• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Sheep and Stitch

Knitted goodness made by you

  • About
  • Start Here
  • Patterns
  • How To Knit
  • Knitting Library
  • Blog

Knitting Library  >  Knitting Stitches

Rib Knitting for Beginners: 1×1 and 2×2 Rib Tutorial

Published on December 2, 2018 By Davina | May contain affiliate links (whats this?)

rib knitting 1x1 2x2 tutorialRib knitting is perfect for projects that need stretch. Think: the brims of hats, sleeves of sweaters, and cuffs of socks and mittens. When you need stretch, look to rib knitting!

Today, I’ll walk you through the two most popular rib stitches: the 1×1 and the 2×2 rib.

Both these rib stitches use knits and purls to make a very stretchy rib. Both are also perfect for beginners who are just getting used to knitting and purling.

Master rib knitting, and you’ll have a really useful knitting technique for all your future projects. Below, I’ve got a full video tutorial in addition to written instructions. Let’s get into it!

1×1 Rib Knit Flat:

Cast on any number of stitches

Row 1: *knit 1, purl 1; repeat from * to the end of the row
Row 2 and all other rows: knit the knit stitches and purl the purl stitches

Repeat Rows 1-2 until knitting is the length you like.

2×2 Rib Knit Flat:

Cast on an even number of stitches (ie. 2, 4, 6, 8, 10…)

Row 1: *knit 2, purl 2; repeat from * to the end of the row
Row 2 and all other rows: knit the knit stitches and purl the purl stitches

Repeat Rows 1-2 until knitting is the length you like.

rib knitting 1x1 and 2x2 rib

1×1 Rib in the Round:

Cast on an even number of stitches (ie. 2, 4, 6, 8, 10…)

Round 1: *knit 1, purl 1; repeat from * to the end of the round
Round 2 and all other rounds: knit the knit stitches and purl the purl stitches

Repeat Rounds 1-2 until knitting is the length you like

2×2 Rib in the Round:

Cast on a multiple of 4 of stitches (ie. 4, 8, 12, 16, 20…)

Round 1: *knit 2, purl 2; repeat from * to the end of the round
Round 2 and all other rounds: knit the knit stitches and purl the purl stitches

Repeat Rounds 1-2 until knitting is the length you like

Step-by-Step Video Tutorial

 

Sometimes you need to watch a vide to really “get it.” If that’s you, then watch the tutorial above for a detailed play-by-play on rib knitting.

Ribbing is at its best when it’s stretchy. The best way to get a tight and stretchy ribbing is by knitting with a pair of smaller needles. The tighter tension ensures a snappy, stretchy fabric.

For at-a-glance instructions for rib knitting, enjoy this cheat sheet:

tips for rib knitting

My Favourite Rib Cast On

One of my favourite cast ons for rib knitting is the alternating cable cast on. It’s perfect because the ribbing looks like it’s growing out of the cast on – like there’s no cast on at all!

It’s stretchy and looks the same on both sides, making it perfect for hats with turned-up brims.

alternating cable cast on for ribbing

This is a slightly more advanced cast on, so if you’re brand new to knitting, I wouldn’t recommend it yet. However, if you’re comfortable casting on and knitting, then give the alternating cable cast on a try!

Pin
Share
Tweet
Pin
Share
Tweet

Category: Knitting Stitches / Subcategory: Easy Stitches, Subcategory: Ribbing

Stay In the Loop!

Sign up for free patterns, tutorials, sales and promotions. Only good stuff. Never spam. Unsubscribe anytime.

You May Also Like:

seed stitch textureKnit Seed Stitch the Easy Way (Step by Step Tutorial)knit stitch how toKnit Stitch for Total Beginnerspurl stitch how to knitHow to Purl Stitch in Knitting (Beginner Tutorial)

SUBSCRIBE FOR UPDATES

Reader Interactions

Comment 1

  1. Slindo says

    June 20, 2021 at 7:23 am

    Hello. I want to switch from 2×2 ribbing to a stockinette stitch. How do I do that? Is it possible? Please help🥺.

