Easy Linen Stitch Knitting Guide

You must know about the linen stitch if you want something new and beautiful in your knitting.
It’s an easy, apparently magical stitch that appears almost woven — and it’s great for soft scarves, solid cowls, and light wraps.

The good news: Once you know how to slip stitches and how to handle the yarn up or down, it’s absurdly easy.

Let’s get started!

What is Linen Knitting Stitch

Linen stitch is a gorgeous knit pattern in which you slip alternate stitches when the yarn is in front of or behind the knitting, depending on the row you are on.
The outcome: A tightly knitted, highly textured, and kind of woven fabric that is warm, solid, and ideal for anything that requires a bit of structure, such as scarves, wraps, cowls, and even handbags!

Both sides of the fabric are pleasant, so you can’t really go wrong with it.

How to Knit Linen Stitch (Flat/Rows)

If you’re knitting back and forth (e.g., for a scarf or blanket), the following is the simple pattern:

Cast on an odd number of stitches.
(I prefer to include an extra one so the ends look neater!)

Then just keep on repeating these two rows:

• Row 1 (Right Side): Slip 1 purlwise (leaving yarn in front), Knit 1, bring yarn to front, Slip 1 purlwise, bring yarn to back, repeat from * to end.
• Row 2 (Wrong Side): Purl 1, bring yarn to back, Slip 1 purlwise, bring yarn to front, repeat from * to last stitch, Purl 1.

Just repeat those two rows.

Tip: Always slip your stitches purlwise — bring the needle in front of the stitch, not behind.

How to Knit Linen Stitch (In the Round)

If you’re knitting a cowl or something in the round, linen stitch is just as easy — you just repeat two rounds instead of rows.

Here’s the trick:

• Round 1:
  Knit 1, Slip 1 with yarn in front — repeat around.
• Round 2:
  Slip 1 hold yarn in front, Knit 1 — repeat around.

You’re just switching what you start with: first knit, slip, then slip, knit.

(If a small visual help is required, a quick video tutorial will show how easy it is!)

Important Tip: Use a Larger Needle

Linen stitch knits up to a dense fabric, it becomes naturally tighter as you knit. Because of this, you’ll want to use a bigger needle than you would for your yarn.

Example: I crocheted my Flicker & Fade cowl using Malabrigo Chunky yarn. While the instructions on the label call for using a US 10-11 needle, I used a US 13 — and it turned out wonderful and dense anyway!

If you don’t make it a size larger, your project will be tight and stiff, so don’t be afraid to make it larger than usual.

Yarn Choices for Linen Stitch Projects

Malabrigo Chunky is a dreamy choice — it’s soft, vibrant, and has that wonderful thick squish.

I used these colors in my cowl (top to bottom): Sunset, Rhodesian, Sealing Wax, and Geranio — but you can certainly pick your own favorites!

You can even mix yarns from your stash. Play with colors — linen stitch loves color changes because the slip stitches make the colors pop in a subtle, blended way.

Other options:

• If you’re working with a bit lighter weight bulky yarn (like Malabrigo Mecha or Berroco Vintage Chunky), you might want to use a US 11 needle.
• Want to use worsted weight? No problem! Just cast on more stitches and go down a needle size:
  • Worsted weight: use a US 10.5 needle
  • Sport/DK weight: use a US 8 needle

Why You’ll Love Linen Stitch

• It’s easy to learn — two rows or rounds that repeat.
• It makes beautiful, long-lasting fabric perfect for accessories.
• It’s a great way to play with color and stash-busting.
• Both colors are quite nice, so it is perfect for wraps and scarves.

Pro Tip: Knit a small sample (6×6 inches) before tackling a big project so you can see how your yarn behaves — and change needle sizes if need be.

Now that linen stitch is a part of your repertoire, you’ll want to use it all over the place — scarves, cowls, purses, wraps, even sweaters!

Begin with a colorblock wrap or a simple linen stitch scarf — both show off the texture beautifully.

Linen stitch may look fancy, but it’s just a little slipping and sliding yarn around, you have this. So grab some bold yarn, size up your needles, and get stitching something gorgeous today!