HDC Moss Stitch Crochet Tutorial (Easy Beginner Guide)

Introducing HDC Moss Stitch Crochet Tutorial (Easy Beginner Guide): this simple stitch is perfect for light-yet-structured projects (think bags, Spring blankets, Summer tops) and so easy to work up! In this guide I’ll explain how to create this amazing new crochet stitch – a wonderful addition to your stitch library.

If you love free patterns and tutorials, check out my other crochet projects here.

Who loves Moss Stitch? We ALL love Moss Stitch! It’s one of the most beautiful crochet stitches and, best of all, it’s 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 wasn’t sure if I’d seen it around before so I gave it a quick Google around and couldn’t find it anywhere. I looked on Pinterest – natch – and still nothing. I asked my knowledgable friends on Instagram and, well, nothing. “OH EM GEE!” I thought, “have I discovered a new stitch?”.

Sadly not, friends. What I have done, however, is named a stitch that before was languishing in obscurity, almost forgotten by the broader community of knitters and crocheters. There are a couple of patterns over on Ravelry that use this stitch, but nobody had thought of giving her a name, the poor babe, so I thought I would take the initiative to bring this little gem into the light. Tempting as it was to give it some sort of funky name that would draw attention or perhaps an annoyingly egotistical one like ‘The Knitty Stitch’, I’ve simply called it ‘Half Double Moss Stitch’ to keep things simple and practical, ensuring that it reflects both its unique construction and its usability in various projects. This way, when fellow crafters look for inspiration, they’ll not only know what to call it but also how wonderfully versatile it can be, making it a worthy addition to anyone’s stitching repertoire.

One of the most beautiful things about this stitch is the latticed effect it gives which lends itself well to cowls, scarves, statement blankets and rugs. It look particularly lush used with chunky or super chunky yarn or worked up teeny using cotton yarn. I can just see some dishcloths looking the business in this stitch!

Keep your eyes peeled for a wonderful project using the Half Double Moss Stitch very soon, but for now, here’s how to work it up.

HDC Moss Stitch Crochet Tutorial (Easy Beginner Guide)

(Instructions using US/American terminology and working flat)

NOTE: This stitch is a hdc stitch separated by a chain stitch, so it’s identical to the regular moss stitch but using hdc instead of single crochet.

1. Chain an even number of stitches.

2. Work a hdc into the fourth chain from your hook.

3. Chain one, skip one chain, work a hdc stitch into the next chain.

4. Chain one, skip one chain, work a half double crochet into the next chain. End with a hdc into the last stitch.

5. Turn your work, chain two and work a hdc into the first chain one space. Chain one, skip the next hdc and work a hdc into the following chain one space. Continute like this (chain 1, skip 1 stitch, hdc in the next chain 1 space) until the end.

Repeat step five for the pattern, making hdc stitches into the chain spaces.

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!