Rib Stitch Patterns - How To Knit Ribbing 

Every knitter needs to learn how to knit basic rib stitches because you'll be using them quite a bit in your knitting. 

And knowing these basic ribbing stitch patterns will help you when you start making all those cozy knit sweaters, hats and socks.

Ribbing is one of the best ways to create a stretchy form fitting piece of fabric. 

Rib stitches are used for:

• necklines, cuffs and borders on sweaters
• waistlines
• cuffs on mittens, hats and socks
• scarves
• hems
• an allover stitch pattern

The list is endless. Whenever you want your knitting to snug up a little you can add some ribbing to it to get the effect you want.

For instance if you want a form-fitting top you can add some ribbing to the waistline. 

First Common Rib Stitch Pattern

This ribbing is stretchy, reversible and looks lovely on garments.

You can knit 1 X 1 ribbing with either an odd number of stitches or an even number. 

If you have an odd number of stitches then you work the ribbing as follows:

Row 1: Knit 1, Purl 1 across row

Row 2: Purl 1, Knit 1 across row.

Repeat row 1 and 2 

If you have an even number of stitches then you'll work every row the same:

Row 1:  Knit 1, purl 1 across row 

Then simply repeat row 1 until you have the length you need.

Second Common Rib Stitch Pattern

I find this ribbing to be a little more stretchy than the 1 X 1 ribbing and I tend to use this one a little more because of the stretchiness.  This is also reversible.

2 X 2 Rib Stitch Pattern

If you want to try knitting the 2 X 2 rib you'll need to cast on in multiples of 4 stitches so that means you'll need to cast on 4, 8, 12, 16 or 20 sts.  

Then you'll knit the rib stitch pattern as follows:

Row 1:  Knit 2, Purl 2 across the row

Row 2:  Repeat row 1

Other Rib Stitch Pattern Variations 

There are hundreds of pattern variations for ribbing that you can try too. You just have to play a little and see which ones you like. 

• Knit 3, purl 3 - multiple of 6 stitches, so cast on 6, 12, 18, 24 sts 
• Knit 4, purl 2 - this also is multiple of 6 stitches as above
• Knit 4, purl 4 - multiple of 8 stitches, so cast on 8, 16, 24, 32
  

Ribbing is so versatile and you can be as creative as you like. If you want a ribbing stitch pattern that's really stretchy you may enjoy the 2 X 2 ribbing and even a 3 X 3 rib is nice and stretchy too.

My turtleback sweater is made with 3 X 3 ribbing and it's super stretchy.  And by the way it's completely beginner friendly. :) 

Or if you're looking for a more decorative rib stitch you might really enjoy something like the broken rib stitch pattern I have on my stitch patterns page. 

Actually I have a few rib stitch patterns you can try and they're all lovely.

How to Knit The Rib Stitch Knitting Instructions

When you knit ribbing you knit the knit stitches and purl the purl stitches stacking them onto each other row by row.

Have you ever seen a pattern that said to knit the knits and purl the purls?  

Well it's time to identify the knit stitches and the purl stitches and see what they look like before you start.

In the photo I've just begun ribbing so the little V's aren't well defined yet but you can still see the little columns of knit stitches forming with the purl stitches in the background.

Let's get started knitting rib stitches

For practice purposes and to make it easier for you, cast on an even number of stitches. 

Note: See how I am knitting the little V or smooth stitch?

Then bring your yarn to the front of your work and purl the next stitch. 

Keep on ribbing stitches across your row and remember:

1. Yarn at back to knit next stitch

2. Yarn in front to purl next stitch all the way across the stitches on your needle.

When you finish your row, turn your work and start again with knit 1, purl 1.

And that's how to knit rib stitches.

Important Knitting Tips for Rib Stitches

1. Remember that with the 1 X 1 rib stitch you can use either an odd number of stitches or an even number. 

And I'd like to explain a little further about using an odd number of stitches.

When you use an odd number of stitches you'll end the row with a knit stitch.

The knit stitch on the right side of your work will look like a 'V' but on the reverse side it looks like a purl stitch or purl bump.

And that means when you turn your work to start ribbing again you'll need to start by purling the purl bump.

The purl stitch on the right side of your work is a purl bump but on the reverse side it is a "V'. So if you ever end with a purl stitch and turn your work you'll start by knitting the next stitch.

This is what's known as knitting the knits and purling the purls.

That's why it's so helpful to be able to identify the knits and the purls on your needle.

2. Always remember to move your yarn back for knitting and forward for purling.  It takes practice but you'll get it.

3. The wider the ribbing is, the less elasticity it will have.

4. Many patterns especially for sweaters will ask you to knit the ribbing stitches on smaller needles. Why? Because it makes the fabric more snug.

So for instance ribbing along the sleeve cuffs and the border of your sweater will probably be done on smaller needles, usually one or two sizes smaller.

5. If you are working a ribbing stitch pattern always try it out first on a test swatch to see if it will be stretchy enough for what you want. Some rib stitches are more elastic than others.

I hope this helps.

Happy Knitting!