The Moroccan Stitch is a beautiful and elegant crochet technique that creates a textured, woven effect. It is particularly striking when worked in two or more contrasting colors. The structure of the stitch makes it look like a mosaic or tapestry, making it a popular choice for statement pieces.
🌟 Overview
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Skill Level: Easy to Intermediate
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Best For: Blankets, scarves, bags, cushion covers, shawls, and more
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Texture: Firm, structured, woven appearance
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Look: Mosaic-inspired with alternating color rows
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Stitch Involves: Double crochet (dc), slip stitch (sl st), color changing, front and back loop work
🧵 Materials Needed
To begin working the Moroccan Stitch, you will need the following items:
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Yarn: Choose at least two contrasting colors (Color A and Color B). Worsted weight or DK works well for this stitch.
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Hook: Use the crochet hook size recommended on your yarn label, usually 4.0 mm (G) to 5.5 mm (I).
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Scissors: For cutting yarn.
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Tapestry Needle: For weaving in ends neatly.
📖 Stitch Abbreviations (US Terms)
| Abbreviation | Term |
|---|---|
| ch | chain |
| dc | double crochet |
| sl st | slip stitch |
| st | stitch |
| sk | skip |
| FLO | front loop only |
| BLO | back loop only |
| RS | right side |
| WS | wrong side |
🧩 Stitch Multiples
This stitch is worked in multiples of 2 + 1. That means you can chain any even number (like 30, 40, 60, etc.) and then add 1 extra chain at the end to start your project.
🪄 How the Moroccan Stitch Works
The Moroccan Stitch alternates double crochet rows and slip stitch rows, with color changes every two rows. The slip stitch rows are worked in the front loops, and the double crochet rows are worked in the back loops, creating a layered, woven effect.
You’ll always work your slip stitches into the front loop only (FLO), and your double crochets into the back loop only (BLO).
🧶 Pattern Instructions
Let’s begin with the foundation row and then move into the pattern repeat.
🔹 FOUNDATION CHAIN
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Using Color A, chain any multiple of 2, plus 1 additional chain.
Example: Chain 31 (30 + 1)
🔹 ROW 1 (Right Side – Color A)
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Dc in the 4th chain from the hook (skipped chains count as your first dc).
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DC in each remaining chain across the row.
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Turn your work.
✅ You should now have a solid row of double crochet stitches.
🔹 ROW 2 (Wrong Side – Color A)
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Ch 1, sl st in front loop only (FLO) of each st across.
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Turn.
🔁 This row flattens the previous DC row and begins to create the stitch texture.
🔹 ROW 3 (Right Side – Color B)
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Change to Color B (carry the yarn or cut and reattach).
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Ch 3 (counts as dc), dc in back loop only (BLO) of each slip stitch across.
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Turn.
✅ This row adds height again and begins layering your second color on top of the first.
🔹 ROW 4 (Wrong Side – Color B)
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Ch 1, sl st in front loop only (FLO) of each st across.
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Turn.
🎨 After this row, you’ll switch back to Color A.
🔁 REPEAT PATTERN
Repeat Rows 3 and 4, alternating between Color A and Color B every two rows. Always work dc rows in BLO and sl st rows in FLO.
This repetition will build the beautiful Moroccan texture.
✨ Tips & Tricks
🌈 Color Management:
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Don’t cut the yarn every time—carry the yarn up the side when switching colors. This reduces the ends to weave in.
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If you prefer neat edges, you can add a border later to cover the carried yarn.
🧵 Stitch Tension:
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Slip stitches can get tight. Keep a loose tension during sl st rows to make the next row easier.
📐 Shape Control:
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This stitch creates a dense fabric. If you’re making a large item like a blanket, use a slightly larger hook for a bit more drape.
🌟 Project Ideas with Moroccan Stitch
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Blankets & Afghans
The bold texture and rich color contrast make Moroccan Stitch perfect for statement throws. -
Pillow Covers
Use this stitch on the front panel of a cushion for a decorative pop. -
Tote Bags & Pouches
The sturdiness of the stitch makes it ideal for structured crochet bags. -
Scarves & Wraps
Use soft yarn and combine neutrals with bold colors for cozy, eye-catching winter wear. -
Table Runners or Placemats
Moroccan Stitch adds a designer touch to handmade table decor.
🔚 Finishing the Project
When your item reaches the desired length:
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End on a double crochet row (it makes the edge neater).
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Fasten off both yarns.
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Use a yarn needle to weave in the loose ends securely.
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Add a border (such as single crochet or crab stitch) if desired, to hide any uneven edges or color carries.
💬 Summary
The Moroccan Stitch is a gorgeous, simple stitch that looks much more complicated than it is. It uses only basic stitches—double crochet and slip stitch—but the key is in how you alternate colors and work into different loops of the stitch. Once you get the rhythm, it’s meditative and satisfying to make.
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VIDEO TUTORIAL
Esteemed visitor, allow us to unveil a captivating visual guide, masterfully crafted by the ever-talented Tamara Kelly on her renowned YouTube sanctuary, Moogly. Delve into the intricacies below, where each motion unfurls the charming essence of this heartwarming design, one stitch at a time.
The Moroccan Stitch transcends mere technique—it is a portal to a realm steeped in allure and ingenuity. To weave this stitch into one’s tactile artistry is to pay homage to an age-old legacy, while simultaneously infusing one’s creation with an almost folkloric spell and ineffable grace. Each threaded gesture reverberates with echoes of a bygone era, breathing mystique and character into the present craft.
Let this voyage into the fabric of tradition awaken a ceaseless hunger for exploration within the handmade arts. May it rouse the fervor to unearth ever more arcane methods, and ignite a flame that compels us to scatter the ember of our passion, bold and unapologetically handcrafted, across the world’s tapestry.
