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
- Stitched 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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