How to Knit the Linen Stitch Knitting Pattern

Learn how to do the linen stitch knitting pattern with this knitting tutorial.

The linen stitch is a beautiful knitting pattern that creates a flat, low-textured, woven fabric.  It looks quite complicated but it is simply a two-row repeat that uses a combination of knit stitches, purl stitches, slip stitches, yarn forward and yarn back.   

Expand your knitting skills by learning the linen stitch along with our tutorials.  Use our library of free popular knitting stitches and patterns to find endless inspiration for knitters at all skill levels.

This linen stitch knitting pattern has only two rows, making it quick to learn and easy to use.  It's perfect for newbies or beginner knitters who want to make something new that looks more complicated. However, knitters of all skill levels will enjoy working with the linen stitch.

What is the Linen Stitch?

The linen stitch is a beautiful textured woven stitch that creates a flat firm fabric.  It looks similar to a piece of linen fabric, hence its name, and is a combination of knit stitches, purl stitches and slip stitches. The right side of the work resembles horizontal bars of yarn mixed with v-shaped stitches.  The wrong side of the fabric has bumps that resemble the seed or moss stitch.

If you want to learn more about knitting the linen stitch, you can watch our video tutorial or keep reading this post for our easy step-by-step photo tutorial.

detailed stitch pattern instructions for the linen stitch

Cast On: Multiples of 2

Row 1 (Right Side):

1. Knit (K1): Start by knitting the first stitch
2. Move yarn to the front (yf): Move the working yarn to the front between the two knitting needles
3. Slip 1 Stitch (sl 1): Slip the next stitch purlwise from the left needle to the right needle
4. Move yarn to the back (yb): Now, move the working yarn to the back
5. Continue: Repeat 1 - 4 to end of row.

row 2 (wrong side):

1. Purl 1 (P1): Start by purling the first stitch
2. Move yarn to the back (yb): Move the working yarn to the back between the two knitting needles
3. Slip 1 stitch (sl 1): Slip the next stitch purlwise from the left needle to the right needle
4. Move yarn to the front (yf): Now, move the working yarn to the front
5. Continue:Repeat 1 - 4 to end of row.

These two rows are repeated throughout the project.

Is the linen stitch reversible?  I say "YES".  Although some people say it's not reversible, it looks equally attractive on the right and wrong sides even though the front and back sides look completely different.  So for things like kitchen items (table mats, potholders, coasters, etc.) along with scarves and blankets, either side can be used.

Does the linen stitch lay flat?  YES!  The linen stitch lays flat on it's own without the edges curling, making it a great stitch for many projects.

Does the linen stitch use more yarn? YES!  It does use more yarn per square inch than traditional stockinette or garter knitting patterns due to it woven textures and slip stitches.

Can you knit the linen stitch on circular knitting needles? YES! You can knit the linen stitch on circular needles for items like hats, socks, cowls and other items.  When working the linen stitch on circular needles, you also cast on an even number of stitches, just like when knitting in flat rows.  

Linen Stitch Pattern Tips and Hints:

- Always slip stitch purlwise.

- It takes longer to knit than most knit fabrics because you're moving the yarn back and forth between each stitch. 

- The linen stitch is easy to memorize since it consists of only two rows.

- A helpful trick for the linen stitch pattern tis to remember that you’re slipping the stitches that were worked on the previous row and working the stitches that were slipped on the previous row. 

knitting stitch tutorials

• Knit Stitch
• Purl Stitch
• Seed Stitch
• Stockinette Stitch