    Reply

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Primary Sidebar

Most Popular

  • 3 beginner knitting mistakes 3 Beginner Knitting Mistakes and How to Fix Them
  • how to knit a scarf for beginners How to Knit a Scarf for Beginners
  • egyptian knitting The History of Knitting Pt 1: Mysterious Origins

Categories

Footer

Navigate

  • About
  • How To Knit
  • Patterns
  • Blog

Support

  • Privacy and Affiliate Disclosure
  • Technical Support
  • FAQ
  • Contact
  • Advertise

Instagram

Follow Us On Instagram

Say hello to the Blank Slate Hat! It’s a simple Say hello to the Blank Slate Hat! It’s a simple design that can be decorated and embellished to suit your personality!

This chunky hat is knit on straight needles and seamed together with mattress stitch. If you can #knit, purl, and cast on, then you’re ready to knit the Blank Slate Hat! 

This version is made extra cute with two pom pom ears. But purists are welcome to add just one centred pom pom 😊

Grab the #freeknittingpattern and video tutorial in the profile link. Happy knitting! #knitting #knitstagram #knittersofinstagram #knitting_inspiration #knittersgonnaknit #knitknitknit #knittingaddict #knittinglove #knittingforbeginners #chunkyknit #chunkyknits
This chunky lace scarf is a great introduction to This chunky lace scarf is a great introduction to lace knitting! 🕸 

In this tutorial, you’ll learn basic lace stitches like the yarn over (YO), which gives lace its open airiness, and two decreases (K2tog and SSK), which slant to the left and right respectively.

You’ll also learn how to block your scarf (a must for all lace patterns) and attach a fringe. Click the profile link for the #freeknittingpattern

Yarn is @lanagrossa Ragazza Lei from @lovecraftscom 

#knittersofinstagram #knitstagram #knitspo #knitspiration #igknitters #knittingpatterns #laceknitting #laceknittingpattern
This beanie takes inspiration from classic watch c This beanie takes inspiration from classic watch caps. Fun fact: these hats got their name from Navy sailors who wore them while keeping watch in the night.

My take doesn’t stray far from the original caps. It’s knit in a beginner-friendly 1×1 rib and has a sleek decrease that keeps the rib pattern intact.

It can be worn cuffed for a fisherman’s look or un-cuffed for a slouchy modern feel.

So knit up a piece of history with this #freepattern at sheepandstitch.com

#knittersofinstagram #knitting #freeknittingpattern #beanie #watchcap #knitting_inspiration #knitstagram #knitspo #knitknitknit #knittingpattern #hatpattern #knittersgonnaknit
Want to add a cuff to your chunky slippers to turn Want to add a cuff to your chunky slippers to turn them into booties? Well, I’ve got a tutorial for that! Find it in the profile link and get knitting! #knitting #knittersofinstagram #knitstagram #knitspo #knittingpattern #knittinglove #freepattern
If you’ve got cold feet these slippers will keep If you’ve got cold feet these slippers will keep you warm all winter long! Knit in chunky weight yarn, these slippers come together in no time at all - and they make excellent gifts! They come in three sizes, so make one for every member of your family! Yarn from @lovecraftsknitting and free pattern in the profile link #knitstagram #knitting #knittersofinstagram #knittersgonnaknit #knittingpattern #knittinginspiration #freeknittingpattern
A twisted headband is the perfect gift for the hol A twisted headband is the perfect gift for the holidays! This headband is knit in fisherman’s rib - a classic stitch with a dramatic stretchy rib. Grab the free pattern and tutorial in the link in the profile and cast on! #knitting #knit #knittersofinstagram #knitknitknit #knittersgonnaknit #knitting_inspiration #knitstagram #freepattern #freepatterns #headband

Search The Site

Stay in Touch

  • Facebook
  • YouTube
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest

2022 Copyright © Sheep and Stitch Limited

Pin
Share
Tweet
Let's Stay
In Touch

Sign up for new patterns, sales and exclusive giveaways. 100% good stuff!



no thanks

{"cookieName":"wBounce","isAggressive":false,"isSitewide":true,"hesitation":"","openAnimation":false,"exitAnimation":false,"timer":"","sensitivity":"","cookieExpire":"30","cookieDomain":"","autoFire":"40000","isAnalyticsEnabled":false}