How to knit the Sailor's Rib stitch pattern (only 4 rows)

Today, you’ll learn how to knit the Sailor’s Rib stitch; a textured pattern, full of advantages for us knitters (similar yet more detailed than the Little Boxes stitch we practiced years ago).

Firstly, it’s a super easy four-row repeat pattern, which combines only knit and purl stitches, great for beginners (no need to increase or decrease at all).

Secondly, although both sides are different, I’d say that the Sailor’s Rib stitch is a reversible knitting pattern.

Why?

Well, the so-called “wrong side” of the work looks pretty too, so it’s a nice option for scarves, throws, blankets, etc.

Last but not least, it doesn’t curl or bend. The fabric lays flat no matter what (exactly as my doctor recommended).

So, no more chatting 🙂

Grab your needles and some yarn, and let’s get started!

This swatch was knitted using 100% cotton yarn (great for sensitive skins) #ad

Sailor's Rib stitch reversible knitting pattern. So Woolly.

And my favorite bamboo double–pointed needles, perfect for swatches, socks, gloves, and hats (US 8 / 5 mm) #ad

Abbreviations

CO: Cast on

st: Stitch

RS: Right side

K: Knit

P: Purl

ktbl: Knit one stitch through the back loop

BO: Bind off

WS: Wrong side

N.B.:

The odd rows form the right side of the work.

The first and the last are selvage stitches and will be knitted on each row.

Sailor’s Rib stitch knitting pattern

CO multiples of 5 +1 + 2 (edge stitches).

For example: 5 * 3 = 15 + 1 = 16 + 2 = 18 st.

Row 1 (RS): K1, ktbl, *P1, K2, P1, ktbl*. Repeat from * to *, ending with K1.

Row 2: K1, P1, *K1, P2, K1, P1*. Repeat from * to *, ending with K1.

Row 3: K1, ktbl, *P4, ktbl*. Repeat from * to *, ending with K1.

Row 4: K1, P1, *K4, P1*. Repeat from * to *, ending with K1.

These four rows create the pattern. Repeat them until the desired length is reached.

For symmetry, when finished BO working each st as it presents, after row 1 (WS).

This is the other side of the work:

Sailor's Rib stitch knitting pattern (super easy, reversible, and doesn't curl). So Woolly.

Enjoy the video tutorial: