How to knit linen stitch
Published on September 8, 2026 by Sarah
Linen stitch brings a gorgeously textured feel to garments and accessories. It’s great to knit in one solid color or can be used to knit together two and even three different colors to create amazing texture and patterns!
What is linen stitch?
Linen stitch combines knit stitch, purl stitch and slipped stitches to create a beautiful woven look. It's similar to seed stitch, but with the extra step of slipping stitches! Unlike stocking stitch (or stockinette) it doesn’t curl up at the edges, making it great for washcloths, scarves and cowls.
Pick up the basics ready for linen stitch!
How to linen stitch, step by step
1
Cast on an even number of stitches.
2
Row 1 (right side): knit 1, slip 1 with the yarn in front. Repeat this to the end of the row
3
Row 2 (wrong side): Purl 1, slip 1 with the yarn behind. Repeat this to the end of the row.
4
Repeat rows 1 and 2.
Practice your new skill with these fab linen stitch patterns
Check Out This Month's Hottest Blog Posts!
category:guide
The craft trends for 2019
The craft trends of 2019, mindful making, knitted homewares and the color coral
Continue reading The craft trends for 2019
category:guide
The craft trends for 2019
The craft trends of 2019, mindful making, knitted homewares and the color coral
Continue reading The craft trends for 2019
landing
Knitting & Crochet Yarns by Brand
Shop craft supplies, yarn and free patterns at LoveCrafts. Knitting, crochet, embroider...
Continue reading Knitting & Crochet Yarns by Brand
category:guide
Introducing Merion from Debbie Bliss + free hat pattern
Introducing the delicious new super chunky yarn by Debbie Bliss - Merion! And if that's...
Continue reading Introducing Merion from Debbie Bliss + free hat pattern
category:guide
Find the best yarn for the snuggliest blankets
Discover our ultimate guide of best yarns for blankets! Whether it’s knit or crochet, l...
Continue reading Find the best yarn for the snuggliest blankets
category:tutorial
Crochet a colorful Moroccan-inspired floor cushion with our fab FREE pattern
Learn how to crochet a Moroccan inspired floor cushion with our easy step-by-step guide...
Continue reading Crochet a colorful Moroccan-inspired floor cushion with our fab FREE pattern
category:roundup
Crochet designers of the month - January
An introduction to some amazing crochet designers and their patterns
Continue reading Crochet designers of the month - January
category:roundup
Embrace the chill with these winter warmers
Beat the chill with top winter-warmer patterns: giant blankets, cabled sweaters and qui...
Continue reading Embrace the chill with these winter warmers
category:guide
Knitting in red and pink, from scarlet to cherry blossom
Somewhere between orange and purple sit red and pink, the colors of love, passion and ...
Continue reading Knitting in red and pink, from scarlet to cherry blossom
category:roundup
Scandi style: Makes that celebrate the art of getting cosy
Knit up a storm with our Scandi-inspired patterns to help you keep cosy this winter!
Continue reading Scandi style: Makes that celebrate the art of getting cosy
4 easy crochet gifts for Mother's Day
These four crochet projects are beginner-friendly, use small amounts of yarn, and work ...
Continue reading 4 easy crochet gifts for Mother's Day
category:guide
LoveCrafts, the home of Makefulness
We all know that feeling you get when making - that sense of calm, that feeling of acco...
Continue reading LoveCrafts, the home of Makefulness
category:tutorial
Stay cozy with this pomtastic punch needle cushion tutorial
Learn how to make this punch needle cushion. The perfect crafting project if you’re loo...
Continue reading Stay cozy with this pomtastic punch needle cushion tutorial
category:tutorial
How to knit a super speedy pumpkin!
Looking for a last minute project for Halloween? Learn how to knit a pumpkin in just a ...
Continue reading How to knit a super speedy pumpkin!
category:guide
What is sport weight yarn?
Sport weight yarn sits between fingering and DK. Learn how it compares, which needles t...
Continue reading What is sport weight yarn?
category:tutorial
How to create an incredible vintage tiered cake
Learn how to make a vintage tiered cake with our easy step by step tutorial. Find out h...
Continue reading How to create an incredible vintage tiered cake
category:guide
Make your own tees for a bachelorette with Cricut Easy Press
Celebrate your bachelorette party with personalised T-shirts! Check out this step-by-st...
Continue reading Make your own tees for a bachelorette with Cricut Easy Press
category:gift-guide
The Handmade Gift Guide for your Little One: The one with the sweetest smile; the mini explorer with a curious mind
Find the perfect present for the little person in your life with our roundup of homemad...
Continue reading The Handmade Gift Guide for your Little One: The one with the sweetest smile; the mini explorer with a curious mind
category:tutorial
The best ever Victoria sponge cake recipe
Learn how to make the best ever Victoria sponge cake! With this simple Victoria sponge ...
Continue reading The best ever Victoria sponge cake recipe
category:guide
What is shortening?
Looking to suss out what shortening is all about? New to baking or not, stick with us a...
Continue reading What is shortening?
category:roundup
Debbie Bliss shares the story behind her new yarn, British Wool Aran + free hat pattern!
