INTRODUCTION

Linen Stitch Stripes

by Laura Barker

Linen Stitch Stripes is a traditional top-down circular yoke sweater. The simple overall pattern shows off the yarns and makes it accessible to most knitters. A few rounds of linen stitch make the color transitions more interesting, provide texture, and disguise the jog at the beginning/end of each round.

model: Amber

photos: Kellie Nuss

SIZE

 XS[S, M, L, 1X, 2X, 3X, 4X, 5X]
shown in size S with 2 inches/5 cm of ease at largest part of chest

This pattern is available in children's sizes from the designer.

FINISHED MEASUREMENTS

Chest circumference at underarm: 31.75[36, 40, 44.25, 48.25, 52.75, 56.75, 61, 65.5] inches/80.5[91.5, 101.5, 112.5, 122.5, 134, 144, 155, 166.5] cm
Length at center front: 23.25[23.75, 24, 24.5, 24.75, 25, 25.25, 25.5, 25.75] inches/59[60.5, 61, 62, 63, 63.5, 64, 65, 65.5] cm

MATERIALS

Yarn
[MC] Miss Babs Yowza (100% Merino; 560 yd [512 m]/8 oz [227 g]): Spiked Punch; 2[2, 2, 3, 3, 3, 3, 4, 4] skeins, approximately 790[913, 1061, 1185, 1283, 1505, 1604, 1752, 1900] yd/723[835, 971, 1084, 1174, 1377, 1467, 1603, 1738] m

Miss Babs Yowza Mini (100% Merino; 200 yd [182 m]/2.82 oz [80 g]);
[CC1] Zindfandel; Less than 1 skein for all sizes, approximately 38[50, 50, 63, 75, 88, 88, 100, 113] yd/35[46, 46, 58, 69, 81, 81, 92, 104] m

[CC2] Sugar; Less than 1 skein for all sizes, approximately 63[75, 88, 100, 113, 125, 138, 150, 163]] yd/58[69, 81, 92, 104, 115, 127, 138, 150] m

[CC3] Lotus; 1[1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 2, 2] skeins, approximately 88[100, 125, 138, 163, 175, 200, 213, 238]] yd/81[92, 115, 127, 150, 161, 183, 195, 218] m

Yarn Characteristics
Yowza is plied from soft superwash Merino wool, with a smooth hand that works well for textured stitching.

Recommended needle size
[always use a needle size that gives you the gauge listed below - every knitter's gauge is unique]
1 US size #5/3.75mm circular needle, 16 inches/40 cm in length
1 US size #5/3.75mm circular needle, 24–40 inches/60–100 cm in length
1 US size #6/4.0mm circular needle, 16 inch/40 cm
1 US size #6/4.0mm circular needle, 24-40/60-100 cm in length
1 US size #5/3.75mm set of double-pointed needles if desired for cuffs
1 US size #6/4.0mm set of double-pointed needles if desired for arms

Notions
stitch markers
stitch holders
yarn needle

GAUGE

22 sts/31 rnds = 4 inches/10 cm in stockinette stitch

Note: gauge is always taken after blocking.

PATTERN NOTES

[Knitty's list of standard abbreviations and techniques can be found here.]

Construction method: This pullover is worked in the round from the top down. The majority is worked in stockinette stitch with small bands of Linen Stitch when changing colors. Work with 16 inch/40 cm needle until stitches are too crowded and then switch to longer needle. Short rows raise the back for a better fit.

Techniques:

• Linen Stitch: Linen Stitch (LS) is worked over two rounds. When worked in-the-round, there needs to be an odd number of stitches.
  
  LS rnd 1: *K1, slp wyif; rep from * to last st, k1.
  LS rnd 2: *Slp wyif, k1; rep from * to last st, slp wyif.
  Note: that when knitting, the yarn must be in the back, and when slipping, the yarn must be in the front.

DIRECTIONS

Yoke
Work Ribbing:
With CC1 and smaller 16 inch/40 cm circular needle, CO 84[86, 88, 92, 94, 96, 98, 100, 106] sts. Place beginning of rnd (BOR) marker and join to work in the rnd, being careful not to twist.

Ribbing rnd: *K1, p1; rep from * to end.
Rep Ribbing rnd until piece measures 1[1, 1.25, 1.25, 1.25, 1.5, 1.5, 1.5, 1.5] inches/2.5[2.5, 3, 3, 3, 4, 4, 4, 4] cm.

Yoke Inc rnd 1: K0[2, 1, 2, 1, 0, 2, 1, 1], *m1, k4[3, 3, 3, 3, 3, 3, 3, 3]; rep from * to end.
105[114, 117, 122, 125, 128, 130, 133, 141] sts.
Change to larger 16 inch/40cm circular needle and work 3 rounds in stockinette stitch.

