Supple Rib Worked Flat and in the Round

When we are looking for an easy stitch pattern with small repeat and interesting texture, supple rib is a great option to consider.

Even though this stitch is based on ribbing and is called a “rib”, it does not behave like a usual ribbing pattern. Thanks to a slightly unusual way to work stitches, supple rib forms a beautiful textured fabric that does not have an excessive ribbing-like stretch and looks great (though not identical) on both sides of the work.

It is one of those “go-to” stitch patterns that work well for any project – socks, mittens, hats, scarves, blankets, sweaters and anything else you decide to make.

With a small three-stitch two-row repeat, this stitch is easy to remember, easy to convert for knitting in the round and easy to use in any project.

Now, that we know how wonderful this stitch pattern is, let’s see how it works row for row.

When we work in the round, we don’t need that extra stitch that balances the pattern repeat. So, we cast on a multiple of three stitches and don’t knit one stitch before the first pattern repeat in round 1.

Because we don’t turn the work when we work in the round, we will knit all stitches in the second round instead of purling them.

Source:
750 Knitting Stitches (New York St. Martin’s Griffin, 2015), 34

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