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Friday Freebie – Linen Stitch Washcloth

Linen stitch is a quick and simple stitch that doesn’t curl like stockinette stitch.  It  produces a relatively thin but durable fabric that has a woven appearance that looks good on both sides. Today, I would like to share a simple washcloth pattern with you. The pattern is easy enough for the beginning knitter who is ready to try something besides garter stitch and a relaxing knit for more experienced knitters.  It is fun to work in two colors.

Linen Stitch Washcloth

Materials

  • Yarn
    • ~100 yd/ 91 m worsted weight cotton or cotton blend yarn. Sample in Peaches & Creme (100% cotton, 120 yd/109 m per 2.5 oz/70.9 g) 1 skein in Hot Orange.
  • Needles
    • US size 8/5.0 mm (or size needed to obtain gauge)
  • Additional materials needed
    • Tapestry needle

Gauge

  • 23 stitches and 34 rows per 4 inch/10cm in linen stitch pattern
  • Gauge is flexible. The listed gauge seems odd but linen stitch draws in the fabric both widthwise and lengthwise.

Size

  • One size

Finished Dimensions

  • 7 x 7 in/ 18 x 18 cm

Pattern Notes

Linen stitch is fun and easy to do, so don’t let all the abbreviations and yarn positions intimidate you. To help you out, here are a few hints.

  • All stitches are slipped purlwise (as if to purl).
  • When you are slipping stitches, the yarn will be held in front on the Right Side and in back on the Wrong Side.
  • The yarn will move back and forth, weaving its way between the stitches.
  • Try to keep an even tension between slipped stiches and regular stitches so your fabric doesn’t pucker.
Abbreviations
CO Cast on St/sts Stitch(es)
RS Right side WS Wrong side
sl Slip 1 stitch pw Purlwise
k Knit p Purl
wyib With yarn in back wyif With yarn in front

Instructions

CO 40 sts using your favorite stable cast on (Long tail, knitted, cable, etc).

Row 1 (RS): [k1, sl1 pw wyif], repeat [ ] to end of row.

Row 2 (WS): [P1, sl1 1 pw wyib], repeat [ ] to end of row.

Repeat Rows 1 – 2 until cloth measures 7 in/18 cm from cast on edge (or desired length)

Bind off

Weave in ends, steam block if desired, and enjoy.