Ribbing
An elastic knitting pattern alternating between knit and purl stitches. Often used for cuffs, necklines, and hem edges to provide stretch and fit.
Explanation
Ribbing is a classic knitting pattern created by alternating between knit and purl stitches. Common variants include 1x1 rib (one knit, one purl) and 2x2 rib (two knit, two purl). Ribbing is highly elastic and pulls in, making it perfect for cuffs, necklines, and the bottom hem of sweaters. It holds its shape well and prevents the edge from curling.
Also known as: Rib, Ribbed
Why ribbing pulls in
Ribbing is vertical columns of knit and purl stitches, typically 1x1 or 2x2. The knit columns push forward and the purl columns recede, which makes the fabric concertina together like an accordion fold.
That folding is what creates the elasticity. The narrower the repeat, the more the ribbing pulls in: 1x1 is tightest, 2x2 gives slightly more drape.
How many stitches do you need?
Because ribbing pulls in, it is often worked over fewer stitches than the fabric above, or on a smaller needle. Measure a ribbed edge stretched out and you get an entirely different number from its relaxed measurement.
On cuffs and necklines the whole point is that the edge sits close to the body while the garment above hangs looser.
Why ribbing loses its stretch
Ribbing is elastic because the alternating columns of knit and purl let the fabric concertina — the purl columns recede behind the knit ones and pull the fabric in. Anything that stops that folding action costs you the elasticity.
The usual culprits are needle size and fibre. Ribbing worked on the same needles as the body is often too loose to spring back; most patterns specify needles one or two sizes smaller for exactly this reason. Fibre matters just as much: superwash merino, cotton and bamboo have far less memory than untreated wool, and a cotton rib will relax permanently after a few wears no matter how well it is knitted. A cast-on or bind-off that is too tight also defeats the rib by pinning the ends.
Common mistakes
- Measuring ribbing stretched out when checking dimensions.
- Using an inelastic bind-off on ribbing.
Keywords
- ribbing
- rib stitch
- 1x1 rib
- 2x2 rib
- hva betyr vrangbord
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between 1x1 and 2x2 ribbing?
1x1 alternates single knits and purls and pulls in most. 2x2 has two of each, is slightly less tight and drapes more evenly.
Why has my ribbing stopped gripping?
Either the yarn has no memory, like pure alpaca or cotton, or the ribbing is knit too loosely. Try a smaller needle.
Which rib should I use, 1x1 or 2x2?
1x1 (k1, p1) is the most elastic and the tidiest at small scale, so it suits sock cuffs and fine necklines. 2x2 (k2, p2) is faster to work, visually bolder, and pulls in slightly less, which suits sweater hems and cuffs. 2x2 also disguises uneven tension better, which is worth knowing if your ribbing looks scruffy.