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.

Get your written pattern instructions both flat and in the round below, along with knitting chart and video tutorial.

Linen Stitch Knitting Pattern in white and pink yarn colors

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.

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.

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.

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.

When Do You Change Yarn Colors in the Linen Stitch?

Colorwork knitting is especially gorgeous with this texture. You can knit it up with variations of multiple strands of yarn colors for stunning results! Change yarn colors at the beginning of every odd-numbered row. The linen stitch is especially beautiful with multiple yarn colors.

Can the Linen Stitch be knit in the round on circular needles?

Yes, this pattern includes written instructions to knit it in the round. Try it out with either circular or double-pointed needles.

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

Knitting Techniques

The Linen Stitch is an easy combination of simple knit, purl, and slipped stitches. Find my entire library of Knitting Techniques to help knit up this project.

Watch Video Tutorial

Very Easy to Follow

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“I had my first go at linen stitch today. I think it’s easier to learn this stitch with two colors as you don’t get lost between slipping and knitting/purling because the colors change. It also produces something that looks far more skillful than my basic ability. I’m going to have to try more of your stitches as your videos are a step above most other tutorial videos, very easy to follow.”
Margaret B.
Linen Stitch knitted flat with blue and white yarn colors.

Linen Stitch Dishcloth Pattern

My Linen Dishcloth Knitting Pattern creates beautiful woven pieces with a 2-color change motif. Enjoy using it for washing since it dries quickly with cotton yarn. It’s an easily memorizable project in a 2-row repeat stitch pattern.

Design your dishcloths by creatively mixing and matching your yarn colors!

Five knitted dishcloths displayed on a dish rack with flowers.

Printable Knitting Instructions

Linen Stitch knitted flat with blue and white yarn colors.

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.

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

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

  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.

_____

Linen Stitch Pattern in the Round on Circular Needles

Cast On an Odd Number of Stitches

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

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

_____

When Do You Change Yarn Colors in the Linen Stitch?

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

Notes

Repeat Pattern between * *

Non-Reversible Knit Stitch Pattern.

Lays Flat.

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

KNITTING CHART

Knitting chart for the linen stitch.

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Kristen McDonnell
Author & Designer

After publishing her first knitting tutorial video, Kristen founded StudioKnit LLC. Enamored with teaching online, she films knitting lessons and designs from her vibrant production studio on Half Moon Bay’s California coast.

Kristen McDonnell is the author of the highly acclaimed book Knit Stitch: 50 Knit + Purl Patterns featuring vintage and unique designs.

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