How To Knit 1×1 Ribbing Step By Step For Beginners
Learn how to knit 1×1 ribbing for a nice stretchy ribbing. The 1 x 1 rib stitch knitting pattern gives is a great choice for the brim of a hat, or sleeve cuffs.
In this step by step tutorial I’ll cover how to knit 1×1 rib flat on straight needles, and how to knit this ribbing in the round. So whatever kind of knitter you are, you can use this tutorial!
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I knitting in the round with my cable needles, and I can also use them to knit flat. I’ll show you how I easily join my knitting in the round too.
This one by one rib is knit by alternating knit stitches, and purl stitches. Then you continue knitting the knits and purling the purls.
Since the rib stitch pattern is so stretchy the stitches tend to look bigger when compared to a stockinette stitch in the same needle size. To combat this, many patterns will recommend starting with smaller needle size for the ribbing, and then switch to larger needles for the stockinette hat body.
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The right side and wrong side look the same with ribbing so it’s reversible. When you look at rib stitch patterns you see columns of knit stitches since it’s a stretchy fabric.
It’s recommended to use an even number when knitting the rib pattern, but you can also do it with an odd number. You’ll just have a knit as the first stitch and last stitch. And it becomes a two row repeat.
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Knitting Patterns You Might Like
The Alba Knit Hat pattern is an easy superbulky hat pattern that you can practice your ribbing on!
Stitches/Abbreviations (US Terms)
BO – bind off
CO – Cast On You might like to cast on with a crochet hook or this short tail cast on.
K – knit stitch
P – purl stitch
rep – repeat
rnd- round
st (s) – stitch (es)
When you’re ready to level up your knitting, try the alternating cable cast on for ribbing stitches.
Video Tutorial
Watch the step by step video on my YouTube here.
Instructions
How to Knit 1x1 Rib Stitch
Learn the most popular of basic rib stitches the 1 x 1 ribbing.
Materials
- Any weight yarn works. I'm using a #4 medium worsted weight yarn.
Tools
- Knitting needles to match your yarn. You'll need circular needles on 16" cables to knit ribbing in the round, otherwise you'll need to know how to use DPNs or magic loop.
Instructions
To Knit 1 x 1 Ribbing Flat
- Cast on an even number of stitches.
Here I'm set up for a long tail cast on with the working yarn in the back and the yarn tail in the front (around my thumb). 
- Row 1.
Knit the first stitch, 
purl the next stitch,
*(K1, p1) rep from * 
to end of the row.
- Now turn your needle with the live stitches on it to get ready for the next row. Place the empty needle in your right hand.
- Row 2. Rep row 1: *{K1, p1}
rep from * to end. Remember to knit the knits and purl the purls.
- Continue the repeat row until your ribbing is as tall as needed.
1x1 Ribbing Pattern with an Odd Number
Cast on an odd number of stitches.
Row 1. Knit the first stitch, *{P1, k1} rep from * to end of row.
Row 2. P1, *{k1, p1} rep from * to end.
Repeat row 1 - 2 to the desired height of your ribbing.
*If you wish to seam your ribbing together using the mattress stitch then it's recommended that you use an even number of stitches.
To Knit 1 x 1 Rib in the Round
- Cast on an even number of sts.
- Without twisting, join in the round by knitting the first stitch.
- Purl the next stitch, *(K1, P1) rep from * to end of round. When you get to the first stitch, you can use a stitch marker to mark the beginning or the tail like I do here.
- Rep this round for length of work. Keep knitting the knits & purling the purls.
- Continue the 1 round repeat: k1, p1 until your ribbing is as tall as you like (1.5"-3").
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