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The Sailor’s Rib Pattern has a very attractive rib structure that instantly draws the eye. The simple combination of knit and purl stitches is very effective and gives this rib pattern a very interesting structure.
In fact, the resulting rib texture is very attractive and is perfect for almost every possible project you have in mind, including sweaters and scarves.
Even though technically, this is not a reversible pattern, the wrong side of the pattern is also very appealing and can easily be mistaken for the “right” side of the fabric.
That’s what makes this particular stitch pattern especially suited for knitting projects where both sides of the fabric are exposed. Think eye-catching scarves and exciting shawls.
Like almost all ribbing patterns, the Sailor’s Rib Pattern has a nice vertical stretch to it.
Likewise, the stitch pattern is perfect for combining with other patterns. For instance, it will look lovely in panels combined with cables. Or you could simply just use it on its own.

Techniques Needed for Sailor’s Rib Pattern
Abbreviation Description Tutorial
k knit Knit Stitch Continental Style
Knit Stitch English Style
p purl Purl Stitch Continental Style
Purl Stitch English Style
K1-b knit through backloop Knit Through Front and Back Loops
Other Abbreviations Used
ws wrong side
rs right side
rep repeat
st(s) stitch(es)
Instructions (Knitted Flat)
Multiple of 5 sts plus 1.
Row 1 (RS): K1-b , * p1, k2, p1, k1-b,; rep from *
Row 2: P1, * k1, p2, k1, p1; rep from *
Row 3: K1-b, * p4, k1-b; rep from *
Row 4: P1, * k4, p1; rep from *
Repeat Rows 1 to 4 until you have reached the desired length
If you want to knit this pattern in the round
is it just Multiple’s of 5
Thanks for the in the round tip.
I love getting these helpful patterns. Thank you
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Stephanie