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.
Get your free printable knitting pattern and chart for both flat and in-the-round projects below.

Table of Contents
About the Fisherman’s Rib Knit Texture
Yes, this is a reversible pattern because the right and wrong sides of the work display the same ribbing design.
This stitch is a great choice when designing loose-fitting pieces like thick and cozy blankets, scarves, and hats.
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, 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.
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.
Because this stitch alternates knit and purl stitches on all rows, it easily lies flat. You may wish to block your work for best results, however, it is not necessary since the fabric does not curl up.
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
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
- Row 1 (right side): * K1, K1B *, K1
- 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
- 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.
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
____
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
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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!
Happy knitting to you!
