The Crochet Moss Stitch, sometimes known as Linen Stitch is one of my hands down, all time favourite stitch patterns for creating fabrics. It is really simple, works up quickly and is a mindless, enjoyable stitch to work so it’s perfect for some couch crochet or stitchflixing!

To add to that, this stitch pattern is so versatile that you can work it with any of the basic crochet stitches!

The Upsidedown Sweater and the Indian Summer Tank both use traditional Moss Stitch and the Free Flow Sweater and Happy Days Cardigan use variations of it, as does my up coming Stash to Treasure sweater!

It never ceases to amaze me how one pattern can look so different!

Corner of green crochet moss stitch sweater hanging on white wall — The Moss Stitch Pattern used in The Upsidedown Sweater Pattern

Traditionally however, Moss Stitch uses US Single Crochet (UK double crochet) worked into chain spaces. You turn at the end of each row so there is no wrong or right side (another tick mark for it’s versatility!).

Below I will give written instructions then link to a left and right handed video tutorial. Note that the video tutorials were made to accompany the Maslow’s Rainbow Cal so you can discard any mention of that if you are just interested in the stitch pattern (though the CAL is still available for free on the blog or as a downloadable PDF if you want a stitch sampler project!)

Moss Stitch Written Instructions

Abbreviations (US Terms)

ch = Chain
rep = repeat
sc = single crochet (UK double crochet)
sk = skip (UK miss)
sp = space
sts = stitch(es)

How to Crochet Moss Stitch:

Work an odd numbered foundation row.

Row 1: Ch2 (counts as 1sc, ch1), sk st at base of ch and next st, 1sc in next st, *ch1, sk 1 st, 1sc in next st; rep from * to end, turn.

Row 2: Ch2, 1sc in first ch1-sp, *ch1, 1sc in next ch1-sp; rep from * to end, turn (note that the last stitch will be worked into the ch2 at the beginning of the previous row as this is equivalent to 1sc and ch1)

Rep Row 2 for the pattern rep – and that’s it!

I told you it was simple!!