The Basketweave Rib stitch is a truly stunning Rib Stitch pattern and definately one of my favorites.
The stitch creates a small six stitch diagonal basketweave pattern along the ribs, on the background of a reverse stockinette stitch. The basketweave pattern may look like a cable, but doesn’t require a cable needle as we use a series of cross two knit left and cross two purl right stitches to generate this texture.
On first look, these cross knit stitches may seem intimidating, but if it’s new to you, try a few practices on a test swatch, and we’re sure you’ll pick it up pretty quickly.
The stitch, while not strictly reversible looks beautiful on both sides, and has a fair bit of give. This stitch is best used for the whole fabric, or as a decorative panel on a garment rather than using as ribbing around the collars or cuffs (although, do as you wish!).
Raring to go? Ok, lets head to the instructions…
Instructions
Cast on multiples of twelve plus five stitches for your project.
The first row starts with a twelve stitch repeat; begin by purling five stitches, then cross two left knit three times. Finish the last five stitches in the row by purling them.
For the second row start by knitting the first five stitches. Then enter a twelve stitch repeat beginning by purling one, then cross 2 right purl three times and finish by knitting five stitches.
Once you have completed row 2, continue repeating rows 1-2 until you have the desired size.
Difficulty level:
Cast on:
Cast on in multiples of 12 + 5 stitches.
Techniques Used in this Stitch:
k
p
cross 2 RP
cross 2 LK
Knit
Purl
Cross 2 right purl
Cross 2 left knit
Traditional Instructions
Row 1: *p5, k1 (cross 2 LK) 3 times; repeat from * till the last five stitches, p5.
Row 2: k5, *p1, (cross 2 RP) 3 times, k5; repeat from * till the end of the row.
Repeat rows 1-2 to desired length.
Basketweave Rib Stitch Chart
Basketweave Rib Stitch Swatch Examples
