Linen Stitch Bookmark

Linen Stitch Bookmark by Terry Morris

Project Overview

This downloadable knitting pattern creates a beautiful, functional bookmark featuring a classic linen stitch technique. The finished bookmark measures 1 ½ inches wide by 6 inches long, making it the perfect size for marking your place in any book. Despite its visually intricate appearance, this design is surprisingly accessible to knitters of various skill levels because the pattern uses only one color per row, simplifying the actual knitting process.

What You'll Create

The bookmark showcases a two-color linen stitch pattern that creates an elegant, textured surface with a sophisticated look. The design features a decorative tassel attached to a pointed decreased ending, adding both visual interest and a practical element for easy bookmark placement. The combination of slipped stitches and alternating colors produces a fabric with excellent drape and visual depth.

Knitting Techniques Used

• Linen Stitch: A fundamental slipped-stitch pattern that creates a dense, fabric-like texture by alternating slipped stitches with knit and purl stitches
• Slip Stitches: Worked as if to purl with yarn positioned in front or back to create the characteristic linen stitch appearance
• Two-Color Knitting: Colors are introduced one row at a time rather than simultaneously, eliminating the complexity of managing multiple strands
• Decreasing: A decreased ending technique creates the pointed finish at the bookmark's base
• Tassel Making and Attachment: Instructions for creating and securing a decorative tassel using a doubled yarn loop
• Weaving in Ends: Standard finishing technique for securing loose yarn tails

Stitches Featured

• Slip Stitch (sl): The primary stitch used throughout the linen stitch pattern, worked both with yarn in front and yarn in back positions
• Knit Stitch (k): Alternated with slip stitches in the pattern rows
• Purl Stitch (p): Used in alternating rows to create the textured linen stitch effect
• Decreases: Used in the final rows to create the pointed ending

Materials Required

Yarn: DMC Perle cotton floss size 3, which is 100% cotton with 16 yards (15 meters) per 5-gram skein. You will need 1 skein each of 2 different colors of your choice, allowing you to customize the color combination to match your preferences or coordinate with a specific book collection.

Needles: US size 3 (3.25mm) needles, appropriately sized for the delicate cotton floss and the 14 cast-on stitches.

Pattern Structure

The 2-Color Linen Stitch Pattern repeats over 4 rows. Row 1 (Color A) features slip stitches worked as if to purl with yarn in front, alternated with knit stitches. Row 2 (Color A) mirrors this structure with slip stitches worked as if to purl with yarn in back, alternated with purl stitches. Rows 3 and 4 repeat this same sequence using Color B. This four-row repeat continues until the piece reaches 5 ½ inches from the cast-on edge, ending after completing a Row 2. The pattern then transitions into the decreased ending, which creates the characteristic pointed tip before the tassel attachment.

Why This Pattern Works

The linen stitch is prized for creating a dense, elegant fabric that looks far more complicated than it actually is to execute. By working with only one color per row, knitters avoid the potential confusion of managing multiple yarn colors simultaneously, making this an excellent introduction to two-color knitting techniques. The cotton perle floss creates a crisp, defined stitch definition that showcases the linen stitch pattern beautifully, while the material's natural sheen adds a refined finish suitable for gift-giving.