technique

Linen Stitch

Linen Stitch creates a firm woven-looking fabric by combining knit stitches and slipped stitches.

Difficulty intermediate Skill stitch-patterns 2 min read

What it is

Linen Stitch is a stitch pattern where some stitches are worked and others are slipped with the yarn carried in front or back. This creates a compact fabric with a woven surface.

How Ruke patterns use it

In Ruke projects, Linen Stitch belongs to the stitch-pattern family rather than basic construction. It can change gauge, width and drape, so it should be treated as a fabric choice, not only a row instruction.

Pattern notation examples

  • Row 1 (RS) Sl1, *k1, slip 1 wyif*, repeat to last st, p last st.
  • Row 2 (WS) Sl1, *p1, slip 1 wyib*, repeat to last st, p last st.

When to use it

Use it when the pattern asks for Linen Stitch or when a video explains the first row of a woven-texture stitch pattern.

What to check

Check yarn position when slipping stitches, row parity, gauge and whether the fabric becomes firmer than stockinette.

Common mistakes

Slipping with the yarn on the wrong side, losing the repeat, or expecting Linen Stitch to stretch like ribbing.