The crochet linen stitch (also called the moss or granite stitch) is a classic pattern. I decided to adapt this pattern into squares for my 2021 temperature blanket. Join me to crochet the linen stitch square – it’s easier than you think!
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When you think of beginner crochet stitches, the linen stitch always comes up. It’s made of the basic single crochet as well as chain stitches. The intentional placement of these stitches results in a woven look and gives a neat appearance to blankets, clothing, and accessories.
After designing 2 temperature blankets already, I really wanted to take it easy on myself this year. So for 2021, my temperature blanket is made up of 12 squares joined together, then I’ll add a border. The linen stitch square makes stitching easy and relaxing. Because of this, I don’t get overwhelmed by making an entire square each day and it’s really easy to catch up if I fall behind.
Crochet the Linen Stitch Square
The linen stitch square is much easier than it looks, combining simple stitches and basic techniques to create a fun alternative to the traditional granny square.
Planning to practice the linen stitch square? Try your first square with a smooth yarn and your favorite hook for easy stitching. Then switch things up by changing colors within your square and making it as big as you like.
Suggested Supplies
- 6.5mm crochet hook
- WeCrochet Swish Worsted
- Yarn needle
- Scissors
Abbreviations
Ch = chain
MR = magic ring
Sc = single crochet
Sk = skip
Sp = space
Sl st = slip stitch
Written Instructions
ROUND 1: [Ch 1, (sc 1, ch 1, sc 1, ch 2) 4 times] in MR, pull tail to close ring, join with a sl st in first sc of round, turn.
ROUND 2: Ch 1, (sc, ch 2, sc) in ch-2 sp, ch 1, sc in next ch-1 sp, ch 1, [(sc, ch 2, sc) in next ch-2 sp, ch 1, sc in next ch-1 sp, ch 1] 3x, join with a sl st in first sc of round, turn.
ROUND 3: Ch 1, *(sc in ch-1 sp, ch 1) to next ch-2 sp, (sc, ch 2, sc) in ch-2 sp, ch 1; repeat from * around, join with a sl st in first sc of round, turn.
ROUND 4: Ch 1, *(sc in ch-1 sp, ch 1)** to next ch-2 sp, (sc, ch 2, sc) in ch-2 sp, ch 1; repeat from * around, ending last repeat at **, join with a sl st in first sc of round, turn.
Repeat Round 4 to the desired size.
Video Tutorial
If you’re more of a visual learner, watch this tutorial video. I’ll walk you through making your linen stitch square step by step.
Hi there Toni! I have picked up crochet within the last year but have been learning all I can. I am just wondering how you hide the seam of slip stitches in your linen stitch square? I love the look of the square but I would love a smoother look to the square.
Hi! I don’t find that I have too much of a visible seam when I join the linen stitch square. It might be more obvious if my project was a solid color. I’d recommend giving this technique a try before worrying about hiding seams. If you do end up with a visible seam, look up “invisible slip stitch” on YouTube for some helpful tutorials.
Love this blanket idea, you inspired me to make my own. How are you joining the squares? I’d like to join the top row/ first three months so I won’t lose them. Thank you for all your creative energy
Hi! I haven’t tried joining mine just yet, but I’m considering joining with the zig zag slip stitch.
Hi. I love this stitch! Your tutorial is amazing! No matter how hard I try and do and re-do and slow down the video watch and re-do again, I can always see where I slipped through the first stitch of the previous row, pulled yarn through, turned and single crocheted through the first chain stitch of the new row. The other three parts of the square look great, but the section that has the join and turn looks so different and takes away the clean look of the square. There seems to be a larger “hole” in that single crochet in the first chain space.
Hi! It may help to pull the loop on your hook a little tighter when you do your slip stitch join and the first single crochet. That might help make them a bit smaller. And it won’t impact your work, as you’re working into chain spaces anyway. I really hope that helps 🙂
I am SO excited to have found this pattern, thank you!!
I’m making a temperature blanket for a baby’s first birthday, and I knew I wanted to do a giant square, with one side in each round equalling one day, with day 365 as the border.
The problem was that using even hdc would still make the blanket HUGE and I didn’t really love the idea of just a plain ol’ sc. Never occurred to me to use the linen stitch to keep it interesting but also keep it a reasonable size!
Thank you for the pattern, I can’t wait to see how this turns out – 1st birthday is in July so time to get started!!
Thank you for this description plus video–I’ve made my first crochet square!
I used this stitch to create a rainbow pride blanket for my husband’s oldest granddaughter. It turned out beautifully! I had already been working on my 2021 temperature Afghan and knew it would be perfect. Thank you for your patterns and great videos.
Toni – I have started my very-first-ever Linen Stitch temperature afghan, thanks to you, your wonderful videos, and your words of encouragement. What has meant the most to me is how you have shared your challenges with designing this type of blanket.
I have completed the first two squares, and am now 1/3 into my next square. Last night I started a brand-new color for my square, and, guess what? It didn’t flow with the other colors! I let it sit overnight, so I could (literally) see it in the light of day. This morning, I came to the same conclusion — this shade of yarn isn’t working in this square. I didn’t panic. I looked at your video, again, where you talked about this happening to you. Your calm approach redirected me to look through my color choices and rearrange them. Now I am back to happily crocheting this very soothing and relaxing stitch pattern.
Thank you for leading by example, in so many ways!!
Hi! I’m so happy you averted that crisis. I’m sure your blanket will be marvelous 🙂
Beautiful colors! If it’s not to much trouble could you list the colors from Cascade 220 SW that you are using? I was looking at this exact yarn last night! I have to order mine online and you know how computer colors go! 🤪
Hi! So glad you like the colors. I’ll be sharing the exact names when I post the finished temperature blanket in the coming weeks.