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How to Knit & How to Fix Fisherman’s Rib

March 21, 2018 10 Comments

The Fisherman's Rib Stitch is a great alternative to knitting brioche because it results in a fluffy, dimensional finished fabric, but it's a bit easier to knit. Learn all about how to knit Fisherman's Rib, plus learn how to fix mistakes when they crop up, in two great video tutorials.
Okay, almost everyone knows what ribbing is, even if they’re not a knitter. You alternate knit and purl stitches to knit a stretchy fabric that adorns the hem, collar and cuffs of hand and machine knit sweaters all over the world. Duh. But sometimes as a knitter, you’re looking for a ribbing that’s got even more texture to it than a standard k1, p1 rib. Faced with this, there are two popular options to try: Brioche Rib, which is challenging with its relatively steep learning curve, and Fisherman’s Rib, which is much easier to learn. If you can knit and purl, you can easily master Fisherman’s Rib in about 5 minutes. Today, we’re going to tackle how to knit Fisherman’s Rib, and how to go back and fix mistakes when you work this fun, fluffy stitch.

PS: If you’re looking for a project to practice the Fisherman’s Rib, check out the Fisherman’s Rib Baby Blanket. 

PPS: If you’d also like to try the brioche stitch, I’ve got tutorials for how to knit basic brioche and how to fix it too. Because of course I do. ;) 

How to Knit Fisherman’s Rib Stitch

Your basic Fisherman’s Rib Stitch is a simple 1 over 1 rib stitch (a.k.a. k1, p1), with one critical difference: the k1s are worked in the row below. The abbreviation for a knit 1 below is k1b. This video walks you through how to knit Fisherman’s Rib, based on the instructions in Barbara Walker’s legendary stitch dictionary, A Treasury of Knitting Patterns (p. 44 to be exact!).

How to Fix Fisherman’s Rib Stitch

To “tink” is to unknit or knit backwards (“tink” is the word “knit” spelled backwards, get it?). When you tink Fisherman’s Rib, you can’t just knit backwards like with regular knit stitches since the knit stitches are knit in the row below. There’s an extra stitch involved that’s both crossed over and pulled up onto your needle when you tink it. Check out this video for how to successfully tink Fisherman’s Rib to go back and fix mistakes, and there are also a couple tips about laddering down and using lifelines to make tearing back a breeze.

The Fisherman's Rib Stitch is a great alternative to knitting brioche because it results in a fluffy, dimensional finished fabric, but it's a bit easier to knit. Learn all about how to knit Fisherman's Rib, plus learn how to fix mistakes when they crop up, in two great video tutorials.
The Fisherman's Rib Stitch is a great alternative to knitting brioche because it results in a fluffy, dimensional finished fabric, but it's a bit easier to knit. Learn all about how to knit Fisherman's Rib, plus learn how to fix mistakes when they crop up, in two great video tutorials.

Yarn pictured was provided by Lion Brand Yarn, and it’s LB Collection Superwash Merino yarn in Dijon.

Filed Under: Knitting Tagged With: fisherman's rib, how to fix fisherman's rib, k1b, knit 1 below, video tutorial

About Heidi

Heidi Gustad (she/her) is a craft book author & designer specializing in yarn crafts. Her work combines vintage and modern design elements, prioritizing color and graphic motifs. Her first book, Latch Hook: 12 Projects for the Modern Maker, is out now.

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Comments

  1. Karen Brayton

    April 4, 2018 at 3:01 pm

    Wonderful tutorials, very clearly presented. Thank you.

    Reply
    • Heidi

      April 4, 2018 at 6:51 pm

      You’re most welcome!

      Reply
  2. Jpni Teller

    October 4, 2019 at 9:28 am

    Is it possible to put in a reactive lifeline in this stitch? I haven’t been able to find any information about how to do this.

