- CraftKnitting
- US abbreviationk1, p1 rib
- UK abbreviationk1, p1 rib
- TypeTexture and lace
What is ribbing?
Columns of knit and purl stitches, like knit 1, purl 1 or knit 2, purl 2. Ribbing stretches out and pulls back in, which is why hat brims, cuffs, collars and headbands use it.
In a pattern you will see it written as k1, p1 rib in both US and UK patterns.
How to do it, step by step
- Alternate knits and purls across the row: k1, p1 or k2, p2.
- Move the yarn to the front before each purl, to the back before each knit.
- On the next row knit the knits and purl the purls as they face you.
The mistake to watch for
Forgetting to move the yarn adds a stray loop. If the stitch count grows, look for a yarn strand lying across the needle.
If you are left-handed
Most left-handed knitters knit the usual way, since both hands work. If you prefer, you can knit mirrored: stitches move from the right needle to the left. Swap "left" and "right" in the steps.
Practise it on a free pattern
These patterns from Crochet Counter use ribbing:
Related stitches
Questions
What is the most common mistake with ribbing?
Forgetting to move the yarn adds a stray loop. If the stitch count grows, look for a yarn strand lying across the needle.
Keep count with Crochet Counter
The app has this stitch and 31 more in its stitch dictionary, in US or UK terms, with a row counter for every project. The core app is free, has no ads and needs no account. Pro is optional.
