The linen stitch produces a dense fabric that resembles a woven fabric. There is not a lot of drape to the fabric due to its denseness which makes the linen stitch a good choice when a more structured or firmer fabric is required such as coats, structured blazers, purses, belts and straps.
The first row slips every other stitch which are then worked on the next row on this two row pattern repeat. This makes it a bit more time consuming to knit but the result is well worth the effort.
The pattern ends with a yarn over and a slipped stitch. The yarn is then worked on the first stitch of the next row creating a 'wrap' around the edges which creates a fabric that does not curl at the edges.
The cable cast on works well with this stitch pattern to create a firm edge for this dense fabric. The bind off looks attractive when done in pattern.
It is not a truly reversible stitch but the 'wrong side' produces an interesting texture that resembles a seed stitch.
Linen Stitch
(Even number of stitches)
Row 1 K1, sl1p wyif
Row 2 P1, sl1p wyib (slip 1 purlwise with yarn in back)
These 2 rows form the Linen Stitch
Abbreviations
sl1p slip 1 purlwise
wyib with yarn in back
wyif with yarn in front
