How to Crochet the Moss Stitch (Linen Stitch)

1. 1

   Step 1: Chain an Odd Number for the Moss Stitch Foundation

   Watch this step · 2:10

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   Make a slip knot and chain an odd number of stitches. The video uses 9 for a small sample. For a blanket you might chain 101 or 151. The odd number matters. You skip the first chain on the next row, which leaves an even number of stitches, and an even count is what keeps every moss stitch row the same.

   Tip:

   Use jumbo yarn and a big hook for your first sample so you can see each loop.

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   Used in this stepjumbo plastic crochet hook 15mmworsted weight acrylic yarn

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2. 2

   Step 2: Work a Row of Single Crochet Across the Moss Stitch Chain

   Watch this step · 3:08

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   Skip the first chain and single crochet into each chain across. To single crochet, insert the hook, yarn over, pull up a loop, yarn over again and pull through both loops. Ginger likes this solid foundation row because it gives the bottom edge of a blanket more structure. Her sample ends with 8 stitches.

   Tip:

   Count your stitches at the end of this row. You want an even number.

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   Used in this stepClover Amour crochet hook setworsted weight acrylic yarn

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3. 3

   Step 3: Chain One and Turn the Moss Stitch Work

   Watch this step · 3:22

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   Chain one and turn your work. Single crochet into the very first stitch, under both loops, the ones Ginger calls the bunny ears. Every row of moss stitch starts this way from now on. That first single crochet keeps the edge straight and gives the row a firm start before the pattern begins.

   Tip:

   Do not skip the first stitch. Skipping it makes the edge pull in.

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   Used in this stepClover Amour crochet hook set

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4. 4

   Step 4: Chain One and Skip a Stitch in the Moss Stitch Row

   Watch this step · 3:42

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   Now the pattern begins. Chain one, skip the next stitch and single crochet into the stitch after it. Repeat across the row: chain one, skip one, single crochet. The chain one sits over the stitch you skipped. That little bridge is what gives moss stitch its woven look, row after row.

   Tip:

   Say it out loud for the first row: chain, skip, single.

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   Used in this stepClover Amour crochet hook setlocking stitch markers

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5. 5

   Step 5: Finish the Moss Stitch Row With Two Single Crochets

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   When you reach the end, only one stitch is left. There is nothing to skip, so do not chain one. Work a single crochet into that last stitch, so the row ends with two single crochets side by side. This sets up the next row. When you turn, the extra stitch becomes one you can skip.

   Tip:

   Pop a stitch marker in the last stitch if you lose track of the row end.

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   Used in this steplocking stitch markers

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6. 6

   Step 6: Start the Next Moss Stitch Row in the First Stitch

   Watch this step · 4:32

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   Chain one and turn. Single crochet into the first stitch, the same as the last row. Then chain one, skip the next stitch and single crochet into the chain-one space from the row below. From here on, every single crochet goes into a space and every chain one sits over a single crochet.

   Tip:

   The single crochets stack in a checkerboard, offset by one each row.

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   Used in this stepClover Amour crochet hook set

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7. 7

   Step 7: Tug the Moss Stitch Fabric to Find the Chain-One Spaces

   Watch this step · 4:55

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   The spaces can be hard to see, especially in thin yarn. Give the edge of your work a gentle tug upward. The holes open up and show you where to put the hook. Ginger shows this on a finished scarf. It is the most common question she gets about moss stitch, so do not worry if it takes a few rows to see them.

   Tip:

   Lighter yarn colors make the spaces much easier to spot than dark ones.

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   Used in this stepLion Brand Mandala gradient yarn

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8. 8

   Step 8: Single Crochet Into Each Moss Stitch Chain-One Space

   Watch this step · 5:42

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   Insert your hook into the chain-one space, not into a stitch. Look at the back of the single crochets: each one has two little lines that look like a pair of pants. Go between the pants. Single crochet, chain one, skip one, and keep going. At the end, single crochet into the last space and then once more into the final stitch.

   Tip:

   If a row ends with a stitch left over, count back. You missed a space.

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   Used in this stepClover Amour crochet hook setworsted weight acrylic yarn

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9. 9

   Step 9: Repeat the Moss Stitch Rows Until Your Piece Is Done

   Watch this step · 6:52

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   That is all of it. Chain one, turn, single crochet in the first stitch, then chain one, skip one and single crochet across. Repeat until your piece is the size you want. No counting is needed once the rhythm sets in. Fasten off and weave in the ends with a yarn needle.

   Tip:

   Block the finished piece lightly with steam. Moss stitch relaxes and drapes even better.

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   Used in this stepyarn needle for weaving in endsLion Brand Mandala gradient yarn

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Keep going

How to Crochet a Gingerbread Man Ornament

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Tools we recommend

• Clover

  Clover Amour Crochet Hook Set (10 sizes)

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• Lion Brand

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  Mercerized cotton with crisp stitch definition and a subtle sheen. Machine washable, and the go-to for amigurumi, bags, and dishcloths.

• Clover

  Clover Locking Stitch Markers (20-pack)

  Lock onto stitches so they never slip while you mark rounds, increases, and repeats. A dollar-store fix that actually holds.

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