    Reply
    • Heidi

      October 7, 2019 at 1:53 pm

      Since you’re knitting into the stitch below, I’m not sure. I pretty much use reactive lifelines in stockinette and other simple stitches, but I’ve never tried it with fisherman’s rib. Sorry I’m not more helpful here, it’s such a good question! If you end up finding any good tips, please holler! I’d love to learn. -Heidi

      Reply
  3. Nina Davies

    January 8, 2021 at 6:51 am

    very clear and useful I shall certainly put lifelines in I haven’t done fisherman knit since I was young and I am now over 80and also do the tink. Is there a book I can buy useful for doing various knit stitches, ( a sort of Bible). I have recently during the pandemic made 8 sweaters for grandchildren and enjoyed taking up knitting again

    Reply
    • Heidi

      January 25, 2021 at 4:11 pm

      That’s wonderful, Nina! Far and away, my #1 go-to stitch bible is Barbara Walker’s series of stitch dictonaries. She did a total of four, but one and two in the series will keep you literally in stitches for quite awhile!

      Book one: https://www.amazon.com/Treasury-Knitting-Patterns-Barbara-Walker/dp/0942018168
      two: https://www.amazon.com/Second-Treasury-Knitting-Patterns/dp/0942018176/ref=sr_1_4?dchild=1&qid=1611612642&refinements=p_27%3ABarbara+G.+Walker&s=books&sr=1-4

      You’re also on my wavelength. While I was on break the last couple weeks, I knocked out a sweater body really quick. ;) -Heidi

      Reply
  4. Julia Hull

    July 3, 2021 at 12:01 pm

    Heidi, thank you for the video on how to tink back with fisherman’s rib. It has saved the day as I continue to progress through a sweater with only this stitch knit in the flat. I learned how to frog it back to the problem but was hoping for exactly this information!! I searched for days and finally found your post and video. It works like a charm!!! I am soooo grateful!

    Reply
  5. Liz

    September 22, 2021 at 9:56 pm

    Hello Heidi,
    This is great.
    Do you have any advice on how to too a P1B stitch made in error?

    Reply
    • Heidi

      October 13, 2021 at 11:28 am

      Is it just one row down?

      Reply
  6. DonDrea Esnault

    February 24, 2022 at 11:44 am

    First time trying this stitch, which I’m loving, but got into a pickle when I made a mistake and went to tink! So far your video is the only one I’ve found that truly explain how to tink this stitch! Thank you!!!

    Reply

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Heidi Gustad from Hands Occupied / Craft Book Author and Knitting, Crochet, Latch Hook and Macrame Designer

Hi! I’m Heidi (she/her/hers), and I’ve been helping yarn crafters untangle various techniques on the internet since 2010. I got my start here, as a blogger, and since then I’ve shared more than a few tutorials here and on YouTube as I’ve grown as a pattern designer. 🧶 

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Heidi Gustad 🧶 knitting & yarn crafts

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Knitting & yarn crafts designer 🧶
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Stay up-to-date 💌 & shop new patterns ⤵️

