RIB STITCHES are the classic way to edge
sweater bodies and cuffs, because they offer
excellent elasticity. Most knitting patterns
typically feature 1x1 (K1, P1) or 2x2 (K2, P2)
rib patterns, creating that familiar fabric
of vertical ridges and great stretch in the
horizontal direction. There are plenty of
alternatives, though, and we’ve selected 18
stitch patterns that can add extra interest to
your garment edges – whether it be a highly
decorative or textured appearance, a more
dense fabric, or even more stretchiness.
CREATIVE RIB
STITCHES
Looking for something a little different to use on your hems and
cuffs? Helen Spedding offers 18 interesting rib patterns to try
TWILL RIB
This very elastic, attractive rib is
produced by crossing through two
stitches on right-side rows.
(MULTIPLE OF 9 STS + 3)
Row 1: *P 3, (K 2 to g l e av i n g s t on
needle, knit the first st again, then
drop both sts off needle) 3 times;
rep from * to last 3 sts, P3.
Rows 2 and 4: *K3, P6; rep from * to
last 3 sts, K3.
Row 3: *P3, K1, (K2tog leaving st on
needle, knit the first st again, then
drop both sts off needle) 2 times, K1;
rep from * to last 3 sts, P3.BROKEN COLUMNS RIB
An interesting columnar texture is
formed by fragmenting the rib
stitches. (MULTIPLE OF 12 STS)
Rows 1 and 3: K2, (P2, K4) to last 4 sts,
P2, K2.
Rows 2 and 4: P2, (K2, P4) to last 4 sts,
K2, P2.
Rows 5 and 7: K1, (P4, K2) to last 5 sts,
P4, K 1.
Rows 6 and 8: P1, (K4, P2) to last 5 sts,
K4, P1.DOUBLE LACE RIB
Columns of eyelets and lace
alternate with the knit and purl
columns for a pretty effect that
would suit a summery garment.
(MULTIPLE OF 6 STS + 2)
Row 1 (RS): K2, *P1, yo, K2tog tbl, P1,
K2; rep from * to end.
Row 2: P2, *K1, P2; rep from * to end.
Row 3: K2, *P1, K2tog, yo, P1, K2;
rep from * to end.
Row 4: P2, *K1, P2; rep from * to end.‘Cinzia’ from Issue 96
uses a broken rib as
a design featureThe Knitter 72 Issue 143 Subscribe now at TheYarnLoop.com