How to Crochet the Extended Moss Stitch

Learn how to crochet the extended moss stitch with this step-by-step photo tutorial.

Basic Stitches Create a Beautiful Texture

The extended moss stitch (also referred to as the double crochet moss stitch), is a slight variation of the more popular moss stitch (also known as the linen or granite stitch). The differences between the moss stitch (linen stitch) and the extended moss stitch (double crochet moss stitch), are:

The extended moss stitch uses a double crochet stitch in place of a single crochet stitch.
The double crochet stitches are worked into the double crochet stitches from 2 rows below, whereas the single crochet are worked into the chain space from the previous row.

I love the classic crochet moss/linen stitch pattern (and I've used it in many crochet designs) but, I really like the change in texture that's produced by switching from single crochet stitches to double crochet stitches.

Each variation of the moss stitch has its own unique qualities. One is more of an openwork crochet stitch pattern and the other creates a more dense fabric. I prefer the more popular moss/linen stitch when crocheting items that need to be more lightweight and have more drape to them such as garments, sunhats, and lightweight crochet afghans. But the double crochet/extended moss stitch is great for crocheting items that I'd like to be more dense and have no holes such as Christmas stockings and warm winter crochet accessories.

The extended moss stitch is another great reversible stitch pattern when you work it back and forth in rows. The stitch pattern looks great on both sides and this makes it a perfect textured crochet stitch pattern for working afghans. I used the extended moss stitch pattern to add a fun border to Jossalyn's Afghan (you can see this free crochet afghan pattern HERE). I also have a brand new afghan pattern coming soon that uses the extended moss stitch that I hope you'll love!

Although the most popular versions of the crochet moss stitch pattern use a single crochet or double crochet, the sky's the limit! You could substitute nearly any basic crochet stitch and create a nice stitch pattern variation. You can also change the texture of the crochet fabric by playing around with the number of stitches you choose for each repeat. The more traditional moss / linen stitch uses a repeat of 1 stitch, 1 chain, but I also love the texture that's created when you work 2 stitches and then 2 chains.

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Colorwork

I love working this stitch pattern in only one color, but to add more variation to this great crochet stitch pattern, try using an ombre or self-striping yarn. One more way to switch it up and create a totally different look is to change colors. Try working every other row in a different color, or even every 2 rows. There are so many ways you can personalize the extended moss stitch (double crochet moss stitch).

In Jossalyn's Afghan, I worked 2 rows of each color for the border. You can see how I worked the color changes HERE.

In this crochet stitch tutorial, you'll learn how to successfully work the extended moss stitch in both a 2 & 4 stitch variation! Before we begin, let's go over a few stitch abbreviations.

Materials

Yarn: You can use 1 or 2 colors of any weight yarn you'd like. I used the worsted weight/4 yarn Lion Brand Yarns Wool Ease in Fisherman, Dark Rose Heather, and Grey Heather.
Crochet Hook: J/10/6.00mm (or hook size to match the weight of yarn you chose)
Scissors
Tapestry Needle

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Abbreviations (US Terms)

ch(s): chain(s)
sc: single crochet
dc: double crochet
ext sc: extended single crochet (click here for tutorial)
yo: yarn over
st(s): stitch(es)
Rep: repeat
RS: right side
WS: wrong side

2 Similar Yet Different Swatches

I've worked up two separate swatches using the extended moss stitch. In the first swatch, I worked the classic 2 stitch repeat of 1 double crochet followed by 1 chain. In the second swatch, I worked a 4 stitch repeat of 2 double crochet followed by 2 chains. I love the textures of both. Each is unique. Make both swatches and let me know which one is your favorite!

Swatch #1 - a classic 2 stitch repeat

This first swatch was made using the classic 2 stitch pattern repeat of: (dc in the next skipped st 2 rows below, ch 1, skip the next st).

Multiples: The following swatch is worked in multiples of 2 + 1 + 1.

Row 1: With a 6.00mm crochet hook and yarn, ch 22, working into the back hump of the foundation ch, sc in the 2nd ch from your hook, sc in each ch across. Turn. (21 sts)

Row 2: Ch 1, ext sc in the first st, (ch 1, skip the next st, ext sc in the next st) rep across. Turn.

Row 3: Ch 1, ext sc in the first st, dc in the next skipped st 2 rows below, (ch 1, skip the next st, dc in the next skipped st 2 rows below) rep across to the last st, ext sc in the last st. Turn.

In the photo above, the bottom crochet hook shows where you will work a dc in the next skipped st 2 rows below. Work the dc around the chain. The chain will be enclosed in the dc.

The photo above shows Row 3 complete.

Row 4: Ch 1, ext sc in the first st, (ch 1, skip the next st, dc in the next skipped st 2 rows below) rep across to the last 2 sts, ch 1, skip the next st, ext sc in the last st. Turn.

The photo above shows Row 4 complete.

Rows 5 - 15: Rep Rows 3 - 4, ending with a Row 3 rep.

Row 16: Ch 1, ext sc in the first st, (ext sc in the next st, dc in the next skipped st 2 rows below) rep across to the last 2 sts, ext sc in each of the last 2 sts. Turn.

Row 17: Ch 1, sc in each st across.

Fasten off. Weave in ends.

Swatch #2 - a variation of the classic, a 4 stitch repeat

This second swatch was made using a variation of the extended moss stitch. I used the following 4 stitch pattern repeat, instead of a 2 stitch repeat: (dc in each of the next 2 skipped sts 2 rows below, ch 2, skip each of the next 2 sts).

Multiples: The following swatch is worked in multiples of 4 + 1.

Row 1: With a 6.00mm crochet hook and yarn, ch 21, working into the back hump of the foundation ch, sc in the 2nd ch from your hook, sc in each ch across. Turn. (20 sts)

Row 2: Ch 1, ext sc in the first st, ch 2, skip each of the next 2 sts, (ext sc in each of the next 2 sts, ch 2, skip each of the next 2 sts) rep across to the last st, ext sc in the last st. Turn.

extended moss stitch double crochet moss stitch

The photo above shows Row 2 complete.

Row 3: Ch 1, ext sc in the first st, dc in each of the next 2 skipped sts 2 rows below, (ch 2, skip each of the next 2 sts, dc in each of the next 2 skipped sts 2 rows below) rep across to the last st, ext sc in the last st. Turn.

In the photo above, the bottom crochet hooks shows where you will work a dc in each of the next 2 skipped sts 2 rows below. Work the dc's around the chains. The chains will be enclosed in the dc's.

The photo above shows Row 3 complete.

The photo above shows the back side of Row 3.

Row 4: Ch 1, ext sc in the first st, ch 2, skip each of the next 2 sts, (dc in each of the next 2 skipped sts 2 rows below, ch 2, skip each of the next 2 sts) rep across to the last st, ext sc in the last st. Turn.

The photo above shows Row 4 complete.

Rows 5 - 15: Rep Rows 3 - 4, ending with a Row 3 rep.

The photo above shows Rows 1 - 15 complete.

Row 16: Ch 1, ext sc in the first st, (ext sc in each of the next 2 sts, dc in each of the next 2 skipped sts 2 rows below) rep across to the last 3 sts, ext sc in each of the last 3 sts. Turn.