Moss Stitch Square
Moss stitch is a firm favourite amongst crocheters and is usually worked in rows. This pattern puts a twist on this and works the moss stitch in the round, like Granny Squares.
This Moss Stitch Squares pattern is the first in a 3 part moss stitch series – the other two parts are: How to Join Moss Stitch Squares Using the Join-As-You Go Method and How to Add a Moss Stitch Border to Moss Stitch Squares.
A video tutorial is available for the Moss Stitch Square, please see link further down the page.
A low-cost pdf version of this page is available (see below for details).
Purchase an Ad- free PDF Version of this Pattern
An ad-free PDF version (digital download) of this pattern is available to buy now from Ravelry. This PDF is 29 pages long and is a 3-in-1 PDF for the Moss Stitch Squares pattern, the Moss Stitch join-as-you-go joining method and the Moss Stitch border pattern. It includes a photo heavy version of all three of the patterns on pages 1-25, just like the free versions on this page and the respective pages on my website for the Moss Stitch join-as-you-go joining method and the Moss Stitch Border. It also includes just the written pattern (on pages 26-29) with only two photos for those who do not want lots of photos to print out.
Equipment
Yarn and Hook: Yarn of your choice and the appropriate crochet hook. Some people like to use a larger hook for the moss stitch.
The example uses Stylecraft Special DK 100% Acrylic and a 4mm hook
Other items: scissors, darning needle, stitch markers (if required).
Crochet Skills Used
- A simple pattern using UK treble crochet, double crochet, half treble crochet and chains.
- Knowledge of basic crochet stitches, techniques (including working in the round) and terminology is assumed.
- Using a magic ring to start the square (although not essential for the pattern).
Abbreviations/Crochet Terms
UK terms are used throughout.
beg-ch | Beginning chain |
ch | Chain |
ch-sp | Chain space |
dc | Double crochet |
htr | Half treble crochet |
moss stitch | (1dc in ch-1 space, ch1) |
RS | Right side |
sp(s) | Space(s) |
ss | Slip stitch |
st(s) | Stitches |
tr | Treble crochet |
[…] | Repeat pattern stated number of times |
(…) | Instructions to be worked into the same stitch or space |
WS | Wrong side |
UK/US Stitch Conversion
UK term | US term | Description |
|---|---|---|
Treble Crochet (tr) | Double Crochet (dc) | Yarn over hook. Insert hook into stitch, yarn over hook, pull through stitch (3 loops on hook), yarn over hook, pull through two loops (2 loops on hook), yarn over pull through remaining two loops to leave 1 loop on the hook |
Half Treble Crochet (htr) | Half Double Crochet (hdc) | Yarn over hook. Insert hook into stitch, yarn over hook, pull through stitch (3 loops on hook), yarn over hook, pull through remaining three loops to leave 1 loop on the hook |
Double Crochet (dc) | Single Crochet (sc) | Insert hook into stitch, yarn over hook, pull through stitch (2 loops on hook), yarn over hook, pull through remaining two loops to leave 1 loop on the hook |
Slip Stitch (ss) | Slip Stitch (ss) | Insert hook into stitch, yarn over hook, pull through stitch and through loop |
Pattern Notes
Please read through the notes and pattern thoroughly before starting.
Moss stitch is also known as the linen stitch, granite stitch, or woven stitch. It is created by alternating a UK double crochet with a chain 1 and working the UK double crochet of subsequent rounds/rows into the chain-1 spaces of the previous round/row.
This pattern suggests that you turn the work over after each round – this helps to keep the square even and it helps to make the work reversible.
This pattern uses a magic ring, but it is not essential to the pattern. An alternative is suggested.
Many moss stitch squares start a new round in the first chain-1 space of the round. This means that the start of the round shifts along with each round. This can make a noticeable join. This pattern starts each new round in a corner space.
Instead of closing each round by working the corner chains and then a slip stitch in the first stitch of the round, this pattern works a UK half treble crochet into the first stitch. This means that the loop is perfectly in the centre of the corner, so that you can turn and start the next round without needing to slip stitch into the corner.
The UK half treble crochet stitch closing the round counts as a chain-2 corner space.
This moss stitch square pattern starts like a Granny Square, with 4 groups of 3 UK treble crochet stitches. You may see other versions that start with rounds of moss stitch into the foundation ring.
Hook size: with moss stitch it is often recommended to use a hook that is one or two sizes larger than you would typically use for your particular yarn. This is because the woven-like texture, with the frequent use of chain stitches, can become dense and may work better with a larger hook. You may wish to experiment with different hook sizes on a small sample before embarking on the whole project.
Stitch markers: you may wish to place a stitch marker in the first UK double crochet of each round to identify the stitch to work the UK half treble crochet into when closing the round.
Supporting video tutorial
The following video tutorial is available: How to Crochet A Moss Stitch Square
Written Pattern for the Moss Stitch Square
Foundation Make a magic ring (alternatively, Ch4, join with ss in first ch to form a ring).
Round 1 Ch3 (counts as first tr), 2tr in ring, [ch2, 3tr] 3 times. Close the magic ring. Close the round by working 1htr in the top of beg-ch3 (Fig 1). Turn (Fig 2).
Fig 1 Fig 2
Round 2 Ch1 (does not count as a st), 1dc in same corner sp, ch1, [skip first st, (1dc, ch1) in the next st (this is the middle of the 3tr), skip next st, (1dc, ch2, 1dc) in ch-2 corner sp, ch1] 3 times, skip next st, (1dc, ch1) in the next st, skip next st, 1dc in the ch-2 corner sp, 1htr in the first dc of the round (Fig 3). Turn.
Round 3 Ch1 (does not count as a st), 1dc in same corner sp, ch1, [(1dc in ch-1 sp, ch1) to next corner, (1dc, ch2, 1dc) in ch-2 corner sp, ch1] 3 times, (1dc in ch-1 sp, ch1) to next corner, 1dc in ch-2 corner sp, 1htr in the first dc of the round (Fig 4). Turn.
Fig 3 Fig 4
Round 4 (repeating round) Ch1 (does not count as a st), 1dc in same corner sp, ch1, [(1dc in ch-1 sp, ch1) to next corner, (1dc, ch2, 1dc) in ch-2 corner sp, ch1] 3 times, (1dc in ch-1 sp, ch1) to next corner, 1dc in ch-2 corner sp, 1htr in the first dc of the round (Fig 5). Turn.
Subsequent rounds repeat round 4. Round 5 added in the example (Fig 6).
Fig 5 Fig 6
When you have completed the desired number of rounds fasten off and weave in the ends (Fig 7).
If you want to change colour at any point, fasten off the old yarn and proceed with the changing colour round below and then continue with repeating round 4.
Changing colour round Using new colour, pull up a loop in any corner sp. Ch1 (does not count as a st), 1dc in same ch-2 corner sp, ch1, [(1dc in ch-1 sp, ch1) to next corner, (1dc, ch2, 1dc) in ch-2 corner sp, ch1] 3 times, (1dc in ch-1 sp, ch1) to next corner, 1dc in ch-2 corner sp, 1htr in the first dc of the round (Fig 8). Turn.
Pin For Later
Joining the Moss Stitch Squares
If you want to join the moss stitch squares using the join-as-you-go joining method please see here:
Moss Stitch Join-As-You-Go Joining Method
Adding a Moss Stitch Border
For details on how to add a Moss Stitch Border to your Moss Stitch Squares please see here:
Moss Stitch Squares Blanket
Moss stitch squares are used in the following project (free pattern):
