Wavy Rib Stitch Free Knitting Pattern. he Wavy Rib Stitch blends lace, texture, and slipped-stitch effects to create a flowing, undulating surface that looks like gentle ripples. Yarn overs and deliberately dropped stitches form open vertical ladders that shift position every few rows, giving the fabric movement and depth. This stitch pattern is ideal for shawls, scarves, or light sweaters, where a balance of structure and drape is desired. Though it looks intricate, the rhythm of repeats makes it surprisingly approachable once established.
Abbreviations:
- k = knit
- p = purl
- yo = yarn over
- drop st = drop the next stitch and let it unravel to the corresponding yarn over below
Free Rib and Drop Stitch Pattern:
Work over a multiple of 8 stitches + 6.
Row 1: Purl 2, knit 1, yarn over, knit 1, purl 2, knit 2; repeat from * to * across, ending with purl 2, knit 1, yarn over, knit 1, purl 2.
Rows 2, 4, 6: Knit 2, purl 3, knit 2, purl 2, knit 2, purl 3, knit 2; repeat from * to * across.
Rows 3, 5: Purl 2, knit 3, purl 2, knit 2; repeat from * to * across, ending with purl 2, knit 3, purl 2.
Row 7: Purl 2, knit 1, drop the next stitch and let it unravel down to the yarn over of the previous section, knit 1, purl 2, knit 1, yarn over, knit 1; repeat from * to * across, ending with purl 2, knit 1, drop 1 stitch, knit 1, purl 2.
Rows 8, 10, 12: Knit 2, purl 2, knit 2, purl 3, knit 2, purl 2, knit 2; repeat from * to * across.
Rows 9, 11: Purl 2, knit 2, purl 2, knit 3; repeat from * to * across, ending with purl 2, knit 2, purl 2.
Row 13: Purl 2, knit 1, yarn over, knit 1, purl 2, knit 1, drop the next stitch (let it unravel to the yarn over below), knit 1; repeat from * to * across, ending with purl 2, knit 1, yarn over, knit 1, purl 2.
Row 14: Repeat from Row 2.
