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Basket Rib Knit Stitch Pattern
(Instructions & Swatch Guide)

Basket Rib Knit Stitch Pattern by Janice Jones

The Basket Rib Knit Stitch is a textured, non-reversible pattern that blends simple knits, purls, and slip stitches to create a fabric with a gentle woven effect. 

This pattern has a slight horizontal stretch and lies relatively flat, making it a good alternative to traditional ribbing, but still considered to be a knit rib stitch

The right side showing of a swatch made with the basket rib knit stitch patternBasket Rib Knit Stitch Pattern

Knit and Purl Stitches        Knit Rib Stitches      Slip Stitch Patterns      4-Row Repeat

Skill Level

Easy:  This pattern only requires basic stitches and slipping stitches, making it a great choice for knitters just moving beyond garter or stockinette stitch.

Skill level easy per the Craft Yarn Council

Materials Needed to Knit a Swatch

  • Worsted weight yarn (blue 100% wool yarn used in swatch sample)
  • US size 8 (5 mm) knitting needles (or size to obtain gauge)
  • Tapestry needle (for weaving in ends)
  • Scissors

Abbreviations

K – Knit

P – Purl

Sl 1 purlwise – Slip 1 stitch as if to purl

Wyif – With yarn in front

Yb – Yarn back

RS – Right Side

** Work instructions between two asterisks for the number of times indicated

Skills Required

  • Casting on (Long Tail Cast On Method
  • Knit Stitches
  • Purl stitches
  • Slipping stitches purlwise
  • Understanding right side (RS) and wrong side (WS) rows
  • Bind Off

Notes

  1. Always slip stitches purlwise with the yarn in the correct position (in front or back, as instructed) to maintain a clean texture.
  2. Blocking your finished swatch or project will help relax the stitches and enhance the ribbed basket effect.
  3. The fabric is not reversible (See photo below)
  4. There is a four-row repeat
  5. It is worked on an odd number of stitches or multiple of 2 + 1 stitches
  6. The stitch count must be an odd number, so don’t forget the extra +1 when casting on.
The wrong side showing on a swatch made with the basket rib knit stitch.Wrong Side Showing for the Basket Rib Knit Pattern

Written Pattern Instructions

Cast on an odd number of stitches or a multiple of 2 + 1

Row 1 (RS): Knit all stitches

Row 2 (WS): Purl all stitches

Row 3 K1, *sl 1 purlwise, k1; repeat from * to end

Row 4 K1, *wyif, sl 1 purlwise, yb, k1; repeat from * to end

Repeat Rows 1–4 to form the Basket Rib texture.

FAQ: Basket Rib Knit Stitch

What yarn weight works best?

Worsted weight or DK yarns work well. Lighter yarns will show off more subtle texture, while heavier yarns will produce a chunkier, more defined basket effect.

Can I knit this in the round?

This version is written for flat knitting. For knitting in the round, you’d need to adapt Rows 2 and 4 (e.g., by purling instead of knitting).

Why do we slip stitches purlwise?

Slipping stitches purlwise keeps them untwisted, preserving the vertical texture and structure of the stitch pattern.

Is this stitch reversible?

No, Both sides look different.

Best Project Ideas for the Basket Rib Stitch

  • Scarves
  • Blankets and Throws
  • Dishcloths and Washcloths
  • Baby Items (baby blankets, stroller covers, or burp cloths)
  • Cushion Covers
  • Cowls and Infinity Scarves
  • Sweaters and Hats: Brims, cuffs, hems

Conclusion

The Basket Rib Knit Stitch is a versatile and visually interesting pattern that’s accessible even to new knitters. With its rhythmic sequence of knit, purl, and slipped stitches, it offers an elegant woven texture that works well for both accessories and garments. Whether you're practicing your tension, experimenting with texture, or creating your next heirloom piece, this stitch is a beautiful and rewarding choice.

Reference

Harmony Guides:  Knit and Purl Stitches, 250 to Knit, Edited by Erika Knight.  (page 130). Check for availability on Amazon.

Basket Rib Knit Stitch:  Pin Now, Knit Later

The basket rib knit stitch pattern on a pin imageHow to Knit the Basket Rib Knit Stitch Pattern

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