How to Rib Knit

Learning how to rib knit is a simple process. It involves using a combination of knit and purl stitches and makes a lovely textured knit pattern that you can use in a variety of ways.

Ribbing stitches are an easy stitch technique to learn. Rib knits can be made in a variety of ways, but we are going to start with the basics.

In order to know how to make a rib knit stitch pattern, you will first need to know how to make basic knit stitches and basic purl stitches. Often the first stitch you learn when you begin to knit is a plain knit stitch. Once you have mastered that, then another great stitch to learn is the purl stitch. If you don’t know how to purl stitch, let me teach you how!

Simple Combination of Knits

Essentially the basic rib stitch is made up of columns of knit stitches and purl stitches. Because it uses two basic knitting stitches, it is a great choice if you are a beginner knitter.

It is important that I point out, that there are of course several different variations to the basic rib patterns. Some of these rib patterns are really narrow, and others are wider. You might even find more complicated rib patterns like the twisted rib stitch, or the half-twisted rib stitch. These are both based on the basic rib stitches, but with additional steps to make them.

Knitted Rib Patterns

When you make a knitted rib pattern, there are so many great uses for this stretchy fabric. Not only does this knit pattern make a beautiful texture, but it also is reversible. Because it is so stretchy, it is great for several different types of knitting projects.

A few ideas of knitted projects that the rib knit stitch is great for include the brims of hats, sleeve cuffs, cuffs of sweaters, and cuffs of socks.

Basic Rib Stitches

Basic rib stitches are made using a varying number of knits and purl stitches. Today I am going to walk you through the step-by-step instructions to make a basic single rib stitch and a double rib stitch. Once you get the hang of those, you will have the general idea behind the rib stitch and can apply it to your specific project.

How to Knit the Rib Stitch: Rib Stitch Patterns

To make this ribbed pattern you will need to know how to cast on, how to knit stitch, and how to purl stitch. Let’s jump into the single rib stitch pattern!

A Single Rib Stitch Pattern (1×1 Rib Stitch)

Row 1: The Set Up. Cast on your desired number of stitches. Hold the cast-on stitches on your left needle, the right needle is the one you will work with, and the working yarn will be in the center, moving it from the front to the back depending on what stitch you are making.

Working the Stitches

Row 2: The single rib stitch is made by knitting the first stitch, then the next stitch is purled. Next, knit 1, purl 1. Repeat this alternating pattern of knitting one stitch and purling the next stitch across the row until you reach the end of the row.

Row 3: Whether you start the next row with a knit or purl stitch will depend on your total stitch count. If you have an even number of stitches, the pattern of knit 1, purl 1, will be the same on this next row. However, if you have an odd number of stitches, it will be the opposite of purl 1, knit 1.

The best way is to look at your stitches when you change the needles in your hands. If the first stitch on your left needle is a knit stitch, then make a knit stitch in the first stitch. If you see the purl bump in the first stitch, then make a purl stitch in the first stitch.

After the first row of stitches is complete, you will want to make knit stitches on top of knit stitches, and purl stitches on top of purl stitches, so that they alternate. Your single rib stitch pattern will look similar to this, only this is a 2×2.

how to rib knit stitch the purl stitch — Making a Purl Stitch

how to rib knit stitch the knit stitch — Making a Knit Stitch

1×1 Rib Stitch with an Even Number of Stitches

Row 1: Cast on 80 sts, turn

Row 2: k1, p1, repeat across, turn

Row 3: k1, p1, repeat across turn

Repeat row 3 until the project is your desired length.

1×1 Rib Stitch with Odd Number of Stitches

Row 1: Cast on 87 sts, turn

Row 2: k1, p1, repeat across, turn

Row 3: p1, k1, repeat across turn

Repeat rows 2 and 3 until the project is your desired length.

A Double Rib Stitch Pattern (2×2 Rib Stitch)

A double rib stitch knitting pattern is very similar to that of a single rib stitch. In this case, you will have two knit stitches, then two purl stitches. Let’s look at an example pattern.

