Ready to spice up your knit ribbing stitch game? Let’s talk about the unsung heroes of the knitting world – ribbing stitches! These bad boys are a great choice for adding stretchy ribbing and visual oomph to your knit creations. Read on to learn just how much versatility ribbing stitches can add to your knitting! 

So basically, ribbing stitches are like the cool cats of knitting. No, seriously! You might think that ribbing is a little boring (right up there with plain old garter or stockinette) but there’s a ton of variations out there! Throw in some lace for that fancy vibe or slap on some cables for that “I’m a knitting genius” look. Imagine a scarf with lacy bits or a chunky sweater with cable magic – there are lots of different ways to turn ordinary into extraordinary.

Basic rib stitches like 1×1 and 2×2 simply alternate knit and purl stitches. Standard ribbing is easy to do and they look great too – offering both texture and stretch. But there are also many riffs on these basics that we are featuring today that will open your eyes to a brand new world of ribbing stitches possibilities in knitting. You will even come to find out that there are some rib stitches that involve no purls at all!

And I haven’t even told you the best part yet. The majority of the ribbing stitches on this list of free knitting tutorials create a reversible fabric, meaning that they look the same on the wrong and right side of the work. That’s great news for projects you will often see both sides of like blankets, scarves and more. You’ll soon see that ribbing stitches can be used for more than just accents. They can take center stage in your next knitting project and really shine.

In this article, we’re gonna spill the beans on ribbing stitches and all the cool ways you can jazz them up for your future knitting projects. Scroll down and prepare to be inspired with these rib stitch patterns and tutorials!

A Neater 1×1 Rib Stitch

The addition of slip stitches to the typical knit and purl stitch mix makes a 1×1 ribbing that looks extra neat with lovely straight columns of knit stitches. It’s not quite as stretchy as traditional ribbing but it’s perfect for decorative uses like sweater cuffs for instance. This is a great way to upgrade your knitting game and make your next project look on point.

Designer: 10 Rows a Day
Yarn: None specified
Click here for the free knitting stitch tutorial!
_______________________

Traditional 2×2 Rib Stitch

Did you know that basic 2×2 ribbing is quite a bit stretchier than 1×1? It’s true! This type of ribbing also has more of a distinctive texture. Maybe that’s why it’s such a popular choice anytime you need to add a little texture and stretch to a knitting project. If you are still mastering the basics of ribbing stitches for knitting, then this is a great place to start.

Designer: Nimble Needles
Yarn: Schachenmayr Catania Grande (Worsted Weight #4)
Click here for the free knitting stitch tutorial!
_______________________

Reversible Broken Rib Stitch

Ok, now let’s dip our toes into some variations on the ribbing stitches we all know and love. The broken rib stitch is an easy upgrade with great results. You still get those iconic rib columns like in traditional ribbing but the background fabric gets a textured makeover that adds a lot of interest. Typically worked over a 2 row repeat of knit and purl stitches, this tutorial figured out how to do it over a 1 row repeat. Neato!

Designer: Rokolee DIY
Yarn: None specified
Click here for the free knitting stitch tutorial!
_______________________

Fisherman’s Rib Stitch

If you really want to get a little fancy, then fisherman’s rib stitch is a really cool one to learn. This technique is similar to brioche but it can be a little easier to pick up. The pattern involves knit and purl stitches as well as working into stitches in the row below. It still retains the look of classic ribbing but it’s a little more buttoned up.

Designer: B.Hooked Crochet
Yarn: None specified
Click here for the free knitting stitch tutorial!
_______________________

Diagonal Rib Stitch

Who says that the ridges of texture in a rib stitch have to go vertically? This stitch tutorial takes a new angle on ribbing stitches for knitting and I mean that quite literally! Staggering knit and purl stitches over an 8 row repeat creates beautiful, long diagonal lines. The resulting fabric is even squishier than traditional ribbing!

Designer: Snufflebean Yarns
Yarn: None specified
Click here for the free knitting stitch tutorial!
_______________________

2×2 Back Loop Rib Stitch

This stitch tutorial is a bit like twisted rib stitch. For this particular pattern, all stitches are knit through the back loop, both knits and purls. This is a great way to get some practice working through the back loops and keeping your tension consistent while you’re at it. It’s a simple enough stitch and yet it will have all your knitting friends excitedly asking, “How did you do that?”.

Designer: we are knitters
Yarn: None specified
Click here for the free knitting stitch tutorial!
_______________________

Half Fisherman’s Rib Stitch

Here’s a variation on the fisherman’s rib stitch for you to try. In this stitch pattern, the pronounced ridges of raised stitches are wider than the narrow valleys between them. The tutorial calls for regular purl stitches and knit stitches worked into the row below. Work this one in a thicker weight of yarn for maximum satisfying squishiness!

