Recently, Brioche Stitch and Fisherman’s rib were discussed on the Knitlist. Both stitch patterns result in large fluffy, fairly inelastic ribs suitable for sports wear and blankets. I’ve already demonstrated how to knit Brioche Stitch; here I demonstrate how to knit “Fisherman’s Rib”.
Text Directions1:
- Cast on
an even number of stitches greater than 2.
- Row 1: Purl all stitches.
- Row 2: *P1, K1B* repeat from * end P2.
- Repeat row 2.
As you can see, this is a fairly short pattern. It’s also a fairly simple pattern to work, but you’ll need to know what I mean by “K1B”2. Here are details.
I use “K1B” to mean “Knit into stitch in row below next stitch”2. I’ve illustrated this in the photo above and to the left. Notice the tip goes though the stitch below the needle. Yarn over as usual, and draw the loop of yarn through the stitch.
Notice the new stitch is on the right hand tip; the old stitch is on the left hand tip. Just pull as normal. Let that stitch drop; it will unravel down 1 stitch. In the final fabric, the ribs stand out dramatically because the “stitch from the row below” is pushed forward by the stitch that unraveled! (Ok, now that you see that you think. “Oh, yeah, duh. That must be what they meant. But I find 99% of beginners are not sure what to do and 99.9% of directions don’t mention: let the stitch above drop off!)
Next you work the purl stitch; just work through the stitch on the needle as you normally would.
I want you to notice something. Look at the “purl ditch” in the picture to the left. You should notice two pairs of horizontal bars instead of plain old purl bumps. Those two bars were what formed on the back side when you “k1B”.
One almost final note: When knitting Fisherman’s rib, I generally use smaller diameter needles than I would use to knit stockinette. That said, it tends to end up with larger stitch gauge. The stitch itself fluffs up and spreads, and I don’t find it attractive if knit too loosely. Of course, you should test with different needles, but do think about this if you decide to experiment and swatch a bit.
Final note: It’s my 21st wedding anniversary! I’m going to make a big Lasagna and Jim and I are going to sit on the porch, drink wine and enjoy the weather!
References:
1. p. 44 “A Treasury of Knitting Patterns”
, Walker.
2. In some patterns, the notation K1B means “knit one through back loop”. If you find “K1B” used in a pattern, be sure to read their index to find out whether they mean “below” or through the back loop. Walker provides no abbreviation for “k1 in row below” and uses k1-b for “knit 1 through back loop”. I adopted “K1B” from references by “Mon Tricot”, which is admittedly a French reference translated to English, so I don’t know if it is standard.
To find other stitch patterns, visit Knit Stitch Patterns.
Stitch patterns are also compiled at technorati’s knit stitch patterns page, where you’ll also find how to knit articles.
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Lucia Liljegren: Copyright 2005-2007 Rights to all site content including knitting patterns, generators and haikus reserved.
Thank you so much Lucia for your excellent instructions on the Fisherman’s Rib. I am trying to make the “ZarOne Cape” on the Elann website: http://secure.elann.com/ShowFreePattern.asp?Id=39024
and it calls for the rib.
How do I do the increases this pattern calls for? I don’t know how to increase in a rib like this. Anyone able to help?
Thanks so much,
Laurie
Comment by Laurie (0 comments.) — 8/30/2005 @ 5:35 pm
You’re welcome. I looked at that pattern, and read the directions a few times. I think the cast on and bind off edge are worn at the front opening, and they want you to increase stitches either the beginning of a row. That’s what makes the “beg” edge slant.
I usually use a cable cast on, which can be used to add stitches too. So, I’d just turn to begin a row, cable cast on the 4 st (or 16 st for some rows) and then start knitting in Fisherman’s rib. The instructions do make sure you always add an even number of stitches, so I think it should work out fine.
Do test on a swatch to make sure the edge looks nice when you increase this way.
Comment by lucia — 8/30/2005 @ 5:47 pm
This is a test.
(I want to see if the figure shows up.)
