Fisherman’s Rib Knit Stitch Pattern
The Fisherman’s Rib Knit Stitch Pattern creates a classic ribbing. This ribbed stitch variation results in a thicker double-knit texture that requires more yarn and intermediate skills.
Get your free printable knitting pattern and chart to knit this pattern both flat and in-the-round projects below.
Table of Contents
Knitting Techniques
The Fisherman’s Rib Stitch is a combination of knit, purl, along with knit (or purl) below. Find my entire library of Knitting Techniques to help knit up this project.
- Long Tail Cast On
- K = Knit Stitch
- P = Purl Stitch
- K1B = Knit One Below
- P1B = Purl One Below
- Cast Off
- Weave-in Yarn Ends
Knitting Instructions
Knitted Flat on Straight Needles
Cast On an Odd Number of Stitches
Set-Up Row (wrong side): Knit All
- Row 1 (right side): * K1, K1B *, K1
- Row 2 (wrong side): K2, * K1B, K1 *, K1
After completing your set-up row, knit a repeat of rows 1 – 2 in the following pattern until your piece is the length you desire, then bind off.
Note: Repeat the pattern between the * * asterisks.
How to K1B? To knit one below, with yarn in back, insert your knitting needle from back to front into the stitch below the first stitch on your left needle. Knit into it, bringing both the new stitch forward while dropping the stitch above.
Knitted In the Round on Circular Needles
Cast On an Even Number of Stitches
Set-Up Row: Purl All
- Row 1: * K1, K1B *
- Row 2: * P1B, P1 *
How to P1B? To purl one below, with yarn in front, insert your knitting needle from front to back into the stitch below the first stitch on your left needle. Purl into it, bringing both the new stitch forward while dropping the stitch above.
Watch Video Tutorial
About the Fisherman’s Rib Knit Texture
Yes, because we are knitting up this ribbing texture in a 2-row repeat, this is a very easy-to-memorize pattern, great for knitting on the go!
Yes, the knitting technique of knit one below (or purl one below in the round) creates a double knit texture with both one stitch and a float in each stitch. As a result, expect to use almost twice as much yarn as a standard knit and purl ribbing pattern.
Yes, this is a reversible pattern because the right and wrong sides of the work display the same ribbing design.
Yes, with a simple adjustment to the pattern, this stitch is also a 2-row repeat, but rather than knitting one below, we are purling one stitch below.
This stitch is a great choice when designing loose-fitting pieces like thick and cozy blankets, scarves, and hats.
Because this stitch alternates knit and purl stitches on all rows, it easily lays flat. You may wish to block your work for best results, however, it is not necessary since the fabric does not curl up.
Printable Knitting Instructions
Printable Knitting Pattern
The Fisherman’s Rib Knit Stitch Pattern creates a classic ribbing. Similar to the basic 1×1 rib, this stitch variation results in a thicker double-knit texture that requires more yarn and intermediate skills.
Materials
- Yarn - Any Gauge
Tools
- Knitting Needles - Appropriate Size for Yarn
- Tapestry Needle
- Scissors
Instructions
KNITTED FLAT ON STRAIGHT NEEDLES:
Cast On an Odd Number of Stitches
Set-Up Row (wrong side): Knit All
- Row 1 (right side): * K1, K1B *, K1
- Row 2 (wrong side): K2, * K1B, K1 *, K1
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KNITTED IN-THE-ROUND ON CIRCULAR or DOUBLE-POINTED NEEDLES:
Cast On an Even Number of Stitches
Set-Up Row: Purl All
- Row 1: * K1, K1B *
- Row 2: * P1B, P1 *
Notes
Repeat Pattern between * *
Repeat Rows 1 – 2 until your piece is the length you desire then Bind Off.
Reversible Knit Stitch Pattern.
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KNITTING TECHNIQUES AND ABBREVIATION
- CO = Cast On Long Tail Method
- K = Knit Stitch
- P = Purl Stitch
- K1B = Knit One Below
- P1B = Purl One Below
- BO = Bind Off
- Weave In Ends
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KNITTING CHART
Kristen McDonnell
Author & Designer
After publishing her first knitting tutorial video, Kristen founded StudioKnit LLC. Enamored with teaching online, she films knitting lessons and designs from her vibrant production studio on Half Moon Bay’s California coast.
Kristen McDonnell is the author of the highly acclaimed book Knit Stitch: 50 Knit + Purl Patterns featuring vintage and unique designs.