Ribbing knitting is one of the most useful techniques you will ever learn. It is used to create stretchy fabric. There are many variations of the rib stitch. However, they all create a raised ribbed texture with stretch.
Below I will start off by walking you through creating the 1X1 rib stitch and the 2X2 rib stitch. I find they are the easiest rib knit stitches to learn. They are also the most common types of ribbing used in patterns.
What Is the Rib Knit Stitch?
Ribbing knitting is used to create a stretchy fabric. It is often used when making items that are form fitting. The rib stitch creates vertical columns that resemble ribs. Ribbing is created by alternating between knit and purl stitches.
When is the Rib Stitch Used?
Ribbing knitting is a technique used to give products stretch. It is a very versatile stitch that every knitter needs to know.
Ribbing knitting is often used for making:
How to Make the 1X1 Rib Stitch
Below, you will find easy-to-follow step-by-step instructions for making the most common type of rib stitch. It is also the easiest ribbing stitch to learn.
If you know how to knit and purl, you can make the 1X1 stitch. It is a great ribbing knitting stitch for beginners. It creates a super stretchy fabric that is reversible.
Follow the step-by-step instructions below to learn how to make the 1X1 rib stitch:
1. Cast on an even number of stitches.
2. Turn your work.
3. Knit 1 as normal.
4. Bring the working yarn to the front and purl 1.
5. Place your yarn to the back and knit 1.
6. Repeat steps 4-5 until you reach the end of the row.
7. Turn your work.
8. Repeat steps 3-7 until you have your desired length.
How to Make the 2X2 Rib Stitch
The 2X2 rib stitch is basically the same as the 1X1 rib stitch. However, instead of alternating between 1 knit stitch and 1 purl stitch, you will knit 2 stitches and then purl 2 stitches. The fabric made using the 2X2 rib stitch has more stretch than the 1X1 rib stitch.
Follow the step-by-step instructions below to learn how to make the 2X2 rib stitch:
1. Cast on an even number of stitches in a multiple of 4.
2. Turn your work.
3. Knit 2 as normal.
4. Bring the working yarn to the front and purl 2.
5. Place your yarn to the back and knit 2.
6. Repeat steps 4-5 until you reach the end of the row.
7. Turn your work.
8. Repeat steps 3-7 until you have your desired length.
The rib stitch is very easy to make. Once you work on your first pattern, you will wonder why you put ribbing knitting off.
Rib Stitch is not only super easy, but it also creates a wonderfully stretchy fabric that is reversible. So, get out your knitting needles and some yarn and start practising the 1X1 and 2X2 ribbing knitting techniques now.
More stitch tutorial below:
- Herringbone Stitch Tutorial
- Basket Weave Stitch Knitting Tutorial
- Knitting Bobble Stitch
- Garter Stitch Tutorial
- How to knit tutorials
- Moss Stitch Tutorial
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