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.

Table of Contents
Knitting Techniques
- Slip Knot
- CO = Cast On Long Tail Method
- How to Knit in the Round on Circular Needles
- 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
- Weave-in Yarn Ends
- * * = Repeat pattern between asterisks

Knitting Instructions and Videos
Pattern Flat on Straight Needles
Cast On an Odd Number of Stitches onto Straight Needles
- 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.
Pattern in the Round on Circular Needles

Cast On an Odd Number of Stitches onto Circular Needles
- 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.
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.


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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

Printable Knitting Pattern
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
Thank You for Visiting Studio Knit
I hope you are inspired to knit up this Linen Stitch Pattern in your next knitting project.
Happy knitting to you!
