Learn how to knit this 2×2 rib stitch knitting pattern, a chunkier, stretchier ribbing stitch for your next knitting project with this easy tutorial!
We talked about 1×1 ribbing before, so now let’s chat about 2×2 rib stitch! This ribbing is a little chunkier and a little stretchier and has more texture than 1×1. It is fantastic for brims of hats, cuffs or hems of sweaters, even a turtleneck. Basically it’s great anywhere you need a lot of stretch. It’s also a little bit bolder aesthetically which some people prefer.
What is 2×2 rib stitch?
2×2 ribbing is alternating columns of 2 knit stitches and then 2 purl stitches. It looks best over a multiple of 4 stitches +2 so it is symmetrical. 2×2 rib is super stretchy.
What are the advantages of 2×2 ribbing?
- 2×2 rib is very easy to knit, you just alternate sets of 2 knit and purl stitches.
- 2×2 is a very neat and tidy stitch and makes a great edge.
- This ribbing is very pretty and makes a nice design element
- 2×2 rib is very stretchy.
- This ribbing stitch is reversible and looks the same on the front and the back.
What does 2×2 rib stitch look like?
Here is a photo of a swatch of 2×2 ribbing on the right side.
Here is a photo of a swatch of 2×2 ribbing on the wrong side.
As you can see, this ribbing stitch looks the same on both sides!
Tips & Tricks for knitting 2×2 ribbing
- When you knit ribbing, the stitches squeeze together making the knitting narrower than other stitches. Make sure you know if the gauge of the project is meant to measure in a rib stitch or in some other stitch.
- In the same vein, