How to Crochet a Perfect Moss Stitch Square

Hi guys! Welcome to Day 4 of the 365 day challenge, where I publish 1 blog post every day for 365 days. These posts discuss crochet, crafting, and goals, so if this something that interests you, you can read more posts here. In today’s post we are learning how to crochet a perfect moss stitch square every time.

About the Moss Stitch

You may know it as the linen stitch, granite stitch, woven stitch, or the moss stitch. No matter what name you go by, the stitch pattern is the same. The moss stitch (or insert preferred name here) is a combination of single crochet and chain-1 spaces that results in a beautiful stitch pattern. It is one of the easiest and most versatile crochet stitches. You can use it for blankets, garments, pillows, accessories, and home decor pieces. Here are a few reasons why this stitch is so great:

• After Row 1, every stitch is worked into a chain-1 space. Working into chain spaces are easier AND faster than working into stitches, so the pattern works up quickly.

• It is a mindless stitch repeat. This means that you can crochet this stitch while watching TV or listening to music.

• The beauty of this stitch shines through when using more than one colour, so this would make a great scrap blanket pattern. You can never have too many colours when working the moss stitch because the simple stitch pattern does not detract from the colours.

• Going off the point above, variegated yarn looks great when done in the moss stitch. Since variegated yarn is so colourful and distracting, it needs a simple stitch to balance it out.

5 Ways to Crochet the Moss Stitch

As far as I know, there are only 5 ways to crochet the moss stitch. However, I love this stitch, and if there is another way to crochet it, I am determined to figure it out. For now, here are the 5 ways to crochet the moss stitch:

1. Straight across in a row-by-row pattern (worked left to right).
2. As a square worked in the round – (this post).
3. Corner to corner to create a diagonal effect.
4. As a triangle worked in a row-by-row pattern.
5. As a rectangle worked in the round.

My goal is to show you every possible way to crochet the moss stitch. It is such a fun and easy stitch, and I hope you love exploring the different ways to crochet it.

Two Tips for Creating the Perfect Moss Stitch Square

I am sure you are no stranger to the moss stitch square technique. There are countless crocheters who have shared the same moss stitch square pattern on their blogs. However, there are two techniques that I have found (through trial and error) that elevate this moss stitch square pattern and give it a polished look.

1. Turn at the End of Each Round

Turning at the end of each round is essential to making your moss stitch square straight along each side. When you do not turn at the end of each round, the center portion of the square starts to tilt.

The two pictures below show this tilted effect: The picture on the left is a small sample that I made, and the picture on the right is a blanket by Repeat Crafter Me.

Here is an example of a moss stitch square that is turned at the each round. By turning your work, the center square remains straight and un-tilted!

2. Start Each Round in the Corner Chain Spaces

Most moss stitch square patterns start each round in the “first” chain-1 space. Every round, the “first” chain-1 space shifts to the right one space. By Round 10, you wind up starting the round in the center of one side, and this can create a NOTICEABLE bump or join.

To avoid this bump and create a more seamless join, always start a new round in the corner chain-1 space. By starting in the same corner every time, you do not have a jagged seam, and you cannot see the start of each round because no one looks at the corners. This method is a game changer for creating a more seamless and polished square. It’s also an easy technique to implement, once you get the hang of it.

Pin this Moss Stitch Square Tutorial for Later – Here!

Pattern for Creating a Perfect Moss Stitch Square

Without further ado, let’s dive into the pattern/tutorial for creating your perfect moss stitch square. There is a link to a video tutorial included to help you!

Hook Size and Yarn

You can use any yarn weight or brand for these squares. Check the yarn label for the recommended hook size, and try it out to see if it gives you the drape and look that you want for your square. If not, go up or down a hook size, until you find one that works for you and your yarn.

For this tutorial, I am using a 6.5mm crochet hook and Medium 4 Worsted Weight Yarn.

Video Tutorial – Here!

