The linen stitch (also called the moss stitch or granite stitch) is a simple crochet stitch that creates a woven, textured look. It’s made by repeating single crochet and chain stitches, which makes the fabric look slightly staggered from row to row.

Because it only uses basic stitches, the linen stitch is great for beginners. If you know how to chain and single crochet, you already have the skills needed to make this stitch.

What You’ll Need

Before starting your linen stitch swatch:

• Yarn of your choice
  
  

• Crochet hook that matches your yarn
  
  

• Scissors
  
  

• Yarn needle for weaving in ends
  
  

This stitch works well with almost any yarn weight and looks especially nice with striped or color-changing yarn.

Crochet Abbreviations (US Terms)

• ch – chain
  
  

• sc – single crochet
  
  

• st(s) – stitch(es)
  
  

• sk – skip
  
  

How to Crochet the Linen Stitch

Step 1 — Create Your Foundation Chain

Start by chaining an even number of stitches.

Example: ch 20

Step 2 — Row 1

1. Single crochet in the 4th chain from the hook.
   
   

2. Chain 1, skip the next chain.
   

   

3. Single crochet in the next chain.
   

   

Repeat the pattern across the row:

ch 1, skip 1, sc in next chain

Continue until the end of the row.
Your last stitch should be a single crochet.

Chain 2 and turn.

Step 3 — Row 2

Now you’ll work into the chain spaces instead of the stitches.

1. Single crochet into the first chain-1 space.
   
   

2. Chain 1.
   

   

3. Skip the next single crochet.
   
   

4. Single crochet into the next chain-1 space.
   

   

Repeat across the row:

ch 1, skip the next sc, sc in the next chain space

When you reach the end of the row, place your final single crochet into the last chain space.

Chain 2 and turn.

Step 4 — Repeat the Pattern

Continue repeating Row 2 until your project reaches the desired height.

That’s it! The linen stitch is a one-row repeat, making it easy to memorize and relaxing to crochet.

Why Crocheters Love the Linen Stitch

The linen stitch is popular because it creates a unique texture with very simple stitches. The alternating single crochet and chain stitches produce a woven appearance with good stretch and drape.

It’s also reversible, which means both sides of the fabric look great.

Projects That Work Well With the Linen Stitch

This stitch works beautifully in many crochet projects, including:

• Blankets
  
  

• Dishcloths
  
  

• Bags
  
  

• Scarves
  
  

• Pillow covers
  
  

It’s especially popular for striped blankets, because the stitch pattern highlights color changes nicely.

Helpful Tips

Use stitch markers if needed.
The chain spaces can be easy to miss when you’re first learning.

Try color changes.
The linen stitch looks amazing when you switch yarn colors every row.

Keep your tension relaxed.
Tight stitches can make the chain spaces harder to work into.

Final Thoughts

The linen stitch is one of the easiest crochet stitches to learn, but it creates a texture that looks much more advanced. With just single crochet and chain stitches, you can create beautiful projects with a woven look and soft drape.

Once you learn this stitch, you can use it in everything from cozy blankets to stylish bags. It’s definitely one of those stitches every crocheter should have in their toolkit!