6) Learn to Knit Pique Rib Stitch

Pre-requisite Skills:

cast on (CO) and bind off (BO),
knit (k) and purl (p)

Expanding Skills:

switching between knitting and purling within a row,
counting rows

Introduction:

The pique rib stitch is a variation on the rib stitch, where each vertical rib is interrupted by a purl ridge at regular intervals. In making this cloth, you will be expanding on the skills you learned in previous patterns because you will need to switch between knitting and purling within a row, while also counting rows.

The pique rib stitch is significantly less common than the rib stitch, and perhaps more charming for its rarity. Like ribbing, the pique rib stitch lies flat and creates an elastic fabric suitable for cuffs and edges. The purl ridge means that the pique rib stitch does not compress as much as a rib stitch. The rib stitch is truly reversible, as the right and wrong sides are identical. The pique rib stitch could be considered reversible in the way that stockinette stitch is reversible: The wrong side of a pique rib stitch is a pleasing pattern, but obviously different from the pattern on the right side.

You may find it useful to mark the right side of your work with a locking stitch marker, safety pin, or paper clip as you did for the reverse rib facecloth.