Rib Stitches – What you need for texture, stretch, and style!
One of the most useful and used techniques, Rib Stitches create raised “ribbed” or vertical stripe textures to the fabric. This is commonly generated by columns of Stockinette Stitch alternated with Reverse Stockinette, although additional stitches may also be included to give variation to the patterns.
Ribbing has a strong tendency to contract laterally, forming small pleats in which the purl stitches recede, and the knit stitches come forward. Thus, the result is a fabric that is stretchy and form-fitting making it great for shaping, particularly suited for fitted clothes or fitted areas such as collars, cuffs and hems.
In addition, when the number of knit and purl stripes are equal, the fabric has no tendency to curl and is reversible making it an ideal stitch pattern for scarves. These stitches are a truly hardy and useful – why not introduce yourself to this versatile family of stitches below?
Rib Stitch Collection
1. Ribbed Cables Stitch
This stitch generates a Ribbing effect that is twisted to the right.
2. Basketweave Rib
One of my favorite stitches, a combination of ribbing and twisting generates this beautiful stitch.
3. Crossed Ribs
A fairly straight-forward variation on the 2×2 Rib stitch, using Cable Six’s to generate a crisscross effect with the ribbing.
4. Shaker’s Rib
Gives a much lighter, softer stitch that has more stretch compared to most ribbing, making it ideal for items such as hats.
5. 2×2 Rib
Variation on the 1×1 Rib with a knit two, purl two repeating pattern.
6. Twist to the Left Stitch
The Twist to the Left Stitch creates a Twisted pattern that will give your stitches a little more variety.
7. Crossed Ribs with Faggots Stitch
A variation on the Crossed Ribs stitch, adding some openwork to the cables to generate a lighter appearance.
8. 2×2 Garter Rib Stitch
Variation on the 2×2 Rib with alternating rows of purl two, knit two.
9. Fisherman’s Rib
Very dense ribbing that is particularly suited for those warm winter clothing projects.
10. 1×1 Rib Stitch
The simplest stitch in this category as featured in our Knitting Stitches for Beginners.
11. Brioche Stitch
Beautiful dense and reversible ribbing style that is also very simple to knit!
12. Lace Rib Stitch
The Lace Rib Stitch combines an Eyelet & Lace design with Ribbing.
13. Broken Rib
As the name suggests the ribbing is broken up by incorporating a row of knit stitches in every even row.
14. Twist to the Right Stitch
The Twist to the Right Stitch creates a Twisted Rib pattern that will give your project a little more variety.
