Fancy Stitch Combos - Fisherman's Rib

Instructions for working Fisherman's Rib:
Cast-on a multiple of 2 stitches, plus 3
Setup Row (RS): K across all stitches
Row 1 (WS): *P 1, K 1 into stitch below*, repeat between *s to last stitch, P 1
Row 2: K1, *K1, K 1 into stitch below*, repeat between *s to last 2 stitches, K 2
Repeat Rows 1 and 2 to desired length, BO on WS, while working Row 1
Instructions for working this stitch in-the-round:
Cast-on an even number of stitches, and join to begin working in-the-round.
Setup Round: K around all stitches
Round 1: *K1, K 1 into stitch below*, repeat between *s to end
Round 2: *P 1 into stitch below, K1*, repeat between *s to end
Repeat Rounds 1 and 2 to desired length, BO while working Round 1
To purl into stitch below, approach the V below the current stitch from back to front.
This video is part of a new series called Fancy Stitch Combos. In this series I hope to demonstrate stitches that have been requested, and hopefully introduce you to some new ones that I think are pretty and useful. Feel free to drop me a note if you'd like to submit an idea for a video in this series.
Information on things you'll see in this video:
The green sweater on the mannequin is my Learn to Knit a Woman's sweater, pattern + video tutorial:
verypink.com/2011/06/21/learn-...
The green cotton/acrylic yarn I used in the lacier sample is Knit Picks Comfy worsted, knit on size 10.5 US (6.5mm) needles:
www.knitpicks.com/yarn--fiber-...
The bright pink yarn I used in the worsted-weight sample is Araucania Merino Worsted:
www.ravelry.com/yarns/library/...
The gray bulky yarn I used for demonstration is Malabrigo Chunky:
www.malabrigoyarn.com/sub_yarn...
The wood needles I use for demonstration are by Clover, size 10.5 (6.5mm):
www.clover-usa.com/

[@MystiDawn]

I absolutely LOVE that the written instructions are all included, I have a big binder with patterns and stuff, and a whole section of fancy stitches, so that is super helpful!

[@conorchristopher3275]

Instablaster.

[@wj98983]

been knitting for over 30 years but have only just now needed to learn this stitch. I don't need to look at another lesson - your lesson is complete and I can start my project.

[@HannahKayW]

Your seriously just the greatest, always so patient and slow enough to show all the details but fast enough so that you can see how the flow goes... plus the fact that you give us the pattern both in flat and in the round is SO AWESOME. I mean yeah you can convert, but it's super difficult on some complex stitches and I appreciate all the care and thought you put into giving us full information :) thanks a lot

[@lesliehume8836]

You make knitting so much easier and FUN! Thank you!

[@jadenwood3839]

I'm 11 and I can knit loom and crochet I really like your videos because I can use them for me to learn more and I really appreciate the videos thx

[@katibuggg1]

Omg love your vintage nail design

[@enigma1326]

I love, love, LOVE this stitch with a scarf. I am working on my second scarf right now with acrylic yarn and size 10.5 needles and it makes just the perfect thickness for scarves.

[@abigailhardy8115]

Very useful video for a beginner - clearly explained and good visuals. Thank you 🙏

[@angiewillsonarte]

Wow - I just heard you say you are in Texas - I live here now, but I miss living in the north - knitting up north truly was more fun - and I hope to go back once my husband's job here is through. It made feel great to hear you live in Texas! I still knit a lot here...make thick wool turtlenecks for "some day" and also for friends/family who live on east coast. your tutorials are always great - thanks!

[@CodeMom]

What a beautiful stitch! Thanks for sharing this 🥰

[@debbieorshonsky8682]

Thank you ,best description yet.

[@tessabonvouloir3335]

Totally loved it. Thanks for such a great tutorial! Learning so much.

[@sherriecg3368]

After looking up different videos and websites on this technique, none of them made sense , except yours ! So thank you so much for this great tutorial !! Very thorough!

[@annapanna1907]

This is such a great tutorial thank you so much. I am going to make a scarf and this looks like the perfect stitch!