Yoke Inc rnd 2: K5[6, 7, 6, 5, 4, 6, 5, 5], *m1, k5[4, 5, 4, 4, 4, 4, 4, 4]; rep from * to end. 125[141, 139, 151, 155, 159, 161, 165, 175] sts.
Work 2[2, 3, 3, 3, 3, 3, 3, 3] rnds in stockinette stitch.

Work Linen Stitch pattern:
With CC2, work LS rnds 1-2.
With CC1, work LS rnds 1-2. Break CC1.
With CC2, work LS rnds 1-2.
With CC2, work 2[2, 1, 1, 1, 2, 2, 2, 2] rnds stockinette stitch.

Yoke Inc rnd 3: K0[1, 1, 1, 0, 4, 1, 0, 0], *m1, k5[5, 6, 5, 5, 5, 5, 5, 5]; rep from * to end. 150[169, 162, 181, 186, 190, 193, 198, 210] sts.
Work 4[4, 4, 4, 4, 3, 3, 3, 3] rnds stockinette stitch.

Yoke Inc rnd 4: K3[1, 1, 1, 0, 1, 1, 0, 0], *m1, k7[6, 7, 6, 6, 7, 6, 6, 6]; rep from * to end. 171[197, 185, 211, 217, 217, 225, 231, 245] sts.
Work 4[4, 4, 4, 4, 3, 3, 3, 3] rnds stockinette stitch.

Yoke Inc rnd 5: K1[ 1, 1, 3, 0, 1, 1, 0, 0], *m1, k8[7, 8, 8, 7, 8, 7, 7, 7]; rep from * to end. 191[225, 208, 237, 248, 244, 257, 264, 280] sts.
Work 2[2, 4, 4, 4, 3, 3, 3, 3] rnds stockinette stitch.

Sizes -[-, M, L, 1X, 2X, 3X, 4X, 5X] only:
Yoke Inc rnd 6: K-[-, 1, 3, 0, 1, 1, 0, 0], *m1, k-[-, 9, 9, 8, 9, 8, 8, 8]; rep from * to end. -[-,231, 263, 279, 271, 289, 297, 315] sts.

Sizes -[-, -, -, -, 2X, 3X, 4X, 5X] only:
Work -[-,-,-,-, 4, 4, 4, 4] rnds in stockinette stitch.
Yoke Inc rnd 7: K-[-, -, -, -, 11, 1, 9, 9], *m1, k-[-, -, -, -, 10, 9, 9, 9]; rep from * to end. -[-, -, -, -, 297, 321, 329, 349] sts.

All Sizes:
Work Linen Stitch pattern:
With CC3, work LS rnds 1-2.
With CC2, work LS rnds 1-2. Break CC2.
With CC3, work LS rnds 1-2.
With CC3, work 2[2, 1, 1, 1, 2, 2, 2, 2] rnds stockinette stitch.

Yoke Inc rnd 8: K2[5, 1, 10, 9, 0, 9, 9, 9], *m1, k9[11, 10, 11, 10, 11, 12, 10, 10]; rep from * to end. 212[245, 254, 286, 306, 324, 347, 361, 383] sts.
Work 4[4, 4, 4, 4, 3, 3, 3, 3] rnds stockinette stitch.

Yoke Inc rnd 9: K2[5, 1, 10, 9, 0, 9, 9, 9], *m1, k10[12, 11, 12, 11, 12, 13, 11, 11]; rep from * to end. 233[265, 277, 309, 333, 351, 373, 393, 417] sts.
Work 4[4, 4, 4, 4, 3, 3, 3, 3] rnds stockinette stitch.

Yoke Inc rnd 10: K35[31, 1, 10, 9, 1, 9, 9, 9], *m1, k 11[13, 12, 13, 12, 14, 14, 12, 12]; rep from * to end. 251[283, 300, 332, 360, 376, 399, 425, 451] sts.
Work 2[2, 4, 4, 4, 3, 3, 3, 3] rnds stockinette stitch.

Sizes -[-, M, L, 1X, 2X, 3X, 4X, 5X] only:
Yoke Inc rnd 11: K-[-, 79, 38, 61, 1, 9, 9, 9], *m1, k-[-, 13, 14, 13, 15, 15, 13, 13]; rep from * to end. -[-, 317, 353, 383, 401, 425, 457, 485] sts.

