Crochet Crunch Stitch

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The Crochet Crunch Stitch is a beautifully textured stitch that is easy to learn and similar to stitches you might already be familiar with! The crunch stitch is also known as the crochet even moss stitch.

The crunch stitch in crochet is similar to a few other stitches, such as the crochet seed stitch and the crochet houndstooth stitch. However, this stitch is worked slightly differently, creating a unique texture and pattern.

The texture of the crunch stitch features distinct diagonal lines on the bumpy parts. These lines result from alternating half double crochet (hdc) and slip stitch (sl st) stitches. While the stitch looks complicated, as long as you know how to do half doubles and slip stitches you should be able to complete it pretty easily.

It may feel a bit awkward at first to alternate between a stitch where you yarn over and one where you don’t yarn over at all. However, you'll quickly get used to it.

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✏️ Things To Note:
🪡 Materials Needed
💭Abbreviations to Remember (US terms)
🍵Instructions for Crochet Crunch Stitch
🐌Expert Tips
🧵Pattern FAQs
🧶More Crochet Stitch Patterns

✏️ Things To Note:

Swatch Adjustment: This pattern is just a swatch. Adjust the chain length (make sure it's even) if you need it to be longer, or change the number of rows as needed.
Texture Characteristics: While the texture appears very defined and somewhat stiff, the stitch isn’t bulky, making it suitable for dishcloths, sweaters, blankets—anything you can think of! You can even use it as a base stitch for my masculine crochet scarf pattern.
Yarn Recommendations: This pattern can be made in most yarn types, but I recommend avoiding blanket yarn or any yarn with a lot of texture, as it could obscure the stitch’s unique texture.

🪡 Materials Needed

Yarn needed for the project
H hook or appropriate hook size needed for the yarn you are using
Tapestry needle

💭Abbreviations to Remember (US terms)

Chain- ch
Slip stitch- sl st
Half Double Crochet - hdc

🍵Instructions for Crochet Crunch Stitch

For this stitch, we will be working in rows not rounds.

Crochet chain in a mustard colored yarn.

Row 1: Ch x26 (26)

A mustard-colored crochet chain with a slip stitch starting the next row.

Row 2: In the 2nd ch from the hook, make a sl st.

A half double crochet is made immediately after the slip stitch in the second row.

Then immediately after, make a hdc in the following chain.

Finished row of alternating slip stitches and half double crochets.

Continue repeating sl st, hdc for the rest of the row. The last stitch in the row should be a sl st. (25)

Showing to chain 2 in between finished rows.

Then ch x2 and turn your work.

Slip stitch placed above a half double crochet in the next row.

Row 3: The Ch x2 that you just did counts as a hdc. Now skip the last stitch in the row you just completed and make a sl st into the following stitch (the second stitch of the last row). Then in the following stitch make a hdc.

Finished 3rd row of alternating slip stitches and half double crochet.

You should notice that the sl st and hdc you created nestle on top of the other type of stitch from the previous row. So a sl st is made on the last rows hdc, and a hdc is made on top of the sl st from the last row.

Repeat alternating sl st and hdc for the rest of the row. The last stitch should be a hdc. (25) Ch x1 and turn your work over.

Half double crochet after the slip stitch in the 4th row.

You can start to see the diagonal lines forming, characteristic of the crunch or even moss stitch.

Row 4: Make a sl st in the first stitch of the row and then a hdc for the following stitch. Repeat for the rest of the row. Last stitch should be a sl st. (25) Then ch x2 and turn your work.

Row 5 and onwards: Keep repeating rows 3 and 4 until desired project length has been reached. (25)

And now you know how to make the crochet crunch stitch aka the even moss stitch! It's super easy and repetitive making it perfect to do while relaxing watching a movie.

If you are looking for another textured stitch to try out - I suggest the crochet wattle stitch! It's beautiful and elegant for any project.

🐌Expert Tips

Focus on Stitching: When crocheting into the tops of the hdc, ensure you grab just the top stitch part and not the third loop. The third loop is what creates that distinctive diagonal line.
Yarn Choice: Select a yarn with a smooth texture to highlight the crunch stitch effectively. A smoother yarn will allow the stitch definition to stand out, improving the overall appearance and texture of your project for a cleaner, more polished finish.
Color Changes: Consider alternating colors after every few rows to create a unique pattern effect. You might discover interesting combinations!
Practice Makes Perfect: If you find it challenging at first, practice with a smaller swatch before moving on to larger projects. This will help you get comfortable with the stitch alternation.

🧵Pattern FAQs

Would this stitch look good in variegated yarn?

I've only used the stitch in solid colors So I haven’t tested it out, but I would steer clear of doing it in variegated because the yarn will be too noisy and the distinct crunch stitch pattern will be lost.

Can I use blanket yarn for this stitch?

I would not recommend using any textured yarn for this stitch because the pattern can get lost quickly.

Can I switch colors after every row?

Absolutely! It might even give off a pattern similar to houndstooth.

🧶More Crochet Stitch Patterns

If you tried this Crochet Crunch Stitch (or any other pattern on my website), please let me know how it went in the 📝 comments below. I'd love to hear from you!

The Crochet Crunch Stitch is a beautifully textured stitch that is easy to learn and similar to stitches you might already be familiar with! The crochet crunch stitch is also known as the crochet even moss stitch.

Author: Kimberly Arenas

Materials

▢ Yarn needed for the project
▢ H hook or hook size needed for the yarn you are using
▢ Tapestry needle

Abbreviations (US terms)

ch = Chain
sl st = Slip Stitch
hdc = Half Double Crochet

Notes

Swatch pattern; adjust chain length (ensure it's even) for length or rows as needed. Despite a defined texture, the stitch isn't bulky and suits various projects like dishcloths, sweaters, and blankets. Can be made with most yarn types, but avoid blanket yarn or overly textured yarn to maintain stitch texture.

Instructions

For this stitch we will be working in rows not rounds.
Row 1: Ch x26 (26)
Row 2: In the 2nd ch from the hook, make a sl st. Then immediately after, make a hdc in the following chain. Continue repeating sl st, hdc for the rest of the row. The last stitch in the row should be a sl st. (25) Then ch x2 and turn your work.
Row 3: The Ch x2 that you just did counts as a hdc. Now skip the last stitch in the row you just completed and make a sl st into the following stitch (the second stitch of the last row). Then in the following stitch make a hdc.
You should notice that the sl st and hdc you created nestle on top of the other type of stitch from the previous row. So a sl st is made on the last rows hdc, and a hdc is made on top of the sl st from the last row.
Repeat alternating sl st and hdc for the rest of the row. The last stitch should be a hdc. (25) Ch x1 and turn your work over.
Row 4: Make a sl st in the first stitch of the row and then a hdc for the following stitch. Repeat for the rest of the row. Last stitch should be a sl st. (25) Then ch x2 and turn your work.
Row 5 and onwards: Keep repeating rows 3 and 4 until desired project length has been reached. (25)
And now you know how to make the crochet crunch stitch aka the even moss stitch! It's super easy and repetitive.