[@rezkitty397]

thx, can't wait to try, always fun to learn a new stitch👍

[@eliphs11]

Woot! Thank you for the pattern, it's one that I can follow (which for Brioche, I can't really say I get).

[@jsmith3980]

Great video, thank you for sharing.

[@irieprendygal]

Thank you. love your nails ;-)!

[@verypinkknits]

Lindsay Green - instructions for working this in-the-round are in the video description field, just below the video.

[@jillappell3293]

VeryPink Knits fisherman rib in the round

[@pamelabrown6043]

VeryPink Knits stretch bind off

[@marisajmlrosalyn6529]

So beautiful hand knitting n u can teach so well n professionally, thanks alots😘😘Appreciate it!

[@Julie-7605]

I'm excited to make a project using this stitch!

[@gailaltschwager7377]

Thank you!

[@cbjlinda]

Would love to see you do a series of headbands with different textures .

[@1983Wells]

can I just say? Your manicure is beautiful! Oh, and also: great tutorial! I finally get it now!

[@jsmith3980]

I agree super red...need to do mine!

[@verypinkknits]

I haven't written out a pattern for decreasing in this stitch, but I can tell you the method I'd use...decrease between the Knit ribs (the Vs) first, then start to decrease the Knit ribs.

[@MM-pw3wb]

Your tutorials are great! Would you mind telling us what selvedge edges you do on the various stitches you demonstrate and if we add stitches for the edge. Thank you so much!

[@veryhappyknitter]

Really like the stitch, also see a GREAT need for me to use life-line. For me also need to make a note as to where I put in a life-line. thank you so much ...

[@dpfreeman1]

Much better than the brioche

[@wildheart5]

I can see the need for a lifeline! This is a cool looking stitch.

[@verypinkknits]

Yes - whatever your "go-to" cast-on is...long-tail or knitted cast-ons work well for this.

[@nycGWOD]

Could you tell me which cast-on and cast-off method you used for the pink and green swatches? They look so even and neat. I've just tried an alternating cable cast-on with a fisherman's rib but it tends to stretch out the edge. Finding an elegant cast-off method has proven even more difficult!

[@kouliplilouise2151]

Merci beaucoup pour cet excellent tuto. J'ai particulièrement apprécié l'astuce pour rattraper une erreur..

[@Cynattitude78]

I love your nails.

[@arlenek6797]

I love these are these good to use for coasters and everyday cloth? im a beginner and looking to start learning new stitches.

[@jmichelle1974]

Is this the same thing as the Mock Fishermen's Rib? I can understand your tutorials much better than some so I thought I'd ask. I have a pattern that calls for one.

[@dabiri2006]

Hi, I’ve seen a pattern similar to this where purl is only used in the first row and then on only knit and knit below stitches are used. Is this also Fisherman’s rib? Many thanks.

[@omsabs]

Would this stitch look nice with loops and threads charisma yarn. I love the shade mulberry bush. I am trying to find a good pattern for scarf with this yarn.

[@loved012one]

Several other instructional videos teach to CO an even number of stitches, K the Setup Row, then repeat * K1, K 1 into stitch below * for every row. *No Purling.* I tried your instructions and this one, and this is much easier follow/remember. Both create wonderful Fisherman's Rib. What are your thoughts?

[@xraymdabm]

Greetings, is this a long-tailed cast on for this great stitch?

[@CuTeDoLLz]

Hello! Do you think this pattern works for blanket? I really like this pattern and it's easy enough for me. I'm still a beginner. (:

[@sandygrogg1203]

Would make a squishy dishcloth.

[@companionzoe]

For a hat, how would you increase/decrease this stitch in the round?

[@tagqasim4668]

Hi Stacey, I just love ur videos, really appreciate ur awesome expertise & ur generosity n sharing it, so thank u so very much..!! Question please, my knitting keeps unraveling in a fisherman's pattern when I come to k1below into a k2tog decreased st w mixed k,p sts..?? How can I fix this painful issue... please help!!