Abbreviations: 

• Ch – chain
• St(s) – stitch(es)
• MR – magic ring
• Sl st – slip stitch
• Sc – single crochet
• [ ] – repeat instructions inside brackets
• Rnd – round

Moss Stitch Square Pattern:

Rnd 1:

• Make a MR. 
• Ch 1, [sc, ch 2] 4 times in MR.
• Join last ch-2 to first sc with a sl st.
• Turn.

• Stitch Count: 4 sc, 4 ch-2 sps

• Tip: You can use a stitch marker (or safety pin) to mark the corner ch-2 sps, so they are easier to spot in each round.

Rnd 2:

• Ch 1, (sc, ch 1) in first ch-2 sp.
• [(Sc, ch 2, sc, ch 1) in next ch-2 sp] 3 times.
• (Sc, ch 2) in first ch-2 sp of the rnd to complete the first corner.
• Join with a sl st.
• Turn.

• Stitch Count: 8 sc, 4 ch-2 sps, 4 ch-1 sps

Rnd 3:

• Ch 1, (sc, ch 1) in first corner ch-2 sp.
• [Sc in ch-1 sp, ch 1, (sc, ch 2, sc, ch 1) in corner ch-2 sp] 3 times.
• (Sc, ch 1) in ch-1 sp.
• (Sc, ch 2) in first corner ch-2 sp.
• Join with a sl st.
• Turn.

• Stitch Count: 12 sc, 4 ch-2 sps, 8 ch-1 sps

Rnd 4:

• Ch 1, (sc, ch 1) in first corner ch-2 sp.
• {[Sc in next ch-1 sp, ch 1] until corner ch-2 sp, (sc, ch 2, sc, ch 1) in corner ch-2 sp} 3 times.
• (Sc, ch 1) in each ch-1 sp to first corner.
• (Sc, ch 2) in first corner ch-2 sp.
• Join with a sl st.
• Turn.

• Stitch Count: 16 sc, 4 ch-2 sps, 12 ch-1 sps 

Rnd 5 and on:

• Repeat Rnd 4 until you are happy with the size of your moss stitch square.
• Fasten off and weave in ends!

Changing Colour Tutorial

Changing colour always happens at the end of the round in the slip stitch join:

• After making the last ch-2 of the rnd, insert hook into first sc of the rnd.

• Pick up the new colour with your finger.
• Yarn over with the new colour, and pull it through the st and the loop on the hook, to complete the sl st. You changed colours!
• If you need the unused colour for future rnds, let it hang from the back of your work, so you can pick it up when you need to change colours again.

Crochet Over Top of Yarn Tails Tutorial

If you choose to use multiple colours to make your moss stitch square, there are bound to be ends to weave in. My preferred method is to crochet over top of my yarn tails to lock them in place, and leave approx. 5″ of the tail to go back and weave the ends by hand with a yarn needle and secure it with a knot. It’s a time consuming method, but it gives me peace of my mind that my work will not unravel.

Since the moss stitch is worked into the chain spaces, the yarn tails need to be crocheted over in 2 rounds to make sure that each part of the strand is locked in.

First Round (Pictures 1 & 2): When you change colour, there are two tails left hanging from your work. Before crocheting with the new colour, place the two yarn tails on top of your work, and make sure that they are trapped between the stitches as you crochet. Leave a long enough tail to weave in / make a knot later – this helps to further secure your work.  

Second Round (Pictures 3): We have the chance to secure the tails even more by trapping them between stitches in our second round. Insert your hook into the chain-1 space, and make sure it is positioned underneath the yarn tails before working the stitch.  

Other Crochet Tutorials You’ll Love:

• How to Change Colour with ANY stitch or pattern
• How to Make the Basic Standing Crochet Stitches
• How to Crochet the Puff Stitch in 2 Ways

I hope you enjoy crocheting your moss stitch squares. Please tag me on Instagram @thispixiecreates, or on Facebook because I would love to see how your squares turn out. Have a wonderful day, and happy crocheting!

Love, Dayna