close-up view of 1x1 rib stitch, stretched

1×1 Rib Stitch

The 1×1 rib is by far the most classic ribbed stitch. It’s super stretchy and lays perfectly flat, making it a popular choice for hat brims, sweater hems, and any other border.

When knitting 1×1 rib, it’s common to use needles that are 1 or 2 sizes smaller than recommended for your yarn. This ensures the stitches will be tight enough to squeeze together when unstretched.

Pros of 1×1 Rib:

  • Strong elasticity
  • Ultra-classic
  • Lays flat and reversible
  • perfectly seamless when knit in the round
  • Used in nearly every sweater / sock / mittens / hat pattern

Cons of 1×1 Rib:

  • Feels slow and tedious to knit
  • Stitches tend to be loose, so you’ll probably want to go down a needle size (or two)

What you’ll need:

  • Any yarn, though we recommend worsted weight
  • Needles that are 1-2 sizes smaller than recommended for your chosen yarn

Instructions for knitting 1×1 Rib:

Knitting Flat:

Even number of stitches

Row 1: *k1, p1, repeat from * to end of row
Row 2: repeat row 1
Repeat rows 1-2 until desired length is reached.

Odd number of stitches

Row 1: k1, *p1, k1, repeat from * to end of row
Row 2: p1, *k1, p1, repeat from * to end of row
Repeat rows 1-2 until desired length is reached.

In the Round:

****when knitting in the round, we recommend using an even number of stitches for a seamless effect***

Cast on an even number of stitches and join into a round, taking care not to twist.
Round 1: *k1, p1, repeat from * to end of round
Repeat round 1 until desired length is reached.

Chart:

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