Rib stitches add stability to your knitting, they’re super stretchy, and they’re used in many ways! Whether you’re looking for a new project to try or want inspiration, keep reading for 30+ wonderful knit stitch patterns to try in my ultimate guide.
What Are Rib Stitches?
Rib stitches have combinations of knit stitch patterns and purl stitch patterns to make vertical or horizontal columns. Use them for all purposes! The simple ones make a great garment.
30+ Excellent Rib Stitch Patterns To Knit
2×2 Rib Stitch
This knit stitch pattern is similar to the classic ribbed stitch, but it alternates between two knit and two purl stitches. This is one of the more basic rib stitches. It’s also called double rib stitch.
5×1 Flat Rib Stitch
This rib stitch pattern alternates between five knit stitches and one purl stitch. Here is an excellent tutorial.
7×3 Flat Rib Stitch
This knit stitch pattern alternates between seven knit stitches and three purl stitches. Here’s a tutorial.
Beaded Rib Stitch
In this, the ribs aren’t separate. Instead, they look like they’ve been woven or beaded together. Hence why it’s called what it is. It’d be great for scarves or shawls!
Bamboo Rib Stitch
This stitch looks like bamboo and would work great for shawls, hat rib patterns, cuffs, hems, and more. Here’s a tutorial.
Broken Rib Stitch
This knit stitch pattern produces a zigzag vertical rib with alternating knit stitches and purl stitches. It’s an interesting-looking one!
Cartridge Belt Rib Stitch
This unique take on the ribbed pattern is a little complicated but worth it if you want a distinctive texture.
Checkered Rib Stitch
This rib stitch knitting pattern is a combination of ribbing and checkered patterns. You’ll need to alternate various knit and purl stitches for it to work. Here’s a tutorial.
Chevron Rib Stitch
This pattern is similar to the Wide Chevron Zigzag Stitch, but it produces a rib chevron-like design with zigzags.
Chunky Rib Stitch
This stitch is great for making thick, cozy garments like sweaters and hats. Here’s a tutorial.
Corded Rib Stitch
This pattern has a firm texture, making it great for bags. It’s worked by knitting, purling, and slipping stitches.
Diagonal Spiral Rib Stitch
This knitting pattern creates beautiful diagonal lines with a unique rib design.
Double Lace Rib Stitch
This pattern has a unique lace look and would work great for shawls, blankets, and more.
Eyelet Rib Stitch
This stitch has an interesting eyelet design with a ribbed background.
Fancy Slip Stitch Rib Stitch
This pattern is an openwork combination of slip stitches and ribbing. Here’s a tutorial.
Farmer’s Rib Stitch
This pattern is a combination of knit and purl stitches, creating a deep ribbed texture.
Figure Of Eight Rib Stitch
This pattern is a combination of ribbing with crossed stitches in between. It’s perfect for sweaters and hats!
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Fisherman’s Rib Stitch
This stitch is perfect for cozy garments like sweaters and hats.
Garter Ribbing Stitch
This knitting pattern is made up of alternating ribs and garter stitch to create a reversible ribbed effect. Goes with any color scheme.
Herringbone Lace Rib Stitch
This pattern is a combination of two stitches: herringbone stitch and lace ribbing.
Knotted Rib Stitch
This pattern looks like it has knots in between the ribs. It’s an interesting-looking stitch!
Little Cable Rib Stitch
This pattern combines ribbing with cable stitches. It’s perfect for sweaters and hats!
Mock Cable Rib Stitch
This stitch looks like it has cables but is actually just an illusion. It’s perfect for sweaters, hats and more!
Pique Rib Stitch
This knitting pattern is similar to the Pique Triangle Stitch but with a ribbed effect.
Reverse Ridge Stitch
The reverse ridge stitch provides texture to knitting projects by adding a distinctive horizontal design.
This rib knit stitch is a stretchy, reversible six-row repeat pattern. Good for colorwork! This stitch is unlike most ribbing patterns because it stretches vertically.
Rib Stitch
This classic rib pattern alternates between knit and purl stitches. (AKA the single rib knit stitch.) The 1 rib stitch is reversible, comfortable to wear, and stretchy too!
Get back to basics with this.
Ric-Rac Rib Stitch
This pattern creates an interesting texture and design.
Sailor’s Rib Stitch
This pattern is similar to the Fisherman’s Rib stitch and creates a deep ribbed texture.
Seeded Rib Stitch
This knitting pattern is similar to the Rib Stitch, but it includes seed stitches, creating a beautiful texture.
Speckled Rib Stitch
This stitch has a speckled look with alternating rib and garter stitches. It’s great for sweaters, scarves, and more!
Twill Rib Stitch
This pattern has a unique twill texture, with alternating knit and purl stitches to create ridges.
Twin Rib Stitch
This rib pattern is great for sweaters, scarves, and more.
Twisted Rib Stitch
This knitting pattern is a combination of knit and purl stitches twisted together for an interesting-looking ribbed texture.
Zig Zag Rib Stitch
This pattern creates a unique ribbed texture with zigzag lines across its stretchy fabric. Perfect for sweaters and other garment knitting patterns.
Conclusion
Rib stitches are one of the most versatile knitting stitch patterns. They can be used to create all sorts of designs, making them perfect for any project.
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced knitter, we recommend giving some of these rib stitch patterns a try!