Broken Rib Stitch Knitting Pattern for Beginners

The Broken Rib Stitch Knitting Pattern creates ribbing columns of the smooth Stockinette Stitch separated by rows of the bumpy Garter Stitch texture.

Get your written pattern instructions both flat and in the round below, along with knitting chart and video tutorial.

• Row Repeat: Knit up the Broken Rib Stitch in a simple 2-row repeat.
• Stitch Techniques: A series of easy knits and purls create the ribbed pattern.
• Stretchy: It’s a favorite choice for comfortable elasticity, making it perfect for projects that require a bit of stretch. The brims of hats and cuffs of sweaters often use this pattern.
• Easy-to-Memorize: As we are knitting just two rows with simple knits and purls, this texture is easy to knit on the go, as you can memorize the pattern without needing to refer to the written pattern.
• Lays Flat: It is a favorite stitch choice because this pattern easily lays flat.
• Reversible: This is a reversible pattern, meaning that both sides of your work, the right and wrong sides, are identical. Fun Fact: the wrong side of this pattern is the Sand Stitch texture!

Knitting Instructions

Cast On in Multiples of 2 Stitches, plus 1

Begin knitting the Broken Rib Stitch by casting on in multiples of two. You can also think of this as casting on any even number of stitches.

Once you have the desired number of stitches on your needle, add one more stitch to prepare to knit your textured pattern.

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Row 1: Knit All Stitches

On the right side of your knitted work, knit every stitch on your needle. Doesn’t get any easier than this!

Row 2: * P1, K1 *, P1

On row two, the wrong side of your work, begin by repeating the Purl 1, Knit 1 pattern. This is similar to the pattern of the 1×1 Rib Stitch.

Once you get to the end of your row, you will have one additional stitch to Purl 1.

Continue Knitting the Broken Rib Stitch Pattern

Continue knitting the pattern by repeating these two rows until your piece is the length you desire. On all right sides, you will simply knit all stitches. Then on your wrong side you will knit the row 2 pattern instructions.

Knitting Techniques

The Broken Stitch is an easy combination of simple Knit and Purl Stitches. Find my entire library of Knitting Techniques to help knit up this project.

• How to Cast On Without a Slip Knot or Slip Knot
• Cast On with Slingshot or Cast On Thumb Method
• K = Knit Stitch
• P = Purl Stitch
• Cast Off
• Weave-in Yarn Ends

Design Suggestion: The Slip Stitch Knitting technique is a favorite way to create smooth edges on the right and left sides of your project. If you’re knitting up a flat scarf, dishcloth, or blanket, you may wish to add selvedge stitches to create a more finished look.

Cast On and Cast Off Ribbing Stitches

When beginning and ending Rib Stitch Patterns, you may wish to do so “in pattern.” This creates the ribbed texture along the edge for knitted items like sleeves and necks, rather than a solid horizontal edge.

Casting On: Alternating the Long-Tail Cast On Knitwise and Cast On Purlwise stitches in pattern to begin your project.

Casting Off: Alternating the Basic Cast Off Knitwise and Cast Off Purlwise gives the finished edge the same texture as your ribbing.