How to Crochet the Moss Stitch (Linen Stitch)

Steps

1. 1. Chain an Odd Number for the Moss Stitch Foundation

   Make a slip knot and chain an odd number of stitches. The video uses 9 for a small sample.

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

   

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

   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.

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

   

3. 3. Chain One and Turn the Moss Stitch Work

   Chain one and turn your work. Single crochet into the very first stitch, under both loops, the ones Ginger calls the bunny ears.

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

   

4. 4. Chain One and Skip a Stitch in the Moss Stitch Row

   Now the pattern begins. Chain one, skip the next stitch and single crochet into the stitch after it.

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

   

5. 5. Finish the Moss Stitch Row With Two Single Crochets

   When you reach the end, only one stitch is left. There is nothing to skip, so do not chain one.

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

   

6. 6. Start the Next Moss Stitch Row in the First Stitch

   Chain one and turn. Single crochet into the first stitch, the same as the last row.

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

   

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

   The spaces can be hard to see, especially in thin yarn. Give the edge of your work a gentle tug upward.

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

   

8. 8. Single Crochet Into Each Moss Stitch Chain-One Space

   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.

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

   

9. 9. Repeat the Moss Stitch Rows Until Your Piece Is Done

   That is all of it. Chain one, turn, single crochet in the first stitch, then chain one, skip one and single crochet across.

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