Fisherman's Rib Stitch Knit Pattern (Flat + In The Round)

This blog post features a fishermen’s rib stitch knit pattern (flat + in the round).

This stitch is renowned for its plush, thick fabric, making it ideal for practical and cozy projects.

Dive in and master the fisherman’s rib stitch with this easy and rewarding project!

Please scroll down to view the written instructions for the free pattern.

Fisherman’s Rib Stitch Pattern

Learning to knit the fisherman’s rib stitch both flat and in the round opens up a world of cozy, textured projects.

This stitch creates a plush, stretchy fabric perfect for warm scarves, hats, and sweaters.

When knitting flat, the fisherman’s rib is achieved by knitting into the stitch below, creating deep, luxurious ribs.

In the round, the technique varies slightly but still results in the same beautifully thick and elastic texture.

Mastering the fisherman’s rib stitch in both formats enhances your knitting repertoire, allowing you to create seamless, stylish, and comfortable garments and accessories.

Knit Flat (Back and forth on the needles)

Abbreviations:

K = Knit
K1B – Knit one below – How To Knit One Below (K1B Tutorial + Video)

Pattern

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

Knitting one below (K1B) is a technique used to create a textured fabric, often seen in patterns like the fisherman’s rib.

Here’s how you do it:

Instructions for K1B (Knit One Below):

Identify the Stitch Below:
- Look at the next stitch on your left needle. You’ll see the stitch on the needle and directly below it, a stitch from the previous row.
Insert the Needle:
- Insert the right needle into the center of the stitch directly below the next stitch on the left needle. This stitch looks like a little “V” sitting below the current stitch.
Knit as Usual:
- Wrap the yarn around the right needle and pull it through the stitch below, just as you would for a regular knit stitch.
Slide Off the Needle:
- Let the stitch on the left needle drop off, just as you would in a regular knit stitch.

Knitted In the Round on Circular Needles:

Abbreviations:

K = Knit
K1B – Knit one below
P1B = Purl one below
P = Purl

Pattern

Cast On an Even Number of Stitches.

Set-Up Row: Purl All

Row 1: * K1, K1B *
Row 2: * P1B, P1 *

Purling one below (P1B) is a technique that, like knitting one below, creates a unique texture and is often used in patterns like the fisherman’s rib.

Here’s how you do it:

Instructions for P1B (Purl One Below):

Identify the Stitch Below:
- Look at the next stitch on your left needle. You’ll see the stitch on the needle and directly below it, a stitch from the previous row.
Insert the Needle:
- Insert the right needle into the center of the stitch directly below the next stitch on the left needle from back to front. This stitch looks like a little “V” sitting below the current stitch.
Purl as Usual:
- Wrap the yarn around the right needle and pull it through the stitch below, just as you would for a regular purl stitch.
Slide Off the Needle:
- Let the stitch on the left needle drop off, just as you would in a regular purl stitch.

Fisherman’s Rib Free Patterns

Check out these fisherman’s rib patterns to find your next project.

What Is The Fisherman’s Rib Sitch?

Fisherman’s rib is a knitting technique that creates a thick, cushy fabric with a texture similar to brioche knitting.

It involves knitting into the stitch below the needle instead of the stitch on the needle, which forms the characteristic ribbed pattern.

The resulting fabric is highly elastic and has a deep, plush texture, making it ideal for warm, cozy garments like sweaters, scarves, and hats.

This technique is often favored for its rich texture and excellent insulating properties.

Is the fisherman rib reversible?

The fisherman’s rib is a reversible pattern.

This means that both sides of the fabric (wrong side – ws, right side – rs) look similar, with the same plush, ribbed texture on each side.

The technique of knitting into the stitch below on both sides of the fabric creates this mirror-image effect.

Does the fisherman’s rib stitch use more yarn?

This stitch uses more yarn than standard knitting stitches.

This is because each stitch is worked into the stitch below, effectively doubling the amount of yarn used per stitch.

The technique creates a thicker, more cushioned fabric, which contributes to its increased yarn consumption.

As a result, projects made using this stitch pattern will require more yarn than those using simpler ones like stockinette or garter stitch.

Is the fisherman’s rib warm?

The fisherman’s rib stitch is very warm.

The technique creates a thick, cushioned fabric with deep, plush ribs, providing excellent insulation.

The texture traps air, enhancing the fabric’s ability to retain heat making it ideal for winter garments like sweaters, scarves, and hats.

