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.

Knitting stitches How to Knit a ribbing knit ribbing howtoknit Knitting Stitches – How to knit a ribbing

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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