English rib stitch

The English rib stitch is one of the softest, most voluminous, and elegant knitting stitches. In English, it is often called English rib or linked to the world of brioche stitch.

👉 It is very different from the purl stitch:

• deep rib structure
• soft and "puffy" effect
• great elasticity

The English rib stitch is based on a key technique:

👉 you don't just knit... but also the yarn of the previous row

Simplified basic pattern:

• Row 1: 1 knit, 1 yarn over + 1 slipped stitch
• Row 2: knit the stitch together with the yarn over from the previous row

💡 In practice:

• some stitches are worked twice (over two rows)
• this creates the typical volume

🧵 Main variants

– Classic English rib

• very soft and thick
• immediate "luxury" effect

– Fisherman rib (false English rib)

• it is worked by taking the stitch below the current one
• similar result but slightly more compact

👉 often used in industry because it is more stable

– Brioche (also two-color)

• more complex evolution
• graphic effects and premium texture

🎯 Technical characteristics

• ✔️ Very high elasticity
• ✔️ High volume (puffy effect)
• ✔️ Very soft handfeel
• ✔️ Perfect for cashmere and noble yarns
• ❗ Consumes much more yarn (even +30/40%)
• ❗ Slower to produce (even on machines)

🧥 Where it is used

• Premium scarves (absolute top)
• Winter hats
• Oversized sweaters
• Turtlenecks / roll necks
• Voluminous cardigans

👉 For your brand:

• it is the perfect stitch for "wow" products to the touch
• as soon as the customer touches it → they immediately perceive value

🏭 Industrial use (very important)

On machines like Shima Seiki:

• it is made through:
  • needle selection + multiple passes
• the fisherman rib version is often used for:
  • greater stability
  • less risk of errors
• requires:
  • more machine time
  • more yarn
  • more attention in finishing

👉 Result: a more expensive garment but much more perceived as luxury

Why is it called "English rib"?

Here's the interesting part 👇

📜 Origin of the name

The name "English rib" comes from:

1. Historical spread in the United Kingdom
   • widely used in British textile tradition
   • typical of heavy knitwear for cold climates
2. Use in fishermen's and English workers' garments
   • hence also the name fisherman rib
   • it was used for:
     • thermal insulation
     • elasticity and comfort
3. Transmitted terminology
   • in Italy many stitches take "geographical" names
   • this was associated with England → English rib

👉 In reality:

• it wasn't necessarily "born" in England
• but it's where it became iconic and recognizable

🧠 Key difference from other stitches