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Linen Stitch Knitting Pattern

The Linen Stitch Knitting Pattern creates a flat, thin piece of woven fabric. It looks quite intricate, but it is simply a 2-row repeat of knits, purls, and slipped stitches.

Colorwork is especially gorgeous in this texture. You can knit it up with variations of multiple strands of yarn colors for stunning results!

Get all your techniques, video tutorials, and printable written pattern instructions to knit this pattern flat and in-the-round.

Linen Stitch Knitting Pattern in white and pink yarn colors
Table of Contents

Knitting Techniques

Linen Stitch knitted flat with blue and white yarn colors.

Knitting Instructions and Videos

Pattern Flat on Straight Needles

RIGHT SIDE How to Knit the Linen Stitch with Free Written Pattern and Video Tutorial by Studio Knit.

Cast On an Odd Number of Stitches onto Straight Needles

  1. Row 1 (right side): * K1, Sl1P WYIF *, K1
  2. Row 2 (wrong side):  * Sl1P WYIB,  P1 *, Sl1P WYIB

Repeat Rows 1 and 2 until your work is the length you desire.


Pattern in the Round on Circular Needles

Linen stitch pattern knitted in the round on circular needles in pink and white yarn colors.

Cast On an Odd Number of Stitches onto Circular Needles

  1. Row 1 (right side): * K1, Sl1P WYIF *, K1
  2. Row 2:  * Sl1P WYIF,  K1 *, Sl1P WYIF

Repeat Rows 1 and 2 until your work is the length you desire.


About the Knitted Linen Stitch

Let’s take a close look at our Linen Stitch Pattern, seeing exactly how those stitches are knitted together to make this sweet, vintage pattern.

Is the Linen Stitch Easy-to-Memorize? Yes, this 2-Row Repeat Knit Stitch Pattern is easy to memorize. This texture is a modern design created with a simple combination of knits, purls, and slip stitches.

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Is the Linen Stitch Reversible? No, this is not a reversible pattern, because both sides of your work, the right and wrong sides, are not identical. The right side displays the Linen Stitch texture. The wrong side of the work is equally as beautiful, reminding me of the knitted Seed Stitch pattern. Both sides are beautiful and will look great in projects like scarves when both sides are visible.

Right side of the Linen Stitch in white color yarn on bamboo knitting needle.
Wrong side of the Linen Stitch in white color yarn on bamboo knitting needle.

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Does the Linen Stitch Lay Flat? Yes, the Linen Stitch easily lays flat without needing to block. Because the edges do not curl, it’s a great choice for projects like scarves and blankets.

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Does Linen Stitch Use More Yarn? Yes, because this woven texture includes slipped stitches, it requires more yarn per square inch than many knit stitch patterns.

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When Do You Change Yarn Colors in the Linen Stitch?  Change yarn colors at the beginning of every odd number row. The linen stitch is especially beautiful with multiple yarn colors.

Printable Knitting Instructions

Linen Stitch knitted flat with blue and white yarn colors.

Printable Knitting Pattern

Yield: Linen Stitch
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Active Time: 2 hours
Additional Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
Difficulty: Experienced Beginner

The Linen Stitch Pattern creates a flat, thin piece of knitting. It looks intricate, but is simply a 2-row repeat of knits, purls, and slipped stitches.

Materials

  • Yarn - Any size gauge for your knitting project

Tools

  • Knitting Needles - Sized appropriately for your yarn gauge
  • Tapestry Needle
  • Scissors

Instructions

Linen Stitch Pattern Flat on Straight Needles

Cast On an Odd Number of Stitches

Row 1 (right side): * K1, Sl1P WYIF * K1

Row 2 (wrong side):  * Sl1P WYIB,  P1 *, Sl1P WYIB

Repeat Rows 1 and 2 until your work is the length you desire.

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Linen Stitch Pattern in the Round on Circular Needles

Cast On an Odd Number of Stitches

Row 1 (right side): * K1, Sl1P WYIF *, K1

Row 2 * Sl1P WYIF,  K1 *, Sl1P WYIF

Repeat Rows 1 and 2 until your work is the length you desire.

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When Do You Change Yarn Colors in the Linen Stitch?

Change yarn colors at the beginning of every odd number row. The linen stitch is especially beautiful with multiple yarn colors.

Notes

Repeat Pattern between * *

Non-Reversible Knit Stitch Pattern.

Lies Flat.

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KNITTING TECHNIQUES

  • Slip Knot
  • CO = Cast On Long Tail Method
  • K = Knit Stitch
  • P = Purl Stitch
  • Sl1P WYIB = Slip One Stitch Purlwise with Yarn in Back
  • Sl1P WYIF = Slip One Stitch Purlwise with Yarn in Front
  • Bind Off

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Thank You for Visiting Studio Knit

I hope you are inspired to knit up this Linen Stitch Pattern in your next knitting project.

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Happy knitting to you!

Kristen Signature in Red Ink
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