How to Knit Embossed Moss Stitch Ribbing (Video + Pattern)

Embossed moss stitch ribbing is a rib pattern where each rib is a four-stitch strip of moss stitch instead of plain knit. The ribs sit between three-stitch purl gutters, so they look raised.

It's a beginner stitch: every row is knits and purls, and rows 2 and 4 just follow the row before.

The one thing that makes it work: the three purl stitches between ribs never change. Everything that moves happens inside the four-stitch panels, so if you keep the gutters straight the pattern takes care of itself.

Watch: Embossed Moss Stitch Ribbing Video Tutorial

Watch the four-stitch panel between the purl gutters: on Row 1 the single purl sits second in the panel, and on Row 3 it moves to third. That shift is the whole pattern.

What You Need

Yarn: the swatch calls for medium (worsted) weight yarn, which makes the raised ribs easy to see. DK or sport weight gives a finer rib that works well for hat brims and cuffs. A smooth, light-colored yarn shows the moss texture inside each rib; a fuzzy yarn hides it.

Needles: US 9 (5.5 mm), or the size that gives you the listed gauge.

Stitch multiple: a multiple of 7 + 3. The swatch casts on 31: three purl stitches plus four repeats of seven.

Abbreviations (US terms): CO = cast on; K = knit; P = purl. The asterisks mark the seven-stitch section you repeat. A stitch marker after every seven stitches makes the repeats easy to track.

Embossed Moss Stitch Ribbing Written Pattern

Size: 6"x6"

Gauge: Stockinette | 4" = 20 Stitches | 12 Rows

Yarn: Medium Weight Yarn

Knitting Needle Size: US 9 (or size to achieve gauge)

Stitches worked over a multiple of 7 + 3

Abbreviations: CO - Cast on

CO 31 stitches.

Row 1: Purl 3 *knit 1, purl 1, knit 2, purl 3, repeat from * to end

Row 2: Knit 3 *purl 2, knit 1, purl 1, knit 3, repeat from * to end

Row 3: Purl 3 *knit 2, purl 1, knit 1, purl 3, repeat from * to end

Row 4: Knit 3 *purl 1, knit 1, purl 2, knit 3, repeat from * to end

Repeat Rows 1 - 4 until piece measures 6” from cast on edge.

Fasten off, weave in ends, & block to 6x6” square.

Step-by-Step: How the Stitch Works

1. Cast on 31 and purl 3. Those three purls are the first gutter. Every right-side row starts and ends with a purl gutter; wrong-side rows start and end with a knit gutter, which is the same thing from the back.
2. Row 1 sets the first panel: knit 1, purl 1, knit 2, then purl 3 for the next gutter. The panel has one purl bump in the second position. Repeat across; you'll end on purl 3.
3. Row 2 mirrors Row 1 from the back. Knit 3, then purl 2, knit 1, purl 1, knit 3. You're working the panel in reverse and swapping knits for purls, so from the front nothing changes.
4. Row 3 shifts the bump. Purl 3, then knit 2, purl 1, knit 1, purl 3. The single purl has moved from second to third in the panel, which is what creates the moss texture.
5. Row 4 mirrors Row 3, then you're back to Row 1. Stacked up, each panel shows a checker of purl bumps raised above the flat gutters.

Tips and Common Mistakes

• On Rows 2 and 4, knit the stitches that look like V's and purl the bumps. If that rule breaks, the row before was miscounted.
• Bring the yarn fully front or back at every knit-purl switch, or you'll get loose strands at the gutter edges.
• The right side is the side where the three-stitch gutters recede and the panels stand up. Clip a marker on it after Row 1.
• Count to seven. A marker after every repeat catches a dropped purl before it travels up several rows.
• It's less stretchy than plain rib, so a snug brim may need fewer stitches.

What to Make With the Embossed Moss Stitch Ribbing

It lies flat with a bit of give, so it works as a trim or an all-over fabric:

• Hat brim or an entire hat in worsted or DK weight; the raised ribs look like a cable from a distance. Our how to knit a hat guide covers sizing.
• Scarf in worsted weight; the fabric is the same on both sides, so there's no wrong side showing when it's wrapped.

Related Stitches

• Knit Moss Stitch — the texture inside each rib, worked across a whole piece.
• Knit Seed Stitch — the one-row version of moss stitch, good to learn first.
• Knit Rib Stitch — plain ribbing, for comparing stretch and look.
• Knit Eyelet Mock Cable Ribbing — the next decorative rib to try once this one feels easy.
• Browse every knit stitch tutorial — the full Stitch Learning Center index.

Yarn for This Stitch

Darn Good Twist Sport Weight Silk Yarn shows the moss texture inside each rib without bulk; the DK weight yarn collection is the next step up for a warmer piece. For the swatch as written, start in the worsted weight collection.

If you'd like a new skein to practice on every month, Yarn of the Month sends three hand-dyed skeins with a knit and crochet pattern written for them, $29 a month plus shipping.

Embossed Moss Stitch Ribbing FAQ

Is embossed moss stitch ribbing reversible?
Close to it. Both sides show moss panels between gutters; the gutters are purl on one side and knit on the other.

Does embossed moss stitch ribbing stretch like regular rib?
Some, but less than 1x1 or 2x2 rib, because moss panels don't compress like plain knit columns. Use it for texture more than fit.

Is this a beginner stitch?
Yes. It's only knits and purls, and half the rows follow the row before. The main skill is counting the seven-stitch repeat.