Linen Stitch Striped Scarf
Linen stitch makes a dense, woven-looking fabric that mixes colours like tweed. Perfect for fingering-weight leftovers.
- Yarn
- Fingering (1) in 2–4 colours; sock yarn remnants work well.
- Needles
- US 5 (3.75 mm): 2–3 sizes larger than usual for fingering
- Sizes
- 6 × 60 in (15 × 152 cm)
- Example gauge
- 30 sts and 52 rows = 4 in (10 cm) in linen stitch
- Yarn needed
- About 700 yd (640 m) fingering in total. Linen stitch uses much more yarn than stockinette; choose “Cables or dense texture” and add 15% on top.
- Stitch multiple
- 2
Do the math
The examples use the gauge above. Put your own swatch into the gauge calculator first, then use your numbers in each formula.
| Step | Formula | Example | Tool |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cast on | width × sts per in, rounded to even | 6 × 7.5 = 45 → 46 sts | Cast-On Calculator |
Materials
- Fingering (1) yarn (see yarn needed)
- US 5 (3.75 mm): 2–3 sizes larger than usual for fingering
- Tapestry needle
Gauge swatch
Linen stitch swatch. The fabric should drape; if it’s stiff, go up another needle size.
Instructions
Linen stitch
Cast on (example: 46 sts) loosely with a larger needle.
Row 1 (RS): *K1, sl 1 purlwise with yarn in front; rep from * to end.
Row 2 (WS): *P1, sl 1 purlwise with yarn in back; rep from * to end.
Change colour every 2 rows, carrying unused colours up the side.
Work to 60 in (152 cm).
Bind off
Bind off loosely with a needle 2 sizes larger.
Finishing
- Weave in ends.
- Steam block; linen stitch doesn’t need pinning.
Designer’s notes
- Knit it lengthwise for horizontal stripes on a long scarf: cast on 450 sts (60 × 7.5) and work 6 in.
- Use 3 colours in rotation and the stripes blend into a heathered fabric.
Counter set-up
Counter 1: rows 1–2. Counter 2: rows since the last colour change.
Open the row & stitch counter for several counters, or use the quick one below.
Tools for this pattern
- Gauge CalculatorEnter your swatch counts to get stitches and rows per 4 in (10 cm).
- Cast-On CalculatorEnter your width and gauge; it rounds to the stitch multiple for you.
- Needle, Hook & Yarn ConvertersConvert the needle or hook size to US, UK or metric.
- Yarn Quantity CalculatorPick the project, size and yarn weight to get total yardage and skeins to buy.
- Row & Stitch CounterSet up the counters listed below; the screen stays awake while you work.