The extra yarn used in this stitch pattern also contributes to its warmth and cozy feel perfect to wear on chilly days.

What supplies do you need to knit the fisherman’s rib stitch?

To knit this stitch, you’ll need a few essential supplies.

These include yarn appropriate for your project, typically wool or wool blends for their warmth and elasticity.

You’ll also need knitting needles that match the yarn weight and gauge, which can be either straight or circular needles.

Additionally, a stitch marker set can be helpful for keeping track of pattern repeats, especially if knitting in the round.

A row counter can assist in tracking your rows, and you’ll need a tapestry needle/yarn needle for weaving in ends and scissors to cut the yarn.

Learn everything about the different yarn weights here – Yarn Weight Guide {+ Conversion Chart}
Learn everything about yarn fibers here – Yarn Types Explained: A Guide To Different Fibers
Learn how to read a yarn label here – How To Read A Yarn Label (Step By Step)

What can you knit with the fisherman rib stitch?

The fisherman’s rib stitch is perfect for creating a variety of warm, textured items.

It’s a great pattern for big and small projects.

Its thick, plush fabric makes it ideal for knitting cozy scarves, which benefit from the reversible and luxurious texture.

Additionally, blankets and cowls crafted with fisherman’s rib offer softness and snugness, making them wonderful for comfort and style.

How to count rows in fisherman’s rib?

Counting rows in fisherman’s rib can be a bit tricky due to the stitch pattern.

Each “rib” consists of two rows: one where you knit into the stitch below and another where you knit into the stitch normally or continue knitting into the stitch below.

To accurately count rows, count the visible “V” shapes (or columns) that appear on one side of the fabric.

Each “V” represents two rows of knitting.

Alternatively, you can count the horizontal bars on the edge of the work, with each bar representing one row.

Related Post: How To Count Rows In Knitting

Fisherman’s Rib VS Other Stitches

What is the mock fisherman’s rib stitch?

The mock fisherman’s rib stitch is a knitting technique that mimics the look of the traditional fisherman’s rib but is simpler to execute.

Unlike the fisherman’s rib, which involves knitting into the stitch from the previous row, the mock version is created using a combination of knit and purl stitches in a specific sequence.

Typically, this sequence might involve alternating knit and purl stitches across rows to produce a similar textured, ribbed effect.

This stitch is popular for its ease and efficiency while still delivering a thick, cushy fabric suitable for scarves, sweaters, and other cozy garments.

It’s a great stitch to try out if you are scared to try out the fisherman’s rib.

What is half vs full fisherman’s rib?

Half fisherman’s rib and full fisherman’s rib are knitting techniques that create textured, elastic fabrics but differ in their stitch patterns and resulting textures.

Full fisherman’s rib involves knitting into the stitch below (k1b) on every row, producing a thick, plush fabric with deep, pronounced ribs.

In contrast, half fisherman’s rib alternates between regular knit stitches and knitting into the stitch below, typically only on one side, resulting in a slightly lighter, less bulky fabric that still maintains a textured, ribbed appearance.

Both techniques are popular for their warmth and cozy feel in knitted garments.

What is the difference between the fisherman’s rib and brioche stitch?

Brioche and fisherman’s rib are both knitting techniques that create thick, textured fabrics, but they differ in execution and structure.

Brioche involves a combination of yarn overs and slipped stitches, often resulting in a more elastic, lofty, and reversible fabric with pronounced ribbing.

Fisherman’s rib, on the other hand, is created by knitting into the stitch below (k1b), which produces a similar thickness and texture but tends to be slightly denser and less stretchy compared to brioche.

Knitting Lessons

If you are new to knitting and need help with the basics, check out these posts here: Knitting Lessons (With Video Tutorials).

There, you will find step-by-step tutorials for all the different knitting techniques a newbie needs to know.

And if you need more video tutorials to help you practice your basic knitting skills, check out my YouTube channel here – Handy Little Me – YouTube.

Could you share your work with us?

I love seeing your finished projects on social media.

If you enjoyed practicing the fisherman’s rib stitch pattern, I’d love to see yours on Instagram, be sure to tag me @handylittleme.

If you are on Facebook, stop over to the Handylittleme Facebook group and share a photo,

I’d love to see your work.

You can also find us on Pinterest, Ravelry, and Twitter.

Happy Knitting!

Free Knitting Patterns

Check out the knitting stitch patterns below to find your next stitch.

Fisherman’s Rib Stitch Knit Pattern (Flat + In The Round)

Fisherman’s Rib Stitch Pattern