It's the Linen Stitch for Me!

The Linen Stitch, using three different yarns.

​The Linen Stitch, by far, is my favorite stitch! It’s easy enough to memorize, and just switching out your yarns and colors, it produces a completely different effect and look!

The Linen Stitch using two different yarns

​I discovered the linen stitch a couple of years ago and it’s now my go to stitch. I love the texture, the look, the pattern, the stitch definition…well…just about everything! I’ve used it for so many different garments, hats, cowls, shawls, even skirts, each time marveling how beautiful it is!

The Linen Stitch using one variegated yarn.

Here’s what Craftsy has to say about my favorite stitch:
“The linen stitch in knitting, sometimes known as fabric stitch, is one of those ingenious stitch patterns that can result in different looks just by changing up the color scheme. The slipped stitch pattern creates a beautiful woven effect and a firm fabric that does not curl.”
 
They published a great article and tutorial about the benefits of the linen stitch. You can read and learn how to knit using the linen stitch here: http://craftsy.me/2fT3wKy

Knitting in my "office"

​Here’s my typical pattern:
 
Materials
Your favorite Worsted Light or Worsted/Aran weight yarn, either solid colors or variegated, which ever you choose, it will turn out beautiful!
Size 9 knitting needles
 
Instructions
Cast on 81 stitches
 
Row 1: *Knit 1, bring your yarn to the front, slip next stitch purl-wise, bring your yarn to the back.* Repeat from * all the way around until you reach the desired height. Bind off. 

My Faithful Sherpa and one of his Linen Stitch cowl

I love how one side of is smooth, and the other side is bumpy! 
​
There is an infinite amount of variation to this stitch and look! Try it using two yarns, one solid color and one a variegated yarn. You’ll be amazed how it turns out! If you knit one row of solid and one row of color, you’ll produce a striped effect. If you knit two rows of solid and two rows of variegated you’ll produce the “v” look. If you use three colors, it even adds more character to your work!
 
See, endless possibilities.