Ottoman rib is one of those simple versatile stitch patterns that are handy when we want to add an interesting detail to our knits or to “whip up” a simple project from scratch.
It forms a lovely textured fabric that looks a lot like ribbing, but is in fact, a “gathered” stockinette stitch.
It works great in cases when we want the fabric to resemble ribbing, but without the excessive stretch. For example, when we make hems or warm textured hats.
FUN FACT
This texture was developed in the Ottoman Empire (hence the name). The ribs caught the light, highlighting the sheen of the silk that was used to make elaborate garments. At the same time, the ribbed texture provided structure and made the fabric thicker and more durable.
Unlike regular ribbing, ottoman rib is not reversible. The wrong side of the fabric looks like honeycomb stitch, and that makes this stitch a nice option for cowls, scarves and blankets that benefit from different, but equally beautiful sides of the fabric.
The best part is – this interesting pattern is ridiculously easy to knit. The magic happens over a 3-stitch and 2-row repeat.
In this tutorial, we’ll see how we can add ottoman rib to projects worked flat and the ones worked in the round.
THIS STITCH IN A NUTSHELL
- Level of difficulty – Easy
- Reversible? No
- Textured? Yes
- Best for – Hats, scarves, cowls, sweaters
- Stitch multiple – 3 stitches + 1 stitch for symmetry
- Row multiple – 2 rows / rounds
VIDEO TUTORIAL
(if you don’t see the video, turn off the ad blocker in your browser)
WRITTEN INSTRUCTIONS
HOW TO KNIT OTTOMAN RIB BACK AND FORTH
Cast on a multiple of 3 stitches plus 1 stitch.
Use any cast-on method you like. Because this stitch pattern has moderate stretch, it works well with most types of cast on. For my swatch, I used a slingshot version of the long-tail cast on.
Row 1 (right side): knit all stitches.
Row 2 (wrong side): [ purl 1, slip 2 purlwise with the yarn in front of the work ], repeat the brackets to the last stitch, purl 1.
If you are wondering, what “slipping purlwise” means, it simply means that we insert the tip of the right needle into a stitch from right to left before we ease the left needle out leaving this stitch on the right needle. This way we avoid twisting this stitch.
As you see, we basically work in stockinette stitch, but in row 2 the stockinette fabric gets gathered to resemble ribbing.
Repeat these two rows to form the pattern.
After a few rows, you will see that the fabric starts to look like ribbing even though we never alternated knits and purls.
The strands that stay in front of the slipped stitches on the wrong side of the fabric form a lovely texture that looks a lot like honeycomb. Those same strands also make sure the fabric becomes thicker and more textured – perfect for making any project warmer.
HOW TO KNIT OTTOMAN RIB IN THE ROUND
To add this stitch pattern to a seamless project, cast on a multiple of 3 stitches.
Arrange stitches for working in the round on double-pointed needles, two circular needles, or one circular needle (with or without using the magic loop method).
Join stitches in a circle and place a marker to mark the beginning of the round.
Round 1: knit all stitches.
Round 2: [ knit 1, slip 2 purlwise with the yarn at the back of the work ], repeat the brackets to the end of the round.
Repeat these two rounds. Soon you will see that you get a neat rib-looking pattern on the right side of the fabric, and an interesting honeycomb-looking pattern on the wrong side.
You will also notice that as we add ottoman rib to a project worked in the round, we don’t even need to purl stitches. The texture is built only by knits and slipped stitches.
Despite its rather sophisticated look, this stitch pattern is so easy that even very new knitters can make it without much effort. That’s what ottoman rib is – simple and versatile.
CHART
If you are not sure how to read a knitting chart, here’s a guide for beginners that explains what knitting charts mean, how to understand the symbols, why there is a red frame in a chart, and how to read lace, cable, or any other knitting chart when knitting back and forth or in the round.
GIVE IT A TRY!
Take any yarn and needles in a size recommended for this yarn and cast on 10 stitches.
Follow instructions for Row 1 and Row 2 of the pattern until you make 10 rows.
Look at the texture of your swatch, stretch it to see how elastic it is, and notice the thickness of the fabric and the difference between the right and wrong sides.
What is the first project that comes to mind? When you submit your choice in the fully anonymous poll below, you will see what other knitters picked.
PATTERN CARD
Ottoman Rib Stitch
Instructions
HOW TO KNIT OTTOMAN RIB BACK AND FORTH
- Cast on a multiple of 3 stitches plus 1 stitch.
- Row 1 (right side): knit all stitches.
- Row 2 (wrong side): [ purl 1, slip 2 purlwise with the yarn in front of the work ], repeat the brackets to the last stitch, purl 1.
- Repeat these two rows to form the pattern.
HOW TO KNIT OTTOMAN RIB IN THE ROUND
- Cast on a multiple of 3 stitches and arrange them for working in the round.
- Round 1: knit all stitches.
- Round 2: [ knit 1, slip 2 purlwise with the yarn at the back of the work ], repeat the brackets to the end of the round.
- Repeat these two rounds
CHART
Video
THIS STITCH IN A NUTSHELL
- Level of difficulty – Easy
- Reversible? No
- Textured? Yes
- Best for – Hats, scarves, cowls, sweaters
- Stitch multiple – 3 stitches + 1 stitch for symmetry
- Row multiple – 2 rows / rounds
SWATCH DETAILS
(fill out after you make your test swatch)
My swatch is made on ___________________________________
Yarn used to make my swatch ____________________________
Size of the needles used to make my swatch ________________
SAVE IT FOR LATER
