What Is the Crochet Linen Stitch? And Why Is It Awesome?

Have you worked the crochet linen stitch? You might have heard this stitch also referred to as the moss stitch, seed stitch, granite stitch, or woven stitch. Whatever you choose to call it, this stitch pattern is easy to work and so incredibly useful. Read on to discover what it is and why we love it so much.

What Is the Crochet Linen Stitch?

The crochet linen stitch is a simple combination of single crochet stitches and chains that is worked over 2 rows in a repeated pattern. Single crochet stitches anchor the sides, and the rest of the row works chains over single crochets from the previous row and single crochet stitches in the ch-1 space from the previous row. You can work the crochet linen stitch starting with chains or with foundation stitches. See the 2 examples below.

With a starting chain:
Chain a multiple of 2 sts+2.
Row 1: (RS) Sc in 2nd ch from hook, *ch 1, sk next ch, sc in next ch; rep from * across, turn.
Row 2: (WS) Ch 1, sc in first st, ch 1, sk next st, *sc in next ch-1 sp, ch 1, sk next st; rep from * across to last st, sc in last st, turn.
Row 3: Ch 1, sc in first st, *sc in next ch-1 sp, ch 1, sk next st; rep from * across to last st, sc in last st, turn.
Rep Rows 2-3 for patt.

With a foundation single crochet:
Work fsc in a multiple of 2 sts+1.
Row 1: (RS) Ch 1, sc in first st, *ch 1, sk next st, sc in next st; rep from * across, turn.
Row 2: (WS) Ch 1, sc in first st, sc in next ch-1 sp, *ch 1, sk next st, sc in next ch-1 sp; rep from * across to last st, sc in last st, turn.
Row 3: Ch 1, sc in first st, *ch 1, sk next st, sc in next ch-1 sp; rep from * across to last 2 sts, ch 1, sk next st, sc in last st, turn.
Rep Rows 2-3 for patt.

3 Reasons We Love Crochet Linen Stitch

1. It creates better drape.
If you want to make a garment with a simple background stitch, the crochet linen stitch is your go-to stitch! It has a very similar appearance to single crochet, but the added chain stitches make the fabric less dense. This makes it perfect for sweaters, scarves, and other garments that you want to drape along the body.

2. It uses less yarn.
A less-dense stitch pattern also means you’re using less yarn. If you’re preparing to make a giant sweater, consider working the crochet linen stitch as an alternative to single crochet. Not only will it have nicer drape, your yarn will go farther!

3. It’s the most-common stitch for argyle-print color pooling.
Have you tried color pooling the argyle print? The crochet linen stitch (also known as the moss stitch) will help you achieve near-perfect color pooling!

5 Projects to Practice Crochet Linen Stitch

Ready to practice this useful stitch? Buy one of these patterns to get started!

1. The Balsam Pullover from Interweave Crochet Winter 2019

2. The Snow Day Sweater from Interweave Crochet Winter 2019

3. The Color Pooling Argyle Pillow from Interweave Crochet Spring 2017

4. The Crimson Hooded Cardigan from Interweave Crochet Winter 2018

5. The Perrault Pullover from Interweave Crochet Winter 2018

Do you have other favorite patterns that use the crochet linen stitch? Let us know in the comments below!

Happy Stitching!
Sara

(Featured Image: The Balsam Pullover from Interweave Crochet Winter 2019. | Credit: Harper Point Photography)

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