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Introducing the HDC Moss Stitch tutorial. This simple stitch is perfect for light-yet-structured projects, think bags, spring blankets, and summer tops, and is so easy to work up. In this guide, I will explain how to create this amazing crochet stitch, making it a wonderful addition to your stitch library. If you love free patterns and tutorials, be sure to check out my other crochet projects on the blog.
Who loves the Moss Stitch? We all love the Moss Stitch. It is one of the most beautiful crochet stitches and, best of all, it is super easy to work up and gives a gorgeous knitted look to your project. The other day, I was making my umpteenth Moss Stitch blanket and decided to experiment a little using Half Double Crochet (US terms) to see if it was any good. Boy oh boy, was it. I was not sure if I had seen it around before, so I gave it a quick Google search and couldn’t find it anywhere. I looked on Pinterest and still found nothing, and my knowledgeable friends on Instagram drew a blank too.
Sadly, I hadn’t discovered a brand new stitch, but rather named a technique that was previously languishing in obscurity. To keep things practical, I called it the “Half Double Moss Stitch” so it is easy to find.
Table of Contents
HDC Moss Stitch · Half Double Moss Stitch Crochet Tutorial
Introducing the Half Double Moss Stitch Crochet Tutorial! This simple stitch is perfect for light-yet-structured projects (think bags, spring blankets, and summer tops) and is so easy to work up. In this guide, I will explain how to create this amazing crochet stitch, making it a wonderful addition to your stitch library.
If you love free patterns and tutorials, be sure to check out my other crochet projects on the blog!

Why You Will Love the Half Double Moss Stitch
One of the most beautiful things about this stitch is the latticed effect it creates, which lends itself well to cowls, scarves, statement blankets, and rugs. It looks particularly lush when used with chunky or super chunky yarn, or worked up in a teeny gauge using cotton yarn for dishcloths that really look the business.
Versatile: Fantastic for everything from heavy home decor to lightweight summer garments.
Lattice Texture: Creates a gorgeous woven, knitted aesthetic.
Quick & Fluid: Slightly taller than a standard moss stitch, making projects work up even faster.
Best Yarn Choices for This Stitch
This stitch looks fabulous when worked up using chunky yarn. In the sample photos, you can see a swatch using The Wool by We Are Knitters. Chunky and super chunky yarns highlight the textured lattice wonderfully, but DK weight and cotton yarns are also stellar choices if you are making market bags or lightweight tops.
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Half Double Moss Stitch Crochet Tutorial
Note: Instructions use US/American terminology, worked flat. This stitch is a half double crochet separated by a chain stitch, making it identical to the regular moss stitch except using half double crochet instead of single crochet.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Foundation: Chain an even number of stitches for your foundation.
- Row 1: Work a half double crochet into the fourth chain from your hook. Chain one, skip one chain, and work a half double crochet stitch into the next chain. Repeat this across, ending with a half double crochet into the last stitch.
- Row 2: Turn your work, chain two, and work a half double crochet into the first chain-one space. Chain one, skip the next half double crochet, and work a half double crochet into the following chain-one space. Continue like this until the end of the row.
- Repeat: Repeat row two for the rest of the pattern, making your half double crochet stitches directly into the chain spaces from the previous row.
Frequently Asked Questions About the HDC Moss Stitch
What is the difference between the standard Moss Stitch and the HDC Moss Stitch? The standard Moss Stitch, also known as the granite or linen stitch, is worked using single crochet stitches and chain stitches. The Half Double Crochet Moss Stitch replaces the single crochet with a half double crochet, making the fabric slightly taller, more fluid, and quicker to work up.
Is this stitch beginner-friendly? Yes, absolutely. If you are comfortable chaining and working basic half double crochet stitches, you can easily master this pattern. The hardest part for beginners is simply finding the correct chain space on returning rows, but after two rows, it becomes completely intuitive.
What yarn weight works best for this stitch? Chunky and super chunky yarns look incredible because they highlight the latticed texture, though DK weight and cotton yarns are fantastic for smaller household items and garments.
How do I calculate the foundation chain? To start your project, simply chain any even number of stitches. There are no complicated multiples to memorise, making it very easy to adjust the width.

That’s it! I would love to see your makes using this stitch, so tag your creations with #halfdoublemosstitch and I’ll take a look!
Happy crafting!




The Violeta Scarf · Free Crochet Tutorial – Emmaknitty
January 15, 2020 at 9:52 am[…] the perfect combination between a modern statement scarf and delicate prettiness! Crocheted using Half Double Moss Stitch on a 25mm hook, you can work up this quick and beautiful project in a few hours. You can leave the […]
Jill
July 11, 2021 at 3:33 amLove using this stitch. Your tutorial is fantastic. Thank you!!
Emmaknitty
July 11, 2021 at 7:44 amThanks Jill! I’m so glad you enjoyed it!
Christine
September 12, 2022 at 10:27 amI am currently making a throw with alternate groupings of sc moss stitch and HDC moss stitch. For some reason I have ridges that form every two rows of the HDC. But, I decided to create a wide border. The HDC in the border does not have the ridges. I’m guessing it is due to the fact I am not turning. Have you discovered this?
Kelly L.
July 26, 2023 at 8:00 amGreat minds think alike! I literally found this post because I did the same thing (except by accident) and was wondering if it had a name, because I knew it was highly unlikely that I of all people had discovered a new stitch, lol. I really love the way it looks so now I’m going to make something with it on purpose!
Emmaknitty
September 21, 2023 at 1:22 pmWow! Amazing! Have fun 😘
Carrie
January 5, 2025 at 3:53 pmI started a scarf for my husband months (years?) ago and I put it down and forgot about it. I went to pick it back up and could not remember what stitch I used! I searched and searched for the pattern or a similar stitch but could not find anything even remotely similar even when I did a google image search. After lots of frogging and trial and error it turns out it was similar to this half double moss stitch but 2 hdc skip one. It works up beautifully! Are you familiar with this?
Emmaknitty
January 6, 2025 at 5:11 pmHello! That sounds like a cluster-y version of this stitch and it must look lovely!
Jonah Perry
August 22, 2025 at 4:09 pmI am excited to try out Half Double Moss Stitch.
Emmaknitty
October 9, 2025 at 7:09 amI hope you had fun!
– Emma