Pattern:

Linen Stitch

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This unusual knitting technique results in a surprisingly sturdy fabric with two good sides.

This knit has a bit of sideways stretch but almost no vertical stretch. I use one size smaller knitting needles than the wrapper for the yarn recommends.

 

Linen Stitch

Cast on an even number of stitches.

 

Row 1:
Knit the first stitch. Carry the yarn to the front. Slip the next stitch as you would to purl it. Carry the yarn to the back. Repeat this to the end. You’ll end with the yarn in the front and a slipped stitch.

 

Row 2:
Bring the yarn around the edge of the piece and purl the first stitch. Carry the yarn to the back. Slip one stitch as you would to purl it. Carry the yarn to the front. Repeat this to the end. You’ll (again) end with a slipped stitch and the yarn to the front.

 

Work these two rows to the end. Wrap the yarn around the outer edge of the work at each end of row. It’s definitely not the fastest stitch to use, but if you need the knitting equivalent of armor this will do it!