How to Crochet the Extended Moss Stitch

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The extended moss stitch is a beautiful crochet stitch that creates a soft, textured fabric with a modern look and wonderful drape.

Combining simple stitches into an easy-to-remember repeat, this versatile stitch is perfect for scarves, blankets, garments, and home décor projects. Whether you’re looking to learn a new crochet stitch or add subtle texture to your next project, this step-by-step tutorial will show you everything you need to know to master the extended moss stitch.

A collage of tutorial photos showing the extended moss stitch with a single stitch repeat.

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.

A collage of tutorial photos showing the extended moss stitch with a double stitch repeat.

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.

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

Abbreviations (US Terms)

ch(s): chain(s)
sc: single crochet
dc: double crochet
ext sc: extended single crochet
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.

extended moss stitch — 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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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

Fasten off. Weave in ends.

Two samples, one cream, one grey, worked in the double crochet extended moss stitch.

And there you have it! You’ve just completed two different variations of the extended moss stitch.

This is an excellent stitch pattern to add a little subtle texture to your projects.

I MADE IT! NOW WHAT?

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