Knitting Stitches – How to knit a ribbing
As a knitter, one of the most basic knitting stitches you will need to master is how to knit a ribbing!
My childhood memories are filled with yarn, needles, patterns and a mother finishing the one garment after another. And...how did she always start? With a ribbing!
Mom often knitted a pair of ribbing on one needle...I was mesmerized by her creations and the awesomeness of the process.
knitting stitches - how to knit a ribbing
Why a ribbing?
- It is stretchy
- Does not curl up
- Fits nicely around any shape
- Reversible
- Gives form
how TO KNIT A RIBBING?
abbreviations
k - Knit
p - Purl
rep - repeat
st - Stitch
sts - Stitches
the pattern - 1 x 1 RIB STITCH
EVEN STITCHES
Cast on an even number of stitches.
First row - *K1, P1 - repeat from * to end
(K1 = make sure your yarn is at the back of your first st and knit the st)
(P1 = bring the yarn to the front of your work and purl the st)
Second row - *K1, P1 - repeat from * to end
Repeat these two rows until your work is the desired length.
ODD STITCHES
Cast on an odd number of stitches.
First row - *K1, P1 - repeat from * to end, K1
Repeat this row.
more about the rib stitch
A ribbing consists of columns of knit stitches alternating with columns of purl stitches (with the purl stitches neatly tucked away in between the knit stitches).
This knitting stitch is a 1-row pattern and is nothing more than knit one, purl one, alternated across a row.
In the following row, you continue with the knit one, purl one combination, thus forming a vertical stripe.
where to use the knit a RIBBING stitch
- Waistlines
- Cuffs
- Necklines
- Hats
- Socks
- Scarves
- Hems
Variations on knitted ribbing
- 2 x 2 Ribbing
- 3 x x Ribbing
- Fisherman's Rib
- Mock Fisherman's Rib
- Half Fisherman's Rib
- Broken Rib Stitch
- Ridge Rib Stitch
- Cartridge Belt Rib Stitch
- Farrow Rib Stitch
Check out our Knitting for Beginners Series:
happy knitting!
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