The latest yarn from Debbie Bliss goes on a fantastic, short journey from fleece to yar...
Continue reading Debbie Bliss shares the story behind her new yarn, British Wool Aran + free hat pattern!
category:tutorial
How to sew a simple wall organizer
Learn how to sew a simple wall organiser with Anna Alicia. This is the perfect sewing p...
Continue reading How to sew a simple wall organizer
category:roundup
Our favourite skirt sewing patterns for autumn and winter
Stay bang on-trend with the latest skirt sewing patterns for autumn and winter. Think, ...
Continue reading Our favourite skirt sewing patterns for autumn and winter
category:tutorial
How to make stickers with Cricut
Looking to make your creative mark or say something sweet? No doubt about it, stickers ...
Continue reading How to make stickers with Cricut
category:roundup
10 magical mermaid cake ideas
Looking for some magical bake inspiration? Who can resist this siren call! Dive right i...
Continue reading 10 magical mermaid cake ideas
category:roundup
10 totally fantastic Father’s Day card ideas
Make a handmade card for dad with our fabulous Father’s Day card ideas! We’ve got DIY F...
Continue reading 10 totally fantastic Father’s Day card ideas
category:roundup
Discover all things NEW at LoveCrafts!
At LoveCrafts, we're always adding new and exciting products to our collection and with...
Continue reading Discover all things NEW at LoveCrafts!
category:guide
The small business toolkit: resources and tools to help you get started!
Take your indie business to the next level with our small business toolkit. We've round...
Continue reading The small business toolkit: resources and tools to help you get started!
Introducing Paintbox Yarns Ombré Aran Wool Touch
Ready to add some effortless color shifts to your knitting and crochet? Meet Paintbox Y...
Continue reading Introducing Paintbox Yarns Ombré Aran Wool Touch
category:roundup
12 A+ teacher thank you card ideas
Show appreciation for your teacher with a homemade teacher thank you card. We’ve rounde...
Continue reading 12 A+ teacher thank you card ideas
category:tutorial
Meet Emily the Dachshund! Crochet the sweetest spring toy with our tutorial
Follow along with our free tutorial to crochet Emily the Dachshund, the sweet amigurumi...
Continue reading Meet Emily the Dachshund! Crochet the sweetest spring toy with our tutorial
category:tutorial
Learn how to crochet the sweetest giant candy cane!
Crochet the sweetest giant candy cane! This oversized Christmas decoration is the perfe...
Continue reading Learn how to crochet the sweetest giant candy cane!
category:gift-guide
Fun projects for under $5
Looking for a make idea that doesn't break the bank, or sweet Secret Santa homemade gif...
Continue reading Fun projects for under $5
category:tutorial
Learn how to make a jolly punch needle Christmas wreath
Learn how to craft this punch needle Christmas wreath. The perfect crafting project to ...
Continue reading Learn how to make a jolly punch needle Christmas wreath
category:tutorial
Crochet a delicious donut cushion!
Check out our free crochet donut cushion tutorial. Using the sweet shades of Paintbox Y...
Continue reading Crochet a delicious donut cushion!
category:guide
The ultimate beginners guide to découpage
Master découpage with our beginner's guide: what it is, how to do it, plus paper choice...
Continue reading The ultimate beginners guide to découpage
category:roundup
Twenty Twenty YOU: Makes to celebrate the everyday and express your authentic self through crafts
Celebrate the everyday, take on new crafting challenges and express yourself through kn...
Continue reading Twenty Twenty YOU: Makes to celebrate the everyday and express your authentic self through crafts
category:tutorial
Learn how to make a fruity punch needle coaster trio
Get summer ready with this fun punch needle coaster trio. Download the FREE pattern and...
Continue reading Learn how to make a fruity punch needle coaster trio
category:roundup
Let's celebrate life's everyday confetti moments
Here at LoveCrafts we're celebrating these small pockets of joy that we're calling ever...
Continue reading Let's celebrate life's everyday confetti moments
category:roundup
10 of the luckiest bakes for St Patrick’s Day!
Feeling lucky? These delicious St Patrick’s Day baking ideas are sure to give you the l...
Continue reading 10 of the luckiest bakes for St Patrick’s Day!
category:tutorial
How to make super sensational cocktail cupcakes
Make it a happy hour in the kitchen and cele-bake with cocktail cupcakes! Check out thi...
Continue reading How to make super sensational cocktail cupcakes
category:tutorial
How to make the perfect drip cake
Looking for a stunningly simple cake design? Decorate your cake with some drip and make...
Continue reading How to make the perfect drip cake
category:roundup
11 brilliant DIY baby shower decorations
Planning a baby shower? Put a personal stamp on it with our round-up of DIY baby shower...
Continue reading 11 brilliant DIY baby shower decorations
craft:crochet
How we’re supporting our Ukrainian team and practical ways you can help
An update from Edward, our CEO on how we're supporting our Ukrainian team and a list of...
Continue reading How we’re supporting our Ukrainian team and practical ways you can help