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 for both flat and in-the-round projects below.

Fisherman's Rib knit stitch pattern knitted flat with a straight knitting needle in light blue yarn color.

About the Fisherman’s Rib Knit Texture

Is the Fisherman’s Rib Knit Stitch easy to memorize?

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!

Does Fisherman’s Rib require more yarn?

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.

What are popular knitting projects using the Fisherman’s Rib?

This stitch is a great choice when designing loose-fitting pieces like thick and cozy blankets, scarves, and hats.

Fisherman's Rib knit stitch pattern in brown yarn color on a wooden bamboo knitting needle by Studio Knit.

Is the Fisherman’s Rib Stitch Reversible?

Yes, this is a reversible pattern because the right and wrong sides of the work display the same ribbing design.Right and wrong sides of Fisherman's Rib knit stitch pattern knitted flat with a straight knitting needle in light blue yarn color.

Can Fisherman’s Rib be knit in the round on circular needles?

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.

Fisherman's Rib knit stitch texture on circular wooden bamboo needles with beige colored yarn.

Does Fisherman’s Rib curl or lay flat?

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.

Side view close-up of Fisherman's Rib knit stitch pattern with white color yarn on on a wooden bamboo knitting needle.

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.


Knitting Instructions

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.

Knitted Flat on Straight Needles:

Cast On an Odd Number of Stitches

Set-Up Row (wrong side): Knit All

  1. Row 1 (right side): * K1, K1B *, K1
  2. Row 2 (wrong side): K2, * K1B, K1 *, K1

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.

or

Knitted In the Round on Circular Needles:

Cast On an Even Number of Stitches

Set-Up Row: Purl All

  1. Row 1: * K1, K1B *
  2. 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.

Printable Knitting Instructions

Fisherman's Rib knit stitch pattern in on a wooden bamboo knitting needle with brown yarn color.

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.

Makes: Fisherman's Rib Knit Stitch
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Active Time: 2 hours
Additional Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
Difficulty: Intermediate

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

  1. Row 1 (right side): * K1, K1B *, K1
  2. 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

  1. Row 1: * K1, K1B *
  2. 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

Knitting Chart for Fisherman's Rib Knit Stitch Pattern by Studio Knit.

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Thank You for Visiting Studio Knit

I hope you are inspired to knit up this Fisherman’s Rib Knit Stitch Pattern in your next knitting project. Check out my entire library of free stitch patterns!

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