In this article:
The granite stitch is simple and fun to make, so I’m sure you will enjoy it!
The granite stitch creates a beautiful woven or knit-like texture that you can use in blankets, scarves, blouses or tops.
To get this grainy, granite look which you can see on the photo above, moss stitch simply alternates single crochet and chain stitches.
I used a fuzzy, faux fur yarn in black and white colors to get an almost ideal granite-like look, but this stitch looks amazing no matter what yarn you use. A monochromatic yarn underlines its unique texture and alternating colors in each row lets color intermingle and mix in rows.
The granite stitch has many names – the most popular one is moss stitch, but it can also be known as a linen stitch or seed stitch. So now I will try to systematize the nomenclature a bit. In the Crochet Stitch Dictionary by Sarah Hazel, the stitch which I will show you is called Woven stitch and it alternates chain stitches and single crochets. The Moss stitch, according to the Crochet Stitch Dictionary is similar, but alternates chain stitches and half double crochets. On the Internet, however, you will find that the most popular moss stitch tutorials and patterns on Youtube or Ravelry show this stitch as a mix of single crochets and chains, so let’s stick with this nomenclature, as there’s a bigger chance that the pattern you will find in the future will have that method in mind. However, be aware that there are other possibilities for the moss stitch…
How to Crochet the Granite Stitch (Moss Stitch)
Materials you will need
some yarn
To crochet the granite stitch can use any yarn you already have.
For beginners, usually worsted-weight yarn is recommended as the most universal yarn. It is a medium weight yarn (marked as size 4 on a yarn label). However the final choice of yarn will depend mostly on your project’s intended use. Lighter yarns, such as DK or sport, will be better for summer wearable items like tops or dresses.
a crochet hook
Use a crochet hook in the size corresponding with your yarn. You will find a recommended hook sizes on a yarn label.
scissors to cut yarn tails
a yarn needle or tapestry needle (for weaving in ends)
Abbreviations Used and the Pattern Notes
The standard crochet abbreviations I used in this tutorial are:
- ch = chain stitch
- sc = single crochet stitch
- st/sts = stitch/es
This tutorial is written in US terms.
Foundation
Start with an even number of stitches (multiply 2 sts). Ch 2.
Row 1
Skip the first 3 ch and insert the hook into 4rd ch.
Sc and *ch 1, skip a stitch below, sc into the next stitch.
Repeat from * across the row. Make an sc into the last stitch of the row. Ch 2 and turn your work.
Row 2
Sc into the ch 1 space below.
*Ch 1, skip stitch below and sc into the next stitch. Repeat from * across the row.
Make the last SC into turning chains from the beginning of the previous row. Ch 2.
Row 3
Repeat Row 2.
Wasn’t hard at all, was it? If you are a visual learner, and prefer diagrams over a wordy instruction, below is what the Granite (Moss) Stitch looks in a graphic form.
The Moss Stitch (Granite Stitch) Crochet Diagram
Save the diagram for the moss (granite) stitch for the next time:
Don’t Do That Mistake While Crocheting the Moss Stitch
The moss stitch is so easy that you can get into the crochet flow very quickly. However, before you do so, it is good to pay attention to the number of stitches in a row.
Secondly, it is easy to make a mistake while inserting your hook into the chain space while making a single crochets. If you do that at an angle, you can easily push too far and yarn over through the back of the next single crochet and not only in the chain space. It is hard to notice immediately, because the mistake is at the back side of your work. However, it breaks the regular structure of the stitch and looks bad.
To avoid that mistake, simply push the chain space slightly with your finger, before each single crochet.
FAQ
How to add more yarn colors into the moss stitch?
To add a new color, finish the row as usual, but before finishing the last SC, grab a new yarn and pull over to finish the last stitch. Continue with the new color as with the old one.
What is the difference between the moss stitch and woven stitch?
The woven stitch is very similar to the moss stitch. The only difference is that in the Woven Stitch there is only one chain as a turning chain at the beginning of a row instead of two.
I hope that you’ve enjoyed this tutorial and the granite stitch crochet pattern. To practice it further, here are some patterns using the moss stitch:
To learn more stitches, see my full guide through the most popular crochet stitches: