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Diagonal Spiral Rib Knit Stitch Pattern (Flat + In-the-Round)

Diagonal Spiral Rib, by Janice Jones, Certified Knitting Instructor (CKC)
The Diagonal Spiral Rib Stitch creates a beautifully textured fabric with a subtle diagonal twist across the ribbing, perfect for scarves, hats, and sweaters. This pattern would work nicely in projects that benefit from a flexible, subtle ribbing.

This pattern uses simple knit and purl stitches repeated in an 18-row sequence to form the spiral effect.

A swatched worked in the diagonal spiral rib knit stitchDiagonal Spiral Rib Stitch

Skill Level

Skill level easy per the Craft Yarn CouncilEasy: Great for the confident beginner

Skills Needed to Work this Stitch Pattern

How to Knit

How to Purl

How to Cast On

How to Bind Off

How to follow a knitted pattern, either written or in chart form.

Abbreviations Used

k = knit

p = purl

*   *  Work the instructions within the two asterisks for the number of times indicated.

RS = right side

WS = wrong side

Materials for Making A Practice Swatch

Pattern Details

  • Stitch Multiple: 6
  • Row Repeat: 18 rows
  • Worked Flat & In the Round
  • Reversible
  • Uses Knit and purl stitches only
Diagonal spiral rib stitch wrong sideDiagonal Spiral Rib Wrong Side
A swatched worked in the diagonal spiral rib knit stitchDiagonal Spiral Rib Right Side

Written Instructions for working flat with Straight Needles

Cast on Multiples of 6.

Row 1 (RS): * K3, P3; rep from * to end of row.
Row 2: * K3, P3; rep from * to end of row.
Row 3: * K3, P3; rep from * to end of row.
Row 4: * P1, K3, P2; rep from * to end of row.
Row 5: * K2, P3, K1; rep from * to end of row.
Row 6: * P1, K3, P2; rep from * to end of row.
Row 7: * K1, P3, K2; rep from * to end of row.
Row 8: * P2, K3, P1; rep from * to end of row.
Row 9: * K1, P3, K2; rep from * to end of row.
Row 10: * P3, K3; rep from * to end of row.
Row 11: * P3, K3; rep from * to end of row.
Row 12: * P3, K3; rep from * to end of row.
Row 13: * P2, K3, P1; rep from * to end of row.
Row 14: * K1, P3, K2; rep from * to end of row.
Row 15: * P2, K3, P1; rep from * to end of row.
Row 16: * K2, P3, K1; rep from * to end of row.
Row 17: * P1, K3, P2; rep from * to end of row.
Row 18: * K2, P3, K1; rep from * to end of row.
Repeat rows 1 – 18 for the pattern.

Instructions for Working in the Round with Circular Needles

Cast on a multiple of 6 stitches

Round 1 (RS): * K3, P3; rep from * around.
Round 2: * K3, P3; rep from * around.
Round 3: * K3, P3; rep from * around.
Round 4: * K2, P3, K1; rep from * around.
Round 5: * K2, P3, K1; rep from * around.
Round 6: * K2, P3, K1; rep from * around.
Round 7: * K1, P3, K2; rep from * around.
Round 8: * K1, P3, K2; rep from * around.
Round 9: * K1, P3, K2; rep from * around.
Round 10: * P3, K3; rep from * around.
Round 11: * P3, K3; rep from * around.
Round 12: * P3, K3; rep from * around.
Round 13: * P2, K3, P1; rep from * around.
Round 14: * P2, K3, P1; rep from * around.
Round 15: * P2, K3, P1; rep from * around.
Round 16: * P1, K3, P2; rep from * around.
Round 17: * P1, K3, P2; rep from * around.
Round 18: * P1, K3, P2; rep from * around.
Repeat rounds 1 – 18 for the pattern.

Instructions for Working Flat in Chart Form

A knitted chart for working the diagonal spiral rib stitchDiagonal Spiral Rib Stitch Chart

Frequently Asked Questions

What skill level is the Diagonal Spiral Rib Stitch suitable for?

This stitch pattern is perfect for confident beginners or intermediate knitters.
It uses only knit and purl stitches, but the 18-row repeat requires attention to maintain the diagonal movement. Use a ruler or sticky note to help keep your place.

Can I knit the Diagonal Spiral Rib Stitch in the round?

Yes!
You can easily work this pattern in the round by following the alternate instructions provided. The stitch repeat remains a multiple of 6, but the row sequence shifts slightly to create the same spiral effect.

What type of yarn works best for this stitch?

Smooth, light-colored yarns (like wool, acrylic, blends, or cotton) show off the texture beautifully.  Avoid highly variegated yarns as they can hide the subtle diagonal pattern.

Is the Diagonal Spiral Rib Stitch reversible?

Yes, but the reverse side is the mirror image of the right side.

How can I use this stitch in projects?

This pattern works well for scarves, cowls, hats, sweaters, and blankets where a flexible, decorative ribbing is desired.  It is slightly stretchy, so it wouldn't be a good choice for a cuff or the brim of a hat.  It’s a great way to add visual movement without cables or lace.

Conclusion

And that’s it! You’ve learned how to knit the Diagonal Spiral Rib Stitch, a beautifully textured pattern made with just simple knits and purls. It is suitable for beginners who are comfortable tackling a pattern with an 18-row repeat.  This stitch adds elegant movement to scarves, hats, and sweaters while staying slightly stretchy and easy to work.

Happy Knitting

Similar Stitch Patterns

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Diagonal Spiral Rib:  Pin for Future Reference

Diagonal Spiral Knit Stitch on a Pin ImageDiagonal Spiral Rib Stitch

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