How to Crochet the Even Moss Stitch (Video + Written Pattern)

The even moss stitch alternates a slip stitch and a half double crochet across every row, and stacks them in columns: slip stitch over slip stitch, hdc over hdc. The tall stitches push forward and the short ones sink back, so the surface looks like a fine, bumpy knit fabric with straight vertical ribs.

It's dense, warm, and lies flat with no curl, which makes it good for scarves, cowls, bag fabric, and hat bands. The back looks nearly the same as the front.

It's rated intermediate because the slip stitches are small and easy to lose. The one thing that makes it work is reading your stitches: hdc into the hdc below, slip stitch into the slip stitch below.

Watch: Crochet Even Moss Stitch Video Tutorial

Watch how Mike keeps his slip stitches loose, and how he finds the tight little slip stitch under each hdc on the next row.

What You Need

The swatch uses medium (worsted) weight yarn and a US H/5mm hook. Worsted makes the slip stitches big enough to work back into on the next row. A smooth, light-colored yarn shows the difference between the short and tall stitches, which you need to see on every row.

Abbreviations (US terms): ch = chain, st(s) = stitch(es), sl st = slip stitch, hdc = half double crochet.

Stitch multiple: any even number of stitches, plus 1 chain for the foundation. The swatch chains 22 and works 21 stitches.

Crochet Even Moss Stitch Written Pattern

Size: 6x6 Inches
Gauge: 4” = 14 Stitches | 15 Rows
Yarn: Medium Weight Yarn
Crochet Hook: US H/5mm Crochet Hook

Abbreviations
Ch – Chain
St(s) – Stitch(es)
Sl st – Slip Stitch
Hdc – Half Double Crochet

Foundation: Ch 22 or any even number of sts to measure 6” and add 1 more chain for the foundation.

Row 1: 1sl st in 2nd ch from hook, *1hdc in next ch st, 1sl st in next ch st. Repeat from * across. (21 sts)

Row 2: ch1, turn, 1sl st in same st, *1hdc in next st, 1sl st in next st. Repeat from * across. (21 sts)

Note: You should be working the sl sts in the sl sts and the hdc sts in the hdc sts.

Repeat Row 2 for a total of 22 rows.

Fasten off & block to 6x6 square.

Step-by-Step: How the Stitch Works

1. Row 1 sets the pattern. Slip stitch in the second chain from the hook, then alternate hdc and slip stitch to the end. With 21 stitches you start and finish on a slip stitch.
2. Turn with a ch 1. The chain doesn't count as a stitch. Your first slip stitch goes into the very first stitch of the row, which was the slip stitch you ended with.
3. Match stitch to stitch. The next stitch below is an hdc, so work an hdc. The one after is a slip stitch, so work a slip stitch. Keep alternating across.
4. See why it works. Each hdc stands tall over the hdc below, and each slip stitch sits low over the slip stitch below. The columns build straight up, which gives the fabric its even ribbed texture.
5. Repeat Row 2. Twenty-two rows make the 6-inch square. Starting and ending on slip stitches keeps both edges tidy and the count at 21.

Tips and Common Mistakes

• Work the slip stitches loosely. A tight slip stitch disappears, and then you can't find it to work into on the next row.
• If the texture turns into diagonal lines, you've shifted by one: hdc over slip stitch. That's the regular moss or seed stitch, not this one. Pull back to where the column broke.
• Count to 21 at the end of every row. The first slip stitch after the ch 1 is the one most often skipped.
• The fabric is stiff before blocking. Wet block it and it softens considerably.

What to Make With the Crochet Even Moss Stitch

Use it where you want a dense knit-look fabric that lies flat. In worsted it makes a scarf or cowl with no border, and an ear warmer that holds its shape. In bulky yarn it's a thick, quick bag fabric. In sport or DK, try a lightweight wrap or placemats. The texture also hides color changes well; see our scrap yarn crochet projects for ideas.

Related Stitches

• Crochet Lemon Peel Stitch — alternating short and tall stitches, offset instead of stacked
• Crochet Half Double Crochet — the taller of the two stitches used here
• Crochet Slip Stitch Back Loop — practice for working into slip stitches
• Browse every crochet stitch tutorial

Yarn for This Stitch

A smooth, plied yarn keeps the slip stitches findable and the columns crisp. Start with our worsted weight yarn. For a lighter wrap, Darn Good Twist Sport Weight Silk Yarn is a recycled silk, hand-dyed by artisans in India, and the ribbed surface shows its sheen in fine vertical lines.

If you'd like a new skein to practice on every month, Yarn of the Month sends three hand-dyed skeins with a knit and crochet pattern written for them, $29 a month plus shipping.

Crochet Even Moss Stitch FAQ

What's the difference between even moss stitch and moss stitch in crochet?
Regular crochet moss stitch (also called linen or granite stitch) alternates sc and ch 1 and offsets them each row. Even moss stitch alternates slip stitch and hdc and stacks them in straight columns.

Does the even moss stitch curl?
No. The mix of short and tall stitches balances the fabric, so it lies flat without a border.

Is the even moss stitch reversible?
Yes. Both faces show the same ribbed, bumpy texture, which makes it a good choice for scarves.