How to Crochet the Moss Stitch (Linen Stitch)

The Moss Stitch—also known as the Linen Stitch, Granite Stitch, or Woven Stitch—is a favorite among modern crocheters.

If you love the elegant, flat, and closely-woven look of knit fabrics but prefer to use a crochet hook, this is the stitch for you. It creates a flexible, thin, and beautiful fabric that is completely reversible.

The best part? It is ridiculously easy. If you know how to make a single crochet and a chain stitch, you already know how to make the Moss Stitch.

Why We Love the Moss Stitch

• It lies perfectly flat: Unlike some stitches that curl at the edges, the moss stitch behaves beautifully.
• It looks incredible in stripes: Because the stitches interlock, changing colors every row creates a stunning, dotted, woven effect rather than harsh straight lines.
• It is mindless: Once you establish the first row, you never have to count stitches. You just feel for the “holes” (chain spaces) and crochet into them. It is the perfect project to work on while watching TV.

Moss Stitch Instructions

Stitch Multiple: Chain an even number of stitches. (For a practice swatch, try chaining 24).

Row 1

1. Single crochet (sc) in the 4th chain from your hook.
2. Chain 1.
3. Skip the next chain on your foundation row.
4. Single crochet into the next chain.
5. Repeat pattern: [Chain 1, skip 1 chain, sc in next chain] across the entire row. You should end with a single crochet in the very last chain.
6. Chain 2 and turn your work. (This turning chain counts as a single crochet + a chain-1 space).

Row 2

1. Skip the very first single crochet of the row.
2. Look for the first “chain space” (the hole created by the chain-1 from the previous row). Insert your hook into that space and make a single crochet.
3. Chain 1.
4. Skip the next single crochet.
5. Single crochet into the next chain space.
6. Repeat pattern: [Chain 1, skip next sc, sc into next chain space] across the entire row.
7. At the very end of the row, place your final single crochet into the space created by the turning chain from the previous row.
8. Chain 2 and turn.

Continuing the Pattern

That is it! To continue, simply repeat Row 2 until your project reaches the desired length.

You are always working a single crochet into the empty spaces of the row below, and chaining over the solid single crochets.

Working in the Round

The Moss Stitch is also incredibly popular for making squares, often called a “Moss Stitch Granny Square” or a “Solid Square”. To do this, you simply work the same pattern (sc 1, ch 1) but place [sc 1, ch 2, sc 1] in the corners to allow the square to turn at a 90-degree angle.