Row 1: Cast on stitches

Row 2: Knit 2, purl 2, repeat this pattern across, turn

Row 3: Knit into the knit stitches from the previous row and purl into the purl stitches from the previous round. You can tell if they are purl or knit stitches because the places where you should make purl stitches will have a bump on the side facing you.

Remember: The number of knit stitches will determine the pattern for the second row. If you have an even number of stitches, you will keep the same knit 2, purl 2 pattern. However, if you have an odd number of stitches, in the second row you will purl 2, and knit 2 alternating across the row.

Watch this Video Tutorial

For an easy-to-follow video tutorial, check out this easy rib knit stitch tutorial video.

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Making Wider Rib Knit Stitches

As you may have already guessed, you can expand the number of knit and purl stitches that are together to make larger rib knitting if desired. Simply add more of the same stitches into the group in order to make the rib wider or more pronounced.

How to Bind off Rib Stitches

When you are finished with your knitted project, it is time to bind off your project, or cast off the stitches. There are a few different ways you can do this, but the easiest way is to follow the basic cast-off method.

To do this, you will complete the first two stitches as previously done. When they are both on your right handed needle, push the needle through the first one on the needle, closest to your hand. Pull that loop up and over the most recent loop added to cast off the first loop. There is now one loop remaining on your needle.

Make the next stitch as you have in the previous rows, (meaning make a purl if purl, and knit if a knit stitch). There are now two loops on your right handed needle. Pull the back loop over the newest loop added.

Repeat these steps until you reach the end of your knitted project. To finish off, cut the yarn, and pull it through your loop. Weave in the ends to complete the project.

Rib Knit Stitch Tips

How to count rows in rib stitch

When you are trying to count rows in a rib stitch it can be a little bit confusing at first. The easiest way is to look for the bumps, and count those. Each of the bumps is a purl stitch. Then the “v” looking sections are each a knit stitch.

For example, you might have a 1×1 which means one purl (p) stitch, and one knit (k) stitch. Or other common rib stitch patterns are 2×2 meaning 2 purl stitches and 2 knit stitches, and 4×4 where you have 4 purl stitches and 4 knit stitches.

How to change colors when knitting ribbings

The easiest way to change colors when making rib stitch knitting projects, is to chang the yarn at the end of a row. This way your new working yarn is your new color. It’s a good idea to tie a knot with both loose ends, then weave in the ends of your yarn so that it’s not visable.

Try out smaller needles

If you are struggling, to get the ribbing to work out like you want it, a good place to start is trying to switch to smaller needles. Often smaller knitting needles work better with rib knit stitches because they help your ribbing to lay nice and tight.

Always knit a swatch

When you are knitting a project, it’s a good idea to knit a practice swatch so that you know how to work the stitches, and you are happy with the size of your stitches.

Remember to move your yarn from back to front

One very important thing to remember when you are making a ribbed knit project is to move your working yarn from the front of your project to the back, and vice versa when you are making knit stitches and purl stitches. Because when you make a knit stitch, you want the working yarn in the back, and purl stitches, need the working yarn in the front.

FAQs

Is stockinette stitch the same as rib knitting?

No, not quite. Although the stockinette or stocking stitch also uses a combination of knit and purl stitches, it is not the same. The stockinette stitch is made by whole rows being either the knit or purl stitch, as opposed to rib knitting which is made by alternating the knit and purl stitches in the same row.

The Rib Knit Stitch

Making a rib knit stitch is an easy combination of simple knit stitch and purl stitch. The pattern in which these are made can depend on how wide you want the ribs to be. Once you get the hang of making the combination of knit and purl stitches, you have mastered the rib stitch and are ready to make a project out of it!

Thank you so much for stopping in to learn how to rib knit. I hope that now that I have shown you how to make an easy rib knit stitch, you are ready to start your rib knitting project. I hope you have fun and enjoy your knitting time!

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How to Rib Knit

Materials

2 knitting needles
1 skein yarn