Glossary / Ribbing
ribRibbing
Alternating columns of knit and purl that make a stretchy, springy fabric.
Also written: k1p1, k2p2, 1x1 rib, 2x2 rib
How to work it
Alternate knit and purl stitches across the row, then on the next row knit the knits and purl the purls so the columns stack. 1x1 rib alternates every stitch and 2x2 rib alternates every two. The knit columns pop forward and the purl columns fall back, so the fabric concertinas and pulls in, which is why ribbing is used for cuffs, hems, brims, and necklines that need to grip and recover.
Common confusions
What does 2x2 rib mean?
Two knit stitches followed by two purl stitches, repeated across the row. The first number is the knit column width and the second is the purl. 1x1 rib is the stretchiest and 2x2 rib is faster to work and a little firmer, which is why sweater cuffs often use 2x2.
Why did my ribbing turn into seed stitch?
Because the columns shifted by one. On the return row you must knit the stitches that look like knits and purl the ones that look like purls, reading the fabric rather than repeating the same sequence. Offsetting the pattern by a single stitch turns rib into seed stitch.
In other languages
| Language | Term | Abbreviation |
|---|---|---|
| English | Ribbing | rib |
| Español | Elástico | no standard code |
| Deutsch | Rippenmuster | no standard code |
| Français | Côtes | no standard code |
| Italiano | Coste | no standard code |
| 日本語 | ゴム編み | no standard code |
Related stitches
Keep your place while you work this stitch. Worsted counts your rows and rounds and remembers your spot in the pattern, for crochet and knitting.
Get Worsted