[@verypinkknits]

Without seeing your knitting and what you might be doing, I don't think I can help. If you can visit your local yarn shop and show them your work, they should be ablet o give you advice.

[@path9570]

I lose the stitch when I’m trying to purl one below when doing it in the round for a hat. It’s easy to see when you’re doing it straight. I love the idea of a lifeline.

[@reubenk1615]

Can create a stretched or looser or more transparent row. Using very thin string helps. For making it perfect your best bet is to go slow and NEVER MAKE A MISTAKE. Deceptively difficult stitch

[@birdasu4876]

Hello, thank you so much for your great videos! My question is...how do you decrease the fisherman's rib in the round if you are making a beanie? I am a beginning knitter and would appreciate any help you can offer! Blessings : )

[@verypinkknits]

BirdaSu - decreasing in Fisherman's Rib is tricky, and requires written instructions. I haven't written it up myself, but if you Google it, or search Ravelry for a beanie pattern, you'll find instructions.

[@anitasc5257]

I want to do this stitch with a selvage on either end. What would change re: number of stitches and technique (maybe slip one Purl wise at beginning of each row?).

[@nycGWOD]

Does anyone know which cast-on and cast-off method has been used for those pink and green swatches she shows us in the beginning? The edges look so neat and even- much more elegant than a lot of cast-on/offs I've seen used with fisherman's rib.

[@verypinkknits]

Just a regular long-tail cast on and a regular bind off. Nothing special!

[@Cynattitude78]

Can you do a tutorial using the Cubis needle.

[@angelaadams1602]

Hi, I was wondering how many yards I would need 12 inch by 40 inch scarf in worsted weight superwash merino wool (Anzula's For Better or Worsted) and 10.5 needles. I sure love your tutorials and patterns! Thank you so much!

[@alanachapman4171]

movie

[@gryphonshale]

I have searched hi and low on how to do the HALF Fishermans rib in the round and it's being very evasive! Is it possible to do? My old brain is not big enough to figure it out. Please consider making a video for us, please :)

[@verypinkknits]

This stitch doesn't look masculine or feminine on it's own...it really depends on the yarn color you use. I would say that Fisherman's Rib is the same way.

[@NinaKeilin]

I would like to know once and for all whether fisherman and brioche are actually the same. Fisherman is so much easier. When you knit one below, you get the two threads over the stich, just like the brioche knits and purls. Is there an easy way to do two color?

[@Jeya502nd]

Fisgerman's rib is looser than brioche. But look very much like brioche.

[@eirini403]

How do you decrease if you are making a sweater?Thank you

[@FRH2024]

I can’t figure out where the stitch is below I keep messing up I either drop the whole stitch or it’s extremely tight

[@bjarbj944]

Ugh. I got it thanks but now I realize I don't like it! My yarn - red heart soft- has a bit of a sheen to it and the work is for nothing when light reflects off the a stitches a stitches hides the effect. Anyone have suggestions for a yarn with a slight sheen? I'm making a hat for my husband and thought this would be perfect because it's so thick, and I love making cables. I am beginning to think of returning what I can of this yarn!

[@kumarisu1956]

how would you work an increase with this stich? I was taught to make hats from top down, and would like to try to use this stich in a beanie.

[@verypinkknits]

+Kumarisu - I don't have a video for adding increases or decreases to this stitch, but there info out there. I suggest googling "increasing in fisherman's rib", you will find what you need. Good luck!

[@jaredsfa2004]

In comparison to the Brioche Stitch, would you feel that they called it the fisherman's stitch, because it's more masculine than feminine? I remember in one of your earlier videos, I believe it was the "eye of the partridge" stitch, you discussed feminine verses masculine stitches, in which in your project you were working a heel of a sock...

[@VixeyTeh]

It's called fisherman's because it creates a thicker and warmer weave that works well fir sweaters that fishermen wear on their cold fishing trips.