Sizes -[-, -, -, -, 2X, 3X, 4X, 5X] only:
Work -[-, -, -, -, 4, 4, 4, 4] rnds in stockinette stitch.
Yoke Inc rnd 12: K-[-, -, -, -, 1, 9, 15, 9], *m1, k-[-, -, -, -, 20, 16, 17, 14]; rep from * to end. -[-, -, -, -, 421, 451, 483, 519] sts.

All Sizes:
Work Linen Stitch pattern:
With MC, work LS rnds 1-2.
With CC3 repeat LS rnds 1-2. Break CC3. Remainder of pullover is worked with MC only.
With MC, repeat LS rnds 1-2.

Next rnd: K2tog, knit to end. 250[282, 316, 352, 382, 420, 450, 482, 518] sts.

Raise Back:
Raise back with short-row shaping using your preferred short-row method:
Short row 1 [RS]: K2, turn.
Short row 2 [WS]: P79[89, 99, 109, 118, 129, 138, 148, 159], place marker for left shoulder, p2, turn.
Work additional short rows, each 7[8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15] sts past preceding short row turn as follows:
Short row 3: K86[97, 108, 119, 129, 141, 151, 162, 174], turn.
Short row 4: P93[105, 117, 129, 140, 153, 164, 176, 189], turn.
Short row 5: K100[113, 126, 139, 151, 165, 177, 190, 204], turn.
Short row 6: P107[121, 135, 149, 162, 177, 190, 204, 219], turn.
Short row 7: K114[129, 144, 159, 173, 189, 203, 218, 234], turn.
Short row 8: P121[137, 153, 169, 184, 201, 216, 232, 249], turn.
Next row [RS]: Knit to BOR.

Work in St st until piece measures 7.25[7.75, 8, 8.5, 8.75, 9, 9.25, 9.5, 9.75] inches/18.5[19.5, 20.5, 21.5, 22, 23, 23.5, 24, 25] cm from CO at center front, or until yoke meets comfortably under arms.

Divide body and sleeves:
Next rnd: Remove BOR marker, place first 50[56, 63, 71, 77, 85, 91, 97, 104] sts on holder for right sleeve, using knitted cast on method CO 12[14, 15, 17, 19, 20, 22, 24, 25] sts, k75[85, 95, 105, 114, 125, 134, 144, 155] sts for front, place next 50[56, 63, 71, 77, 85, 91, 97, 104] sts on holder for left sleeve, CO 12[14, 15, 17, 19, 20, 22, 24, 25] sts, k75[85, 95, 105, 114, 125, 134, 144, 155] sts for back. 174[198, 220, 244, 266, 290, 312, 336, 360] sts rem for body.

Join to work in the round. K6[7, 8, 9, 10, 10, 11, 12, 13] (center underarm), place BOR marker.

Body:
Work optional waist shaping:
Work even in St st until body measures 3 inches/7.5 cm from underarm.

Next rnd: K22[25, 28, 31, 34, 37, 39, 42, 45], pm for right front, k43[49, 54, 60, 65, 71, 78, 84, 90], pm for left front, k51[58, 64, 71, 78, 85, 91, 98, 105], pm for left back, k29[33, 38, 42, 45, 49, 52, 56, 60], place marker for right back, k29[33, 36, 40, 44, 48, 52, 56, 60]. Front markers are 1/4 from sides, back markers are 1/3 from sides.

Waist Dec rnd: Knit to 2 stitches before first (right front) marker, k2tog, sm, knit to next (left front) marker, sm, ssk, knit to 2 stitches before next (left back) marker, k2tog, sm, knit to next (right back) marker, sm, ssk, knit to end. 4 sts dec'd.
Rep Waist Dec rnd every 1.5 inches/4 cm 2 more times. 162[186, 208, 232, 254, 278, 300, 324, 348] sts rem.

Work even in St st until body measures 7.5 inches/19 cm from underarm.

Waist Inc rnd: Knit to 1 stitch before first (right front) marker, RLI, k1, sm, knit to next (left front) marker, sm, k1, LLI, knit to 1 stitch before next (left back) marker, RLI, k1, sm, knit to next (right back) marker, sm, k1, LLI, knit to end. 4 sts inc'd.
Rep Waist Inc rnd every 2.25 inches/5.5 cm 2 more times. 174[198, 220, 244, 266, 290, 312, 336, 360] sts.

Work even in St st until body measures 13.5 inches/34.5 cm from underarm, or desired length less 2.5 inches/6.5 cm.

Sizes -[-, -, -, -, -, 3X, 4X, -] only:
Next rnd: K2tog, knit to end. -[-, -, -, -, -, 296, 326, -] sts.

All sizes:
Change to smaller needle. Work Ribbing rnd for 2.5 inches/6.5 cm. Bind off all stitches in pattern.

