Everything You Need to Know About Knitted Ribbing

Ribbing is an alternating pattern of knits and purls that create raised and sunken columns. This is commonly used to create a fabric that stretches and conforms to a shape. In this post, I’ll go over why and when to use ribbing, how to knit ribbing, and the types of ribbing.

Why is Ribbing Used?

Ribbing is added to knitted patterns for several reasons. The first is that it creates an elastic effect that stretches and conforms. This makes it perfect for cuffs, sleeves, and collars/necklines. It also adds an attractive addition to the project. Ribbing also prevents the curling of stockinette projects. The alternating stitch prevents the fabric from curling against itself and instead lays flat. This is why it’s often added to the hem of a sweater.

How to Knit Ribbing

Ribbing can be tricky for new knitters, especially when transitioning between flat needles and circular needles. I’ve written down explanations on how to complete standard 1×1 ribbing for both.

Knitting Ribbing on Flat Needles

The important point in this is to always knit your knits and purl your purls with ribbing. With a project that has an even number of stitches, you will end your row on a purl stitch. When flipped, that purl stitch is now a knit stitch (reminder: a knit is just the reverse side of purl stitch). So, you will knit that stitch. For a project with an odd number of stitches, you will end your row on a knit stitch. When flipped, the knit stitch is now a purl stitch. So, you will purl that stitch.

If you are struggling to tell the difference between a knit stitch and a purl stitch, you can refer to my post on reading stitches here.

Knitting Ribbing on Circular Needles

Knitting Ribbing on circular needles is a simpler than on flat needles, because you are always working on the right side of the work. However, with circular needles, you will almost always want to have an even number of stitches when completing ribbing.

The key point that is the same for both flat and circular needles is that you will always knit your knit stitches, and purl your purl stitches.

Types of Ribbing

There are many types of ribbing, but there are 4 types of ribbing that you will commonly

see in patterns; standard 1×1 ribbing, twisted ribbing, 2×2 ribbing, and 3×1 ribbing.

Standard 1×1 Ribbing

Standard ribbing, also known as 1×1 ribbing, is an alternating pattern of K1 P1. This is what you will most commonly see in garments and patterns.

Twisted Ribbing

Twisted ribbing is a variation that is less elastic than standard ribbing but has a cleaner finish. It’s created by “twisting” your stitches by knitting and purling through the back loop instead of the front loop. If you are a beginner knitter and have trouble with clean ribbing, I recommend looking into twisted ribbing.

*Tip: To increase elasticity of your twisted ribbing, only twist your knit stitches. This will create a more elastic twisted rib.

2×2 Ribbing

2×2 ribbing is a thicker variation of 1×1 ribbing and has a more defined look than standard ribbing. 2×2 ribbing is an alternating pattern of K2 P2. If adjusting a pattern to use 2×2 ribbing, just make sure that the number of stitches is divisible by 4.

3×1 Ribbing

3×1 ribbing is a less defined version of ribbing and is an alternating pattern of K3, P1. If adjusting a pattern for 3×1, make sure that the number of stitches is divisible by 4. If working flat and wanting to end on K3, then it should by divisible by 4+3. An example is 12 stitches +3. You should have 15 stitches on your needle to create your pattern.

Leave a comment if this post helped yo in your knitting journey and let me know if you have any other questions about ribbing!