[@melaniejanenewton]

When I knit fisherman's rib I knit the rs row and rib the ws row knitting 1 below. Which is the best way to increase and on which row please? I.e., increasing for sleeves that will give a smooth edge? Regards, Mel

[@verypinkknits]

melanie jane Newton - increasing in this stitch is a bit more complicated that it seems like it would be. I suggest doing a google search for increasing in Fisherman's Rib - sorry, I don't have a video on that (at least not yet).

[@melaniejanenewton]

I'm struggling findling one but I've been increasing on the ws about 3 stitches in and it looks OK and you can incorporate the increase ok after the knit row. I've had to stop slipping the first stitch to keep the edge neat. All trial and error I suppose. You never stop learning with knitting do you?!

[@gentlefieldtheorynerd853]

my pattern says 1st row knit, 2nd row k1, p1, k1b, p1 "1st and 2nd row form fisherman's rib", work 82 rows more but that's not what you did your 3rd row was same as 2nd row so i'm confused :(

[@xochitlmtzgcia]

so, brioche stitch and fishermans stitch end up with the same results? the only difference is the technique used to make the fabric?

[@verypinkknits]

Yup.

[@xochitlmtzgcia]

@@verypinkknits thanks!!!

[@jadenwood3839]

Very interesting I'm 1-

[@killuachocorobote9181]

I am learning this for my sister i.crochet

[@ellinaaaxo]

this didn't work for me... i casted on 31, knit a whole first row, then i purled the first stitch on the second row and then knit under, purl (repeat). then on the next row i knit the first, knit the next and knit under the 3rd, then repeated all the way thru. Why is it that i ended up with 32 stitches??? isn't it supposed to remain the same amount

[@verypinkknits]

ellina rabbat - you must have accidentally increased somewhere, because yes - the stitch count should remain the same, every row. Here is my video on identifying accidental increases: kzbin.info/www/bejne/p4iYZHdqfc90otU

[@irenebarnard8445]

ellina rabbat

[@forestdimitropoulos7022]

Hello, I'm having a really hard time identifying some resources on increases and decreases in Fisherman's rib. I've tired experimenting a little on my own but so far I'm having little luck. Is there any way you can point me in the right direction? TIA

[@verypinkknits]

It isn't all that easy...I designed a hat pattern (after trials and errors with decreasing to get it just right), you can see it here: verypink.com/2018/01/17/fishermans-rib-hat-scarf-set/

[@forestdimitropoulos7022]

VeryPink Knits Thank you!! I’ll have a look at it now

[@monellerichmond7208]

Love this, but where is link to video for lifeline?

[@verypinkknits]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/q2jCk6yQYplnsMk

[@monellerichmond7208]

Thank you. Might be a good idea to make one on the current row every few inches ...

[@nikki3879]

I love your work but I'm still left confused by this video. At the start you said that you'd shoe how to work it flat and also in the round, but all you demonstrated was the worked flat. I'm trying to figure out how this is done in the round. Is it alternating rounds? Or the same around and around?

[@verypinkknits]

The exact instructions for working this in-the-round are here on my website: verypink.com/2013/07/31/fancy-stitch-combos-fishermans-rib/

[@nikki3879]

@@verypinkknits Thank you so much! 💙

[@chinguyen9701]

Can you make a video for how to increase and decrease half fisherman stitches knitting in round please

[@verypinkknits]

Here is my pattern and video for a Fisherman's Rib hat and scarf: verypink.com/2018/01/17/fishermans-rib-hat-scarf-set/

[@kadiefofanah123]

It where do I start

[@aynuraktas5466]

önü selanik arkası haraşa görünümlü bir model vardı gösterebilirmisiniz

[@MRBANDBMR]

it wouldve been good if u said u started with odd number, 2nd line u started with 2 knits? 3rd line ??? = repeat line 1? it doesnt give overall picture of pattern

[@verypinkknits]

MRBANDBMR - all of the instructions necessary for working this stitch are just below the video, in the video description field. The cast-on is a multiple of 2, plus 3. After working the Setup Row, you repeat Rows 1 and 2 to desired length. It's all there!

[@greysunshine]

Hi, How would one work increases in this pattern?

