OK, OK, so I know it's spring. But I've been cleaning out a lot of old "Knit Biz" documents on my computer lately and came across this little guy. It's a simple project, designed to allow you to dip your toe into the mysterious waters of "Knit One Below", also known as Brioche Stitch or Fisherman's Rib.
In fact, the worst thing about this family of stitches is the lack of continuity in the terminology. Brioche Stitch and Fisherman’s Rib are two of the more common terms; I like to think of them as referring to the two main methods of making the same fabric structure. The two methods differ thus: Fisherman’s Rib is made by knitting into a stitch in the row below; Brioche Stitch is made using extra YOs on the right hand needle.
Yes, that's right. Both of these very different methods result in exactly the same fabric structure. Don't believe me? Try it. In fact, you should try both methods anyway, to see which one you prefer.
Some additional terms you may see:
Brioche St style (with extra YOs) is also known as (Estonian) Patent Stitch, Patent Steek (Dutch = “outstanding stitch”), or Prime Rib (EZ).
Fisherman’s Rib style (K1 below) is also known as French Patent, English Brioche, or just plain Brioche. (Yes, I know. It's confusing, but sometimes "Brioche" is used to mean this method as well, although it's not as common.)
This family of stitches results in a puffy, thick, stretchy fabric. The fabrics created by the two methods have the same structure, but may differ in texture, stretch, etc. due to the different methods of construction. The extra YO method is probably a bit looser, because the yarn for the “floats” is allocated by bringing it over the RH needle. The extra YO method will be faster for Continental knitters.
Fisherman’s Rib, or K1 Below-Style Scarf
Rowan Big Wool, 2 balls
Needle/Hook size: I am using 15’s, which means others should use 17’s or 19’s.
K1B = Knit into stitch below the next st on left needle, dropping existing st off left needle. (Yes, drop it! It will work!)
CO 21 sts.
Setup row: K1 (edge st); K across; K1 (edge st).
Row 1: K1 (edge st); [K1, K1B] across; end with a K1, and K1 more (edge st).
Row 2: K1 (edge st); [K1B, K1] across; end with a K1B; K1 (edge st).
Repeat rows 1-2 for pattern.
Love the back ground photo! Cool novalty yarns!
Sorry, but I have not been on your site for almost a year now. Unless it comes up automaticly (weekly post) I just don't take the time to type it in. Spending too much time playing tennis, knitting and try to stay off the computer.
Miss your face and laugh!