How to Knit a Moss Stitch Lap Blanket

Written by
Sarah E. White
Sarah is a freelance writer, editor, and crafter. She is the author of three books and over 300 articles about knitting on The Spruce Crafts.
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Sarah E. White
Updated 05/13/20
Moss stitch afghan
Heidi Hanson / Flickr / CC By 2.0
Overview
  • Skill Level: Beginner

Sometimes you need a little afghan. This project as written comes out long but narrow (ours is about six feet long and almost three feet across), so it's perfect for folding over and draping over one lap, wrapping around your shoulders, or using over two laps when you feel like a good snuggle. This knitted lap blanket project uses moss stitch, a simple pattern stitch of four repeating rows. If you want to make your afghan wider, just cast on more stitches. Keep with multiples of two stitches to ensure the stitch pattern will work.

Stitch Pattern

Moss stitch is the most popular of the broken rib patterns, patterns where one or more columns of ribbing are broken up every one or more rows. The single rib pattern here changes every other row and results in a very pleasing nubby texture.

Finished Measurements

Approximately 36 inches wide and 72 inches long

Gauge

18 sts and 20 rows equals 4 inches (10 centimeters) in Moss Stitch

1:36

Watch Now: How to Moss Stitch

What You'll Need

Equipment / Tools

Equipment / Tools

  • US 9 (5.5 mm) 24 inch circular needle
  • Yarn needle
  • Scissors

Materials

Materials

  • 900 to 1,000 yard heavy worsted weight yarn

Instructions

  1. Cast On Stitches

    Cast on 144 stitches using your favorite method. Do not join in the round.

    Tip

    Afghans can get heavy. The circular needle helps distribute the weight of the piece as you knit flat back and forth.

  2. Start Moss Stitch

    Repeat the following four rows for Moss Stitch:

    Row 1: *Knit 1, purl 1; repeat from * to end.
    Row 2: *Knit 1, purl 1; repeat from * to end.
    Row 3: *Purl 1, knit 1; repeat from * to end.
    Row 4: *Purl 1, knit 1; repeat from * to end.

  3. Work Body of the Afghan

    Join a new ball of yarn as needed until you are close to the end of the last one. Bind off in pattern.

    Tip

    To ensure you have enough yarn left to bind off, check the length of yarn remaining is at least four times the width of your project.

  4. Finishing

    Using the yarn needle, weave in tail ends of yarn.

Make the Pattern Your Own

The moss stitch blanket pattern is easy to modify because you can make it longer by just continuing to knit. Of course, that may mean you use more yarn. Consult standards on bed and blanket sizes, or use a tape measure to find the dimensions that will suit your needs.

Also, experiment with different yarns to customize your afghans. Or use the same yarn in different colors, making several throws that you could switch out in your home seasonally.