How to Knit the Linen Stitch
Terms:
k = knit p = purl sl = slip sl1 purlwise = slip one stitch purlwise
sts = stitches rep = repeat yb = yarn back yf = yarn front
Terms & Abbreviations explained at the end of the patterns.
A wonderfully flat, sturdy stitch that looks great on both sides. The backside looks a lot like an exaggerated moss stitch.
Left Image shows the right side Right image shows the wrong side
Cast on an odd number of stitches
Pattern is two rows, repeated until desired length is reached.
Start Pattern:
Row 1: k1, *yf, sl1, yb, k1; rep from *to end.
Row 2: sl1 purlwise, *p1, sl1 purlwise; rep from *to end.
Repeat these 2 rows until desired length is reached.
This pattern knits with a perfectly straight edge, and is a very sturdy flat laying stitch.
The Linen Stitch in the Round: Cast on an odd number of stitches
join in the round
Knit seamless using double pointed needles or a circular needle.
Pattern is two rounds, repeated until desired length is reached.
Start Pattern:
Round 1: k1, *yf, sl1, yb, k1; rep from *to end.
Round 2: sl1 purlwise, *p1, sl1 purlwise; rep from *to end.
Repeat these 2 rounds until desired length is reached.
Terms:
k = knit p = purl sl = slip sl1 purlwise = slip one stitch purlwise
sts = stitches rep = repeat yb = yarn back yf = yarn front
Abbreviations:
Asterisks: asterisks * are used in this pattern to indicate repetition of a sequence of stitches. *k1, p2; rep from * to end, means knit 1 stitch, purl 2 stitches until you reach the end of the row.
Multiples: some patterns require a certain number of stitches to form a complete pattern, the number of stitches cast on the needle must be divisible by this number. In the beginning of the pattern when stated multiples of 5, this means to cast on a number that 5 can go into, such as 10, 15 or 20, you get to choose the number depending on what it is you are making. If a pattern asks for a multiple of 3 + 1 this means you cast on a number that 3 can go into, then add 1 additional stitch, for example if you want to use 9 as your multiple of 3 you would cast on 10 stitches then add 1 stitch for a total of 10 stitches cast on.
k & p abbreviations: describe the detailed working of the pattern. For example; k1, p4, k2 written in a pattern means you knit 1 stitch, then purl 4 stitches, then knit 2 stitch.
Repeat: written as rep in a pattern.
sl: this abbreviation means you transfer the stitch from the left hand needle on to the right hand needle without knitting it, then you follow the directions for the next stitch. For example; sl1, k1 written in a pattern means you slip the first stitch from the left hand needle on to the right hand needle without knitting it, then knit the next stitch.
sl1 purlwise: transfer one stitch from the left hand needle on to the right hand needle without knitting it, when slipping the stitch, insert the needle as if you are going to purl the stitch.
stitch(es): abbreviated as st or sts in a pattern.
yb= yarn back: bring yarn to the back of work.
yf = yarn front: bring yarn to front of work.
