Have you admired placemats, scarves or other items knit with the Linen Stitch? The Linen Stitch is easy to master and quick to impress! It creates a very pretty, dense texture that looks like woven fabric.
The Linen Stitch is always worked on an even number of stitches. It consists of 2 rows:
Row 1: *K1, slip1 with yarn in front. Repeat from *to last stitch, K1.
Row 1: *P1, slip 1 with yarn in back. Repeat from *to last stitch, P1.
Repeat these 2 rows for pattern. When slipping stitches, always slip as if to purl.
Yes, that's all there is to it! Now you see how easily this stitch could be mastered! If you worry you might get bored with these two rows, add some fun to the stitch by adding color. You can use as many colors as you wish. Have fun changing the look of a project by changing the color scheme.
If you choose to work in a single color, you will create a solid fabric with texture. The wrong side looks like Seed Stitch, creating a reversible fabric, great for scarves. Knit with two colors and alternate colors every two rows. Two colors really enhance the woven effect. Choose three or more colors, and you will make a speckled fabric, an option that might be great for stashbusting. Using colors allows you to see how colors work together...don't be shy about making your own combinations! Linen Stitch allows you to use as few or as many colors as you wish. Do you have some variegated yarn you would like to use? It will look nice in Linen stitch.
Linen Stitch is lovely in fine yarns; more graphic in bulky yarns. Available patterns include home projects and projects for both men and women. Following are some free Linen Stitch patterns available on Ravelry:
The Mini Mania Scarf
by Sara Core requires Fingering Yarn.
Linen Stitch Wristwarmers
by Pepii require Sport Weight Yarn.
Next time you visit the shop, don't miss our "Linen Stitch Scarf" model by Fiberlicious. This beautiful scarf is knit in 5 colors of "Colors by Kristin." Choose one of these patterns and give the Linen Stitch a try. You'll be glad you did.
Fall is in the air. The temperatures are cooler, the dark of night comes earlier, and the kids are back in school. From my own Kindergarten days through 30-plus years of teaching, Fall is 'back to school' time for me. I'm guessing many of you have similar memories. To me, Fall asks the question, "What will you learn that's new to you?" If life asks you the same question, perhaps The Stitchin' Den can help you.
Remember, you are never too old to learn something new. In fact, research is showing that learning will help keep your brain young! We don't teach French or calculus, but if you would like to learn a new fiber art, we may be able to help. We offer classes in knitting, crocheting, needlework, and quilting.
Current, on-going knitting classes include Building Blocks, Building in Color, and Building with Lace based on Michelle Hunter's books. We welcome new students in these classes. Please call the shop or visit the website for details.
Beginning Crochet classes are held the 2nd and 4th Thursday of each month. Beginning Knitting classes are held the 1st and 3rd Thursday of each month. Each of these classes is $20.00 with 20% off all materials for the class purchased here. Reservations must be made in advance.
A new Beginning Sock knitting class begins October 2 with Alison. Classes will be held at the shop on Monday evenings from 5 to 7 p.m. on October 2, 16, & 30. The three classes are $60.00, with 20% off of materials for the class. Reserve your spot now.
We will announce other classes soon, but we do like to customize our classes to our students' needs and wants. Would you like to learn to knit cables, or a hat, or ???? Or would you rather crochet that vest you saw in a magazine? Or maybe you're ready to learn how to needlepoint or quilt? If you don't see what you want, ask. We are open to suggestions. We do offer private classes, but there is always a chance someone is interested in learning the same thing. Maybe you have a group of friends that have a common desire to learn a stitchin' skill. We will arrange a class that works for your group. Let us know what you want!
Enjoy your fall by learning a new stitch or two at The Stitchin' Den!
The Mini Mania Scarf
