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 associated with brioche stitch.

👉 It is very different from purl stitch:

• deeply ribbed structure
• soft and “puffy” effect
• great elasticity

The English rib stitch is based on a key technique:

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

Simplified basic pattern:

• Row 1: knit 1, yarn over + slip 1 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 variations

- Classic English rib

• very soft and thick
• immediate “luxury” effect

- Fisherman's rib (false English rib)

• worked by picking up the stitch below the current one
• similar result but slightly more compact

👉 often used in industry because it's 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 machine)

🧥 Where it's used

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

👉 For your brand:

• it's the perfect stitch for products that feel "wow"
• as soon as the customer touches it → they immediately perceive value

🏭 Industrial use (very important)

On machines like Shima Seiki:

• it's made by:
  • needle selection + multiple passes
• the fisherman's 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 perceived as much more luxurious

Why is it called "English rib"?

Here comes 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 garments for English fishermen and workers
   • hence also the name fisherman's rib
   • served for:
     • thermal insulation
     • elasticity and comfort
3. Transmitted terminology
   • in Italy many stitches take "geographic" names
   • this one was associated with England → English rib

👉 In reality:

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

🧠 Key difference compared to other stitches