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How to Knit the Shaker Rib Stitch – Easy Tutorial for Beginners

Shaker Rib Knit Stitch Pattern

The Shaker Rib Stitch is a beautifully textured, lofty rib variation that’s perfect for scarves, cowls, and cozy sweaters. Often confused with Brioche Stitch, it produces a similar squishy feel — but it’s simpler and faster to learn, making it ideal for beginners.

A swatch of the Shaker Rib Stitch (aka Half-Fisherman's Rib worked in purple-blue yarn.Shaker Rib Stitch

Skill Level

Skill level easy per the Craft Yarn Council

Beginner:  If you’re comfortable with knit and purl stitches and ready to learn something new, the Shaker Rib Stitch is a good next step.

Supplies You’ll Need

  • Worsted weight yarn (wool or wool blend recommended)
  • US size 8 (5.0 mm) knitting needles
  • Yarn needle for weaving in ends
  • Scissors

Skills You’ll Learn

  • How to “knit into the stitch below” (K1B)
  • Maintaining an even ribbed pattern
  • Reading your knitting in a rib structure

Abbreviations

K = Knit

P = Purl

K1b = Knit One Below

RS = right side

WS = wrong Side

K1B (Knit One Below)

Demonstrating how to make the K1B technique in knitting
Showing where to insert the right needle when making a k1b.

Shaker Rib Stitch Pattern (Flat)

Cast on an even number of stitches.

  • Setup Row (RS): K1, P1 across
  • Then begin the pattern rows: 
  •  Row 1 (WS): K1B, P1 across.
  • Repeat Row 1 for the pattern.

The K1, P1 setup row establishes the ribbing and gives the fabric a more defined starting edge.   You can skip the setup row and go straight into K1B, P1 on Row 1, but the bottom edge may look a little wonky, especially if you use specific yarns.  In my opinion, it is just easier to make the knit one below into a stitch rather than a cast-on row.

Other Ways to Work the Shaker Rib

You might find other methods for working the Shaker Rib.  Either way will create the stitch, so it is a matter of preference.  In this method, the first stitch is always slipped.

Instructions for Working in the Round (Circular or DPNs)

  1. Cast on an even number of stitches.
  2. Join in the round, being careful not to twist.
  3. (Optional) Set up Round: K1, P1 around.
  4. Pattern Round:
    Knit 1 below (K1B), Purl 1; repeat from * to end of round.
  5. Repeat the pattern round until the desired length is reached.
  6. Bind off loosely in pattern.

Shaker Rib (Half-Fisherman's Rib in Chart Form

A knitted chart showing how to work the Shaker Rib Stitch Pattern

Notes & Tips

  • The K1B (knit one below) is what creates the stretchy, plush texture. Insert your needle into the stitch one row below the next stitch on your left needle and knit it.
  • Don’t pull too tightly — let the fabric stay airy.
  • Shaker Rib is reversible — both sides look the same!
Wrong side is showin of a swatch worked with the Shaker Rib Stitch PatternShaker Rib Stitch Pattern: Wrong Side: This stitch is reversible.

FAQs About the Shaker Rib Stitch

What is the difference between Shaker Rib and Brioche Stitch?

Shaker Rib is a simpler version of Brioche. It uses the “knit 1 below” technique instead of yarn overs and slipped stitches. Brioche is loftier and more complex.

Why does my Shaker Rib look loose or holey?

That’s normal for this stitch, especially with K1B. Try using a smaller needle if you prefer tighter fabric.

Can I knit Shaker Rib in the round?

Yes. The in-the-round version is slightly different.

What projects are best for this stitch?

It’s great for scarves, cowls, ribbed edges on sweaters, and even blankets.

Ideal Projects for Shaker Rib

  • Beginner scarves
  • Chunky cowls
  • Hat brims
  • Cozy sweater panels
  • Pillow covers

What is the Difference between the Shaker Rib (Half Fisherman's Rib), Fisherman's Rib, and Brioche Stitch

Brioche Knit Stitch thumbnailBrioche Stitch
Fisherman's rib worked in pinkFisherman's Rib
Thumbnail of the Shaker Rib Knit StitchShaker Rib Stitch

All of these stitches look similar but they are all different.  If you are as confused as I was when I first encountered them, I've put together a little table that might help.

Feature Shaker Rib (Half Fisherman’s Rib) Fisherman’s Rib (Full) Brioche Stitch
Skill Level Beginner Advanced Beginner Intermediate
Structure Alternates K1 and P1 / K1B and P1 K1B on both RS and WS rows Slipped stitches with yarn overs
Main Technique Knit into stitch below (K1B) on WS K1B on every knit stitch both sides Brioche knit (brk), brioche purl (brp), YO/sl combinations
Appearance Flat, spongy, subtle rib Thicker, more voluminous rib Deep, luxurious ribbing with pronounced texture
Reversible Yes Yes Yes
Stretch Moderate High Very high
Common Uses Scarves, cowls, sweaters Blankets, chunky knits, sweater ribs High-fashion scarves, sweaters, statement pieces
Common Mistake Knitting into top of stitch instead of below Forgetting to K1B on both sides Misplacing YO/sl pairs or skipping brk/brp
  • Shaker Rib is great for beginners who want the look of Brioche without the complexity.
  • Fisherman’s Rib gives more volume but requires attention on both sides.
  • Brioche produces the most dramatic results, but it has a steeper learning curve.

Shaker Rib Stitch:  Pin for Future Reference

Shaker Rib Stitch Pin Image

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