SaveMoss stitch, also called linen stitch or granite stitch, is single crochet and chain one alternating forever. There is one row and you repeat it. That is the entire pattern.
Part of our stitches library.
It is the stitch most often recommended for a first blanket, and for good reason: you stop needing to look at the work within about ten rows, the texture hides uneven tension, and a mistake is visible immediately because the alternation breaks.
Working it
- Chain an even number. This matters.
- Row 1: single crochet in the second chain from the hook, then chain 1, skip 1, single crochet in the next, all the way across.
- Chain 1 and turn.
- Row 2: single crochet into each chain-1 space, chain 1, skip the single crochet below, all the way across.
- Repeat row 2. Forever.
The rhythm is: stitch into the gap, make a gap over the stitch. Once that clicks you will not need the instructions again.
Work into the chain-1 space, not into the chain itself. Going into the chain closes the gaps and the whole texture disappears into a solid fabric.
Why it suits blankets
| Moss stitch | Single crochet | Double crochet | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drape | Good | Stiff | Good |
| Speed | Medium | Slow | Fast |
| Yarn use | Low, the gaps save yarn | High | Medium |
| Hides tension | Yes | No | Somewhat |
| Memorisable | Immediately | Immediately | Immediately |
The yarn saving is real and often overlooked. Because half the fabric is chain spaces, a moss stitch blanket uses noticeably less yarn than a solid one of the same size.
When it goes wrong
The pattern drifts and stops alternating
You worked two single crochet next to each other somewhere, usually at the start or end of a row. Count the first three stitches of each row for a while.
The edges are ragged
The first and last stitch of each row are the awkward ones. Always end a row with a single crochet in the final stitch, never a chain.
Questions
What is moss stitch in crochet?
Single crochet and chain one alternating, with each row working into the chain spaces of the row below. One row repeated indefinitely.
Is moss stitch the same as linen stitch?
Yes. Moss stitch, linen stitch and granite stitch are three names for the same pattern.
Does moss stitch use a lot of yarn?
Less than most stitches, because half the fabric is chain spaces rather than solid stitches.
Why is my moss stitch turning solid?
You are working into the chain itself rather than the space beneath it. The gaps close and the texture disappears.
Is moss stitch good for beginners?
It is the stitch most often recommended for a first blanket. Two moves alternating, no chart and mistakes show immediately.
How many chains do I start with?
An even number. An odd number means the alternation will not line up at the row ends.