How to Knit the Mock Ribbing Stitch
Terms:
k = knit p = purl sl = slip sl1 wyib = slip one with yarn in back
sl1 wyif = slip one with yarn in front sts = stitches rep = repeat
Terms & Abbreviations explained at the end of the pattern.
Mock Ribbing: Multiple of 2 +1
Knit with straight edging
I prefer to knit with a slipped stitch at the beginning, and a knit stitch at the end, as I like the way the edges look. The work also seems to lay flatter when using this method. If you would like the stitch as written without this edging, scroll down to the next set of instructions.
Right Side of Stitch
Pattern is two rows, repeated until desired length is reached.
Start Pattern:
Row 1: sl1, k1, *p1, k1; rep from * to last st, k1.
Row 2: sl1, p1, *sl1wyif, p1; rep from * to last st, k1.
Repeat these 2 rows until desired length is reached.
When slipping the first stitch, slip the stitch as if you are going to knit it, with the yarn in back.
Wrong Side of Stitch
I absolutely LOVE the backside of this stitch, I think I might even like it better than the front.
Mock Ribbing: Multiple of 2 +1
Written with the standard stitch instructions
Knitted work on top shows how the stitch looks without slipping the first stitch. Bottom knitted work is with the first stitch slipped.
Pattern is two rows, repeated until desired length is reached.
Start Pattern:
Row 1: k1, *p1, k1; rep from * to end.
Row 2: p1, *sl1wyif, p1; rep from * to end.
Repeat these 2 rows until desired length is reached.
Mock Ribbing in the Round: Multiple of 2
Knit seamless using double pointed needles or a circular needle.
Pattern is two rounds, repeated until desired length is reached.
Start Pattern:
Round 1: *k1, p1; rep from * to end.
Round 2: *k1, sl1wyib; rep from * to end.
Repeat these 2 rows until desired length is reached.
This stitch looks great knit with a variety of different types of yarn, the Forest (Green) and Gold swatches are knit with Loops & Threads Impeccable and the Cream colored swatch is knit with Sugar’n Cream Cotton.
I have a few patterns that use this stitch, one of my favorites is the Mock Ribbing Beanie. I have written it out using Worsted and Super Bulky yarns, both patterns are available in my Etsy Shop.
Terms and Abbreviations
Asterisks: asterisks * are used in this pattern to indicate repetition of a sequence of stitches. For example when you see *k1, p2; rep from * to end. This means knit 1 stitch, purl 2 stitches until you reach the end of the row.
Multiples: some patterns require a certain number of stitches to form a complete pattern, the number of stitches cast on the needle must be divisible by this number. In the beginning of the pattern when stated multiples of 5, this means to cast on a number that 5 can go into, such as 10, 15 or 20, you get to choose the number depending on what it is you are making. If a pattern asks for a multiple of 3 + 1 this means you cast on a number that 3 can go into, then add 1 additional stitch, for example of you want to use 9 as your multiple of 3 you would cast on 9 stitches then add 1 stitch for a total of 10 stitches to start the pattern.
k = knit & p = purl: abbreviations that describe the detailed working of the pattern. For example; k1, p4, k2 written in a pattern means you knit 1 stitch, then purl 4 stitches, then knit 2 stitch.
sl = slip: this abbreviation means you transfer the stitch from the left hand needle on to the right hand needle without knitting it, then you follow the directions for the next stitch. For example; sl1, k1 written in a pattern means you slip the first stitch from the left hand needle on to the right hand needle without knitting it, then knit the next stitch.
sl wyib = slip: this abbreviation means you slip the stitch holding the yarn in the back of the work. Slip the stitch purlwise, inserting the needle as if you are going to purl the stitch when slipping it.
sl wyif = slip: this abbreviation means you slip the stitch holding the yarn in the front of the work. Slip the stitch purlwise, inserting the needle as if you are going to purl the stitch when slipping it.
sts = stitches
rep = repeat
