Fisherman’s rib is a squishy, reversible ribbing stitch pattern that can be used on all sorts of knitting projects from hats to sweaters. It’s super easy to work both flat and in the round, making it a versatile stitch to try in your next project. There are a few variations of the Fisherman’s Rib stitch pattern, depending on whether you’re working in an odd number or even number of stitches, and you’ll also find some variations on how the stitches are worked. Here is my favorite way to work fisherman’s rib both in rows and in the round.
FISHERMAN’S RIB WORKED IN ROWS
Cast on an odd number of stitches. I used the German twisted cast on, as it’s super stretchy and perfect for ribbing.
Set-Up Row (WS): *K1, p1; rep from * to last st, k1.
Row 1 (RS): *P1, k1-b; rep from * to last st, p1.
Row 2 (WS): K1, *p1, k1-b; rep from * to last 2 sts, p1, k1.
Rep Rows 1 and 2 for pattern.
When knitting one below (k1-b), the knitting needle will be inserted into the center of the stitch of the row below. You can see a video tutorial for this stitch here.
To bind off the stitches, I bound off in pattern loosely on the Right Side in purl one, knit one (p1, k1) ribbing.
FISHERMAN’S RIB IN THE ROUND
Cast on an even number of stitches. Once again, I used the German twisted cast on. Place a stitch marker to note the beginning of the round and join to work in the round, being careful not to twist.
Set-Up Rnd: *K1, p1; rep from * to end.
Rnd 1: *K1-b; p1; rep from * to end.
Rnd 2: *K1, p1-b; rep from * to end.
Rep Rnds 1 and 2 for pattern.
When purling one below (p1-b), the knitting needle will be inserted under the purl bump below the stitch on the needle.
Once again, bind off in pattern loosely, this time working knit one, purl one (k1, p1) for the bind off round. Try using fisherman’s rib on your next project—you’re sure to love the look and feel of this beautiful stitch pattern.
ABBREVIATIONS
- k: knit
- k1-b: knit one stitch below the stitch on the knitting needle
- p: purl
- p1-b: purl one stitch below the stitch on the knitting needle
- rep: repeat
- rnd(s): round(s)
- st(s): stitch(es)
- RS: Right Side
- WS: Wrong Side
Hi! Very excited to try this pattern for fisherman’s rib worked in rows. As a beginner knitter I was wondering if the pattern includes a selvage stitch at the beginning and end, or if I am supposed to add them always. For example would it be:
Set-Up Row (WS): Selvage stitch *K1, p1; rep from * to last st, k1; selvage stitch.
Or is it that *k1 is the selvage stitch and k1 is the same at the other end?
What would normally be the case?
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What is the right side and wrong side of your knitting?
Hello Ellen,
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Anyone teach crochet
Haven’t knitted for 52yrs-was knitting a school jumper starting school-gave in and put it away intending to finnish it -hes 52 now .looking forward giving knitting a try again.
Has anyone used this rib for 4 ply socks
Love the color in advertisement. What yarn is it?
Hi Kristen. The yarn is Patons Classic Wool Worsted, in the color Softened Pansy.
https://www.yarnspirations.com/patons-classic-wool-worsted-yarn/244077.html
Jen
The Knitting Circle
To have both straight needles and round needles, it was very handy as I am learning to knit in rounds, this pattern is very easy to follow.
really enjoy learning a new cast on.
Enjoyed the new cast on