This broken rib stitch knitting pattern is a fun twist on classic stitches and it’s quick & easy to learn!

Broken rib stitch is not a super common knitting stitch. I’m not sure it’s even an official classic stitch if such a thing even exists. But I’ve seen it enough to give it its own post. I love the texture and interest that broken rib stitch has and it’s a super easy one to knit!

What is broken rib stitch?

Broken rib stitch is kind of a combination of 1×1 rib stitch and garter stitch which results in almost a 3 dimensional gridded texture with columns of ribbing broken up by rows of garter. The garter stitch rows keep the ribbing from shrinking horizontally resulting in a gauge much closer to garter than ribbing.

What is great about broken rib stitch?

• Broken rib is easy to knit, you only need to know how to knit and purl.
• Broken rib lays flat on its own without curling.
• This stitch doesn’t shrink like ribbing and has a gauge closer to garter stitch than a rib stitch.

What does broken rib stitch look like?

Here is a photo showing the right side of a swatch of broken rib stitch:

Here is a photo showing the wrong side of a swatch of broken rib stitch:

You can see that although they are similar, broken rib stitch is not completely identical/reversible.

Tips & Tricks for knitting broken rib stitch

• Make sure your knit and purl tension is even.
• Because the two sides of broken rib stitch are similar, it may help to place a stitch marker on the right side to keep track.

Broken Rib Stitch Knitting Pattern (knit flat)

Cast on an odd number of stitches

Row 1: (k1, p1) and repeat to the last stitch, k1

Row 2: (p1, k1) and repeat to the last stitch, p1

Rows 3-4: knit all stitches

Repeat rows 1-4.

Here is a chart showing how to knit broken rib stitch flat:

Broken Rib Stitch Knitting Pattern (in the round)

Cast on an even number of stitches and join to knit in the round

Rounds 1-2: (k1, p1) repeat to the end of the round

Round 3: knit all stitches

Round 4: purl all stitches

Repeat rounds 1-4

Here is a chart showing how to knit broken rib stitch in the round:

Broken Rib Stitch Video Tutorial

Yield: 1 swatch

How To Knit Broken Rib Stitch

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This broken rib stitch knitting pattern is a fun twist on classic stitches and it's quick & easy to learn!

Materials

• Worsted weight yarn

Tools

• US 7 (4.5mm) straight knitting needles (for knitting flat)
• US 7 (4.5 mm) circular knitting needles

Instructions

Broken Rib Stitch Knitting Pattern (knit flat)

1. Cast on an odd number of stitches
2. Row 1: (k1, p1) and repeat to the last stitch, k1
3. Row 2: (p1, k1) and repeat to the last stitch, p1
4. Rows 3-4: knit all stitches
5. Repeat rows 1-4.

Broken Rib Stitch Knitting Pattern (in the round)

1. Cast on an even number of stitches and join to knit in the round
2. Rounds 1-2: (k1, p1) repeat to the end of the round
3. Round 3: knit all stitches
4. Round 4: purl all stitches
5. Repeat rounds 1-4

Recommended Products

As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.

• 
  Lion Brand Yarn (1 Skein 860-108A Vanna's Choice, Dusty Blue Yarn
• 
  ChiaoGoo Single Point 9 inch (23cm) Bamboo Dark Patina Knitting Needle Size US 7 (4.5mm) 1031-7
• 
  Clover 3016/16-07 Takumi Bamboo Circular 16-Inch Knitting Needles, Size 7

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Cassie May

Craft and Knitwear Designer at Little Red Window Design

Welcome to Little Red Window! I’m Cassie, a professional craft and knitwear designer working in the field for more than 10 years. I have a degree in Art History from Northwestern University and a Master's Degree in Architecture and Design from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. I've designed more than 300 separate knitting patterns, hundreds of craft projects, and I love to bring joy to your crafts and knitting with well-designed, easy to understand tutorials and patterns.

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