Sleeves
Place 50[56, 63, 71, 77, 85, 91, 97, 104] sts for sleeve on larger needle. Beginning at center of underarm, pick up and knit 6[7, 8, 9, 10, 10, 11, 12, 13] sts along underarm CO, pick up 2 sts in gap, k50[56, 63, 71, 77, 85, 91, 97, 104] sleeve sts, pick up 2 sts in gap, pick up and knit 6[7, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 12] sts along underarm CO. 66[74, 82, 92, 100, 109, 117, 125, 133] sts total. Place marker and join to work in the rnd.

Next rnd: K5[6, 7, 8, 9, 9, 10, 11, 12] ssk, k2tog, k48[54, 61, 69, 75, 83, 89, 95, 102], ssk, k2tog, k5[6, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 11]. 62[70, 78, 88, 96, 105, 113, 121, 129] sts.

Work even in St st until sleeve measures 5.75[4.5, 2.75, 5, 4.5, 2.25, 4.25, 4.25, 2.75] inches/14.5[11.5, 7, 12.5, 11.5, 5.5, 11, 11, 7] cm from underarm.

Sleeve Double Dec rnd: K1, k2tog, knit to last 3 sts, ssk, k1. 2 sts dec'd.
Rep Sleeve Double Dec rnd every 7[7, 6, 4, 4, 4, 3, 3, 3] rnds 11[12, 16, 21, 23, 27, 31, 33, 37] times. 40[46, 46, 46, 50, 51, 51, 55, 55] sts.

Sizes -[S, M, L, -, 2X, 3X, -, -] only:
Work -[7, 6, 4, -, 4, 3, -, -] rnds.
Sleeve Single Dec rnd: K1, k2tog, knit to end. -[45, 45, 45, -, 50, 50, -, -] sts.

All sizes:
Work even in St st until sleeve measures 15.75[16.25, 16.25, 16.75, 16.75, 17.25, 17.25, 17.75, 17.75] inches / 40[41.5, 41.5, 42.5, 42.5, 44, 44, 45, 45] cm from underarm, or desired length less 2.5 inches/6.5 cm.

Cuff Dec rnd: [K2tog, k3] around. knit to end. 32[36, 36, 36, 40, 40, 40, 44, 44] sts.
Change to smaller needle.

Ribbing rnd: *K1, p1; rep from * to end. Rep Ribbing rnd until rib measures 2.5 inches/6.5 cm.
Bind off all stitches in pattern.

FINISHING

Weave in ends. Block to measurements.

A–Chest circumference at underarm: 31.75[36, 40, 44.25, 48.25, 52.75, 56.75, 61, 65.5] inches/80.5[91.5, 101.5, 112.5, 122.5, 134, 144, 155, 166.5] cm
B—Underarm to hem length: 16 inches/40.5 cm
C–Yoke depth at center front: 7.25[7.75, 8, 8.5, 8.75, 9, 9.25, 9.5, 9.75] inches/18.5[19.5, 20.5, 21.5, 22, 23, 23.5, 24, 25] cm
D–Neck circumference (unstretched): 15.25[15.75, 16, 16.75, 17, 17.5, 17.75, 18.25, 19.25] inches/ 38.5[40, 40.5, 42.5, 43, 44.5, 45, 46.5, 49] cm
E—Sleeve length: 18.25[18.75, 18.75, 19.25, 19.25, 19.75, 19.75, 20.25, 20.25] inches/ 46.5[47.5, 47.5, 49, 49, 50, 50, 51.5, 51.5] cm
F–Sleeve circumference: 11.25[12.75, 14.25, 16, 17.5, 19, 20.5, 22, 23.5] inches/ 28.5[32.5, 36, 40.5, 44.5, 48.5, 52, 56, 59.5] cm
G–Cuff circumference: 6[6.5, 6.5, 6.5, 7.25, 7.25, 7.25, 8, 8] inches/ 15[16.5, 16.5, 16.5, 18.5, 18.5, 18.5, 20.5, 20.5] cm

ABOUT THE DESIGNER

Laura is a life-long knitter and former engineer and math teacher. She enjoys combining all the best of her experience in her favorite career, knitting design and education. Her designs feature innovative construction with clear instruction. She has published patterns in Knitty, I Like Knitting, Interweave Knits, Knit Now, Knitter's Magazine, and Vogue Knitting. She was an instructor at a DC LYS and has taught for Stitches Events and various festivals and retreats.

Her work may also be found on Ravelry and Instagram as CathedralKnits. She was founding VP of the Capitol Hill Knitting Guild. Find her work on Ravelry and Instagram as CathedralKnits.

Pattern & images © 2025 Laura Barker