[@verypinkknits]

leftstriker - working increases in this stitch is a bit more complicated than I can explain here in the comments. But if you Google "how to work increases in Fisherman's Rib", you'll get results for different explanations on how this can be done to increase and keep it looking nice.

[@jamienman]

Hi I used the long tail cast on for this but im having a hard time finding a good cast off. Could you suggest a good one for me?

[@verypinkknits]

I give instructions for binding off within the row-by-row instructions!

[@meltube6970]

Can someone tell me what (RS) and (WS) stand for please?

[@verypinkknits]

"Right side" and "wrong side".

[@meltube6970]

VeryPink Knits Of course! Thank you. By the way, I'm really pleased with how my scarf is coming along. I haven't knitted for years and I'm really enjoying picking up the needles again! Your tutorial was so helpful.

[@joebutterworth602]

hello can you use fisherman's rib for a blanket

[@verypinkknits]

You can use this stitch to make any size square or rectangle you like, including blankets.

[@joebutterworth602]

ok thank you very much

[@alexandraabraham6698]

I have seen several different videos on fisherman's rib stitch and they've all been mildly different; yours is (for the sake of brevity, and omitting mention of the obvious pattern stitches) all knit on one side, but knit/purl the other. Another video is knit/purl BOTH sides, and yet a third is KNIT both sides! So - which one is right - ?! HELP!!

[@verypinkknits]

Clearly, there is no "right" or "wrong", just different ways of working the stitch.

[@alexandraabraham6698]

@@verypinkknits Thank you - that's extremely reassuring! Being a pedantic slightly OCD operator, I like to get things right! So with all the different variations, you can knit to your heart's content and create different 'squshy' knits!! Superb! Thanks for such a rapid response! X

[@lizkimber]

I thought it was always k1b, p1 repeat, not only rib one side knit the other..

[@MarenM4085]

Liz Kimber I thought so too at first, then I realised that when you're knitting this pattern flat, there's no reason to purl any of the stitches. Because on the next row you're knitting into the stitch below, so it doesn't matter if the stitch on the needle was knit or purled. The only time you'd need to purl is when you're knitting in the round, you'd have to P1b, K1 every other round.

[@MarenM4085]

Or you could P1b, P1 if you prefer.

[@sallyjones3377]

What does BO mean?

[@verypinkknits]

Bind off. :)

[@stupidsnaps]

What does "BO" mean in the instructions? Thanks.

[@verypinkknits]

"Bind off".

[@Emmabeth1980]

I am confused - I tried this and it didn't appear to work. Surely to be reversible one must knit the knits and purl the purls yet these instructions for fishermans rib ask you to knit and purl one side and ONLY knit on the other side... I had a look at a few other vids and instructions for fishermans rib and they all suggest that the next row knits and purls, not knit all the way... So i am baffled and can't quite see how you produced the swatch you did, following th einstructions given!

[@verypinkknits]

Emmabeth1980 - the instructions are correct...it's the knitting into the stitch below that carries the elongated knit stitches into rows of ribs. It's all in the video!

[@Emmabeth1980]

VeryPink Knits I'll have another go - so I should be (on a RS row) K1, K1b... and the K1b is into a stitch that looks like a knit, and the K1 is into a stitch that looks like a purl? (I think I was doing it the other way round before)...

[@Emmabeth1980]

VeryPink Knits Ahhh.... my bad, it works now (though doesn't look quite so identical both sides as yours does but thats quite probably the cheap acrylic yarn I keep on my desk for 'test' knitting stitches!) - thanks for getting back to me so fast and I do love your videos!

[@watchgoose]

true fisherman's rib does require that you knit and purl both sides even with the knit-one-below. it makes it much closer-knit and a stretchier fabric.

[@teresab126]

Not very clear had to go to the written instructions below video

[@verypinkknits]

The written instructions AND the video are meant to work together. Both are necessary to work the stitch.

[@barbaralambusta9459]

M

[@Jeya502nd]

Similar to brioche. Much looser than brioche stitch.