Designer: Mama in a Stitch
Yarn: None specified
Click here for the free knitting stitch tutorial!
_______________________

Alternating Garter Rib Stitch

If a rib stitch and a basketweave stitch had a baby, it might look like this. To work this interesting looking stitch pattern you only need to know how to knit and purl. The resulting fabric has alternating section of both vertical and horizontal ribbing. It’s a great way to practice working stitches with larger repeats and it’s fairly easy to tell quickly if you’ve made a mistake.

Designer: Brome Fields
Yarn: Bernat Softee Chunky (Bulky Weight #5)
Click here for the free knitting stitch tutorial!
_______________________

Cable Rib Stitch

There’s nothing quite like a cable stitch to make your next knitting project look extra special. You can always expect a few compliments when there are cables involved and you’ll be so pleased that you might want to pat yourself on the back. The pattern involves the usual suspects (knit and purl stitches) along with working from a cable needle.

Designer: Knitting with Chopsticks
Yarn: Zeeman Royal (Worsted Weight #4)
Click here for the free knitting stitch tutorial!
_______________________

Corded Rib Stitch

I really like the unique texture of our next featured ribbing stitch. The stitch pattern has a 1 row repeat when worked in rows and a 2 row repeat when worked in the round. Either way it’s an easy one to commit to memory which makes it great for knitting in front of the tv. You’ll be using knit stitches, slip slip knit stitches, and make one left stitches.

Designer: VeryPink Knits
Yarn: Malabrigo Chunky (Bulky Weight #5)
Click here for the free knitting stitch tutorial!
_______________________

Beaded Rib Stitch

This stitch tutorial combines rib stitch and seed stitch to give you the best of both worlds. Pairs of vertical ridges are separated by a dotted line. It looks like neat little rows of ladders and I’m sure it would be so satisfying to knit up! It is made using just knit and purl stitches over a 2 row repeat.

Designer: New Stitch a Day
Yarn: None specified
Click here for the free knitting stitch tutorial!
_______________________

Ribbed 3×2 Knit Stitch

The next one of our featured ribbing stitches for knitting really pulls out all the stops. Cascading columns of cables resembles a chains of hearts strung together or intricated braids. Special techniques include knit 2 togethers, slip knit pass overs, and fish tail stitches. Save this stitch for when you’re feeling like showing off a little bit.

Designer: Crazy Hands
Yarn: Debbie Bliss (Aran Weight #4)
Click here for the free knitting stitch tutorial!
_______________________

Single Lace Rib

This is one of those knitting stitches that just makes you say wow! The more I look at it the more I like it. There’s a lot going on here between the ridges, the zig zag background and the columns of eyelets, but it all works together beautifully. The pattern calls for knit and purl stitches along with yarn overs and knit 2 togethers.

Designer: Knit with Aabhar
Yarn: Caron Simply Soft (Aran Weight #4)
Click here for the free knitting stitch tutorial!
_______________________

Eyelet Rib Stitch

Here’s another one of our ribbing stitches for knitting that incorporates some fun eyelets. This stitch pattern has only a touch of lace, so it’s still plenty warm enough to use for something like a sweater, for instance. Special techniques include knit 2 togethers, slip knit pass overs, and increasing between 2 stitches below.

Designer: Bettaknit
Yarn: Bettaknit Love My Jeans
Click here for the free knitting stitch tutorial!
_______________________

Wavy Rib Stitch

Add some wibble and wobble into your vertical ridges with this wavy riff. You still get the texture and stretch of a traditional rib stitch but with an extra dash of whimsy. The pattern uses just knit and purl stitches worked over a 12 row repeat. This stitch is just pure fun!

Designer: Miskunn for Little Things Blogged
Yarn: None specified
Click here for the free knitting stitch tutorial!
_______________________

Cartridge Rib Stitch

Turn the texture up on a traditional rib stitch and you might get something like this cartridge rib stitch. The vertical ridges and indented spaces in between are both more pronounced in this stitch pattern making the differences between the two even more eye-catching. The pattern uses only knit and purl stitches.

Designer: Noble Knits
Yarn: None specified
Click here for the free knitting stitch tutorial!
_______________________

Rickrack Rib Stitch

Just imagine the joy of watching these adorable columns of rickrack unfurl on your needles as your project progresses. This is one of those stitches that is just as fun to knit as it is to look at. The pattern calls for knit and purl stitches with some knit stitches worked through the back loops. Doesn’t it just make you want to run your hands over it?

Designer: So Woolly
Yarn: None specified
Click here for the free knitting stitch tutorial!
_______________________

Chevron Rib Stitch

You’ve probably seen the type of chevron stitch where you use increases and decreases to move the work up and down. Or maybe you’ve seen a project use stockinette stitch with colorwork to achieve those coveted peaks and valleys. Well this design uses the textual differences of knit and purl stitches worked over a 12 row repeat to make the chevrons.

Designer: Snufflebean Yarn
Yarn: None specified
Click here for the free knitting stitch tutorial!
_______________________

Double Slip Stitch Rib

With this exciting double slip stitch ribbing tutorial you can kiss those pesky purl stitches goodbye. You’ll only be using knit and slip stitches for this pattern and working over an easy to remember 2 row repeat. It is not reversible like many rib stitches tend to be, so you might want to reserve this stitch for projects you will only show off the front of the work.

Designer: So Woolly
Yarn: None specified
Click here for the free knitting stitch tutorial!
_______________________

Ridged Rib Stitch

Sometimes you don’t want the pronounced look of ribbing with strong columns but you still need something with a little stretch. Ribbing stitches for knitting like this one certainly fit the bill! The vertical lines are interrupted by broken horizontal lines for added visual interest. You’ll only be using knit and purl stitches for this tutorial worked over a 4 row repeat.

Designer: ChristaCo Design
Yarn: Worsted Weight #4
Click here for the free knitting stitch tutorial!
_______________________

2 Color Brioche Rib Stitch

Have you dipped your toes into the waters of brioche knitting yet? I probably wouldn’t recommend this particular stitch pattern for new knitters, but it’s a great place to expand your skills if you are already somewhat familiar with brioche. The incorporation of ribbing and a second color of yarn is just stunning! You’ll be using regular knit stitches, brioche knit and purl stitches, yarn overs, slip stitches, and circular knitting for this design.

Designer: Hands Occupied
Yarn: Ewe So Sporty (Sport Weight #2)
Click here for the free knitting stitch tutorial!
_______________________

Eyelet Mock Cable Rib

Don’t you just love stitch patterns that look complicated but are secretly simple? Mock cable ribbings are just that. This pattern calls for knit and purl stitches along with yarn overs and slip stitches worked over a 4 row repeat. You don’t even need a cable needle to reproduce this stitch pattern (that’s where the ‘mock’ part comes in) so it really is a lot easier than it looks. 

Designer: Darn Good Yarn
Yarn: Worsted Weight #4
Click here for the free knitting stitch tutorial!
_______________________

Shadow Rib Stitch

On rare occasions, you might be on the hunt for a ribbing stitch that boasts good 4 way stretch rather than just the regular 2 way stretch. If that’s the case, you should really check out this stitch pattern! You’ll be using knit and purl stitches along with knit stitches worked through the back loop over an easy to remember 2 row repeat.

Designer: Noble Knits
Yarn: Universal Deluxe Bulky Superwash Yarn (Bulky Weight #5)
Click here for the free knitting stitch tutorial!
_______________________

Double Eyelet Rib Stitch

Make a statement in your next knitting project with this exciting stitch pattern. A combination of knit and purl stitches are joined by knit slip pass overs and knit 2 togethers for this enchanting mash-up of lace and ribbing. Choose a project that you can really show off like a lightweight cardigan or a pair of pretty window curtains.

Designer: Handmade by Stacy J.
Yarn: King Cole Baby (DK Weight #3)
Click here for the free knitting stitch tutorial!
_______________________

Garter Stitch Twisted Rib

Talk about texture! For this pattern, you’ll be using knit and purl stitches with some stitches worked into the back loop. There’s also quite a bit of skipping the first stitch on the needle to work into the second stitch and then going back to finish off the first stitch. At any rate, it’s a two row repeat so you’ll have it committed to memory in no time.

Designer: Knit with Aabhar
Yarn: Caron Simply Soft (Aran Weight #4)
Click here for the free knitting stitch tutorial!
_______________________

Final Thoughts on Ribbing Stitches for Knitting

Who knew that there are so many exciting ribbing stitch patterns for knitting? Well, I did, and now you do too! Ribbing stitches for knitting are one of the best ways to create a stretchy fabric for so many different projects. We hope you were inspired today and can’t wait to try out one of these knit rib patterns!

Don’t forget, sharing is caring! Send this free knitting stitch tutorial round-up to all your knitting friends so they can join in on the fun too! Bookmark this page or save the link to your Pinterest board for amazing knitting patterns. 

I’ll see you next week for another free knitting pattern round-up. Make sure to follow the blog so you never miss a post. <3

Happy Knitting!