POV: Showing you how my new Bevelled Tank pattern POV: Showing you how my new Bevelled Tank pattern fits with no ease vs. 4” of positive ease. There’s a bit more length to the cotton (brighter color) sample, but both are cropped and feature shoulder seams designed to sit an inch back onto the shoulder instead of on top, giving it a little swing. Length is easily adjustable for folks looking for less of a crop. 
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Pattern: Bevelled Tank by @handsoccupied for @pompommag x @hobbii_yarn summer 2024. Available for free from Hobbii at the 🔗 in my profile.
Yarn pictured: @kelbournewoolens Skipper and Camper. 
Dress form is adjusted to a 36” chest and ~5’3”ish in height. 
Human has a 40” chest and is 5’5”.
Both skirts are vintage.
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#pompomxhobbiisummer2024 #handsoccupied #intarsia #handmade #knitting #colorwork
Let’s talk about fit and ease! . During the Beve Let’s talk about fit and ease!
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During the Bevelled Tank design process for @pompommag, I knit 2 samples using 2 different @KelbourneWoolens yarns. One was in Skipper (100% cotton, second photo) and the other was in Camper (100% 2 ply wool). The Skipper sample was knit for a 36” bust, which measures in at 40” with 4” of positive ease. And I knit the Camper Sample for my 40” bust with a 44” finished measurement. (BTW, I’m 5’5” for folks that find that measurement helpful in visualizing fit.)
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Based on the size chart for the Bevelled Tank, that means I knit one size 3 sample and one size 4. As designed, I conveniently fit a size 4 as intended with 4” of positive ease. When I wear the 3, there is no ease at all because the garment and my body are both 40” in size. Comparing the 2 garments, you can see how the fiber content (cotton vs. wool) and fit (no ease vs. 4” of positive ease) makes a difference in the look and feel of the finished garment. 
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These samples are a great way to compare what ease looks like on different bodies. While I can fit both a size 3 and 4, the garment with no ease feels more like pajamas or a bralette when I wear it. On the other hand, when I wear the one with 4” of positive ease, I feel comfortable enough to wear it to work, even as a crop top. Plus, it leaves me with enough room to layer it with a nice button down if I’m not feeling the cropped look one day. 
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I’m curious - how would you style this tank? Would you modify it with a few stockinette rows for added length? I’m so curious now that this pattern is finally out in the world. :) 
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#pompomxhobbiisummer2024 #bevelledtank #handsoccupied #knitting #intarisa #handmade #kelbournewoolens #croppedsweater #summerknits
After a 6 month hiatus, I am happy to say I’m ba After a 6 month hiatus, I am happy to say I’m back with a brand new pattern in 9 sizes, and it’s FREE as part of @pompommag x @hobbii_yarn’s summer design collection! (Link is in my bio.)
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In my December newsletter, I announced that I was soliciting test knitters for a pattern that had originally been selected for the summer ’24 issue of Pom Pom Quarterly magazine. However, the magazine ceased publication after its spring ’24 issue, leaving in-progress designs unpublished. (It happens.) As a result, I’d begun the long process of editing, testing, and photographing the pattern for independent release through the Hands Occupied pattern shop and Ravelry.
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Before I was done with that process, Pom Pom Quarterly’s former editors reached out with an exciting proposal for the pattern. Post-magazine, they’ve begun to partner with yarn companies to produce high quality pattern collections. They wanted to include designs from the would-be current issue of Pom Pom Quarterly in a new collection for Hobbii yarn, including my Bevelled Tank. I worked with the same technical editors I would have for the magazine on this one, and as you can see from the photos, Pom Pom’s team did an amazing job of styling the garment to the beautiful standards they’re known for.
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You can learn more about the pattern on my blog and get the free pattern from Hobbii yarn - links to both in my profile. I’ll post sizing info in the comments for quick reference too. 🧶
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#pompomxhobbiisummer2024 #knitting #intarsia #sponsored #colorworkknitting 
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Photos: @dianascarrunz 
Model: @angel.jade_
Here’s a nice throwback for you: my take on a vi Here’s a nice throwback for you: my take on a vintage knitting pattern from 1938 called the Fernlace Pullover. A pattern so nice, I knit it twice.
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Yellow version 💛: knit with Despondent Dyes’ Vintage Vixen Sport after attending a @squidneyknits vintage knitting retreat in 2019 & learning *so much*. Paired with a self-drafted circle skirt pattern. 
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Blue version 💙: knit with @eweeweyarns Ewe So Sporty in Sky Blue. Paired with the 1940s Boardwalk Duet sewing pattern from @decades_of_style 
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Head to my stories for 🔗🔗 to the handmade wardrobe blog posts I wrote about each take on the Fernlace Pullover, working with a vintage pattern, where to find vintage patterns (including the one I used), & some thoughts on sizing. 
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Image descriptions available in alt text. 
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#handsoccupied #handmadewardrobe #fernlacepullover #vintageknitting #vintageknittingpatterns #knitting_inspiration
Frogging is a word in the knitting world that mean Frogging is a word in the knitting world that means to rip out your knitting. It’s called frogging because frogs say “ribbit,” and when you’re tearing out your knitting, you will “rip it” out, and that sounds like ribbit. No really. 🐸 Did you know this fun fact? 
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P.S. I did like this design concept, but to make the pattern more knitter friendly as well as more wearable, I am making some tweaks to the construction. Excited to share when it’s ready! 🥰🧶
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Yarn: @blueskyfibers Woolstok North in Morning Frost & Highland Fleece 
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#handsoccupied #knitting #frogging #blueskyfibers #knittersofinstagram #blueskymakers #knittingvocabulary #bsfmakers #knitdesign
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