A Rib Stitch is something everyone must have certainly seen on a knitted garment.
Really? Where? At the cuffs, collars and waist of a sweater. Or in the borders of hats, socks and gloves.
What does this stitch do? It contracts laterally, forming small pleats in which the purl stitches recede and the knit stitches come forward.
How does this help? It adds elasticity to the any form fitting portion of the garment. Imagine having an extremely stiff cuff or collar – how uncomfortable that would be. This is where a little bit of stretch would be appreciated, and this is where ribbing helps.
What is this Rib Stitch exactly? It is a knitting pattern, where vertical stripes of stockinette stitch alternate with vertical stripes of reverse stockinette stitch.
Eh what? Can this terminology be broken down to something simpler? Of course.
Basically, knit 1 stitch and then purl 1 stitch, and repeat till the pattern asks for it. Or maybe knit 2 stitches and then purl 3 stitches, which will give the pattern a bit more stretch. Or maybe knit 3 stitches and then purl 3 stitches, which will make it super stretchy. Don’t go up to 4, because then it becomes a basket weave stitch, and is no longer a rib stitch. Everything in moderation 😛
Confusing? At first yes. But later on, it becomes second nature. I also feel it looks great, and adds texture to some plain stockinette knits.
Where else have you seen this stitch? Let’s talk!
You may enjoy learning about the Bubble Stitch.