Comment by lucia — 8/30/2005 @ 9:09 pm
We used to use this fisherman’s rib years ago and it really looks good. Over the years I have lost my few patterns and wonder where I can get more. I really want a man’s crew neck pattern using this stitch. Thanks
Comment by Jan Mills (0 comments.) — 10/29/2005 @ 4:52 am
Thank you for your concise and understandable explanations! I am a novice knitter and want ot make some cute hats for my grandkids. Do you have any suggestions? They are girls 12, 11, 6, 5 and a boy 2. The two little girls would have the same pattern, but perhaps something more trendy for the pre-teens. Thanks Bea
Comment by Bea Goodere (0 comments.) — 11/9/2005 @ 3:36 pm
I am from Karachi Pakistan,Thank you so much for your help Now I will knit my grandsons sweator … I had forgotten how to knit the design. Thanks once again.
Parveen
Comment by Parveen (1 comments.) — 11/27/2005 @ 11:59 am
Thanks for the step by step instructions. Have wanted to use this stitch but never understood how to do the ‘knit stitch below’ thing. Do now, yay!
Comment by Autumn (0 comments.) — 12/3/2005 @ 2:48 am
Hi,
Thanks for the detailed and clear instructions for the KB1! I tried follow my knit book for a couple days now and had no clue what it was talking about. THANKS AGAIN
Comment by Jocelyn (0 comments.) — 12/4/2005 @ 9:22 pm
hi, i’ve been working on a debbie bliss sweater with this stitch. i need to know how to pick this stitch up once i’ve messed up a row and have had to rip it out. i’ve ripped it out so many times and just can’t figure it out.i’m a new knitter and would probably need a drawing or picture to understand. thanks,carmen
Comment by carmen (0 comments.) — 2/7/2006 @ 12:14 am
Lucia, I’m not sure if I ever thanked you for your help with this stitch. You should write a book! Your instructions are excellent and simple to follow. Thanks so much for your help!
Comment by Laurie (0 comments.) — 3/17/2006 @ 10:42 am
Thanks for the instructions, now I can get knitting.
Comment by Ria (0 comments.) — 5/22/2006 @ 12:39 am
I’m stuck on this row of a pattern called Shetland Floss Shawl, it reads, Row 18: P1,* p2 o next yo, (increasing 1 st), p5, p2 on next yo, p1, repeat from * (21 sts on needle). Can you help me to understand the p2 o next yo and the p2 on next yo???? Thank you Shirley
Comment by Shirley (0 comments.) — 5/26/2006 @ 3:21 pm
Lucia, I found the pattern on Knitting Pattern Central-Free Knitting patterns. It’s called Shetland Floss Shawl and there are not any pattern notes for p2 o next yo,. Thank you for answering my question. Shirley
Comment by Shirley (0 comments.) — 5/26/2006 @ 4:41 pm
HELP . I NEED HELP WITH THIS STITCH IS THAT A DVD ARE SOMETHIG .CAN U HELP ME THANK U
Comment by Mildred Thomas (0 comments.) — 2/8/2007 @ 6:39 pm
Hello,
I am trying to knit a pattern which I believe is translatted from German. They are calling the pattern fisherman’s rib. It is described this way: I don’t get it
row l: kl (edge st) Pl Kl row 2: kl(edge st)*slip foll st with 1 yo purlwise, kl, rep from *
row3:kl (edge st) *k tog yo and slipped st of previous row, slip foll st with 1 yo purlwise, rep from* Rep 3rd row.
Your instructions are clearer. Do you think what you are describing and this are the same?
Thanks,
mscasati@comcast.net
Comment by Mary Simon-Casati (0 comments.) — 2/24/2007 @ 11:40 am
Great instructions! Thank you–a pattern in the Winter VK 2006/2007 tells you to knit into a stitch 4 rows below (but doesn’t mention dropping the stitch in the current row), and I was ending up with too many stitches. This explains it beautifully.
Comment by Kathy (0 comments.) — 3/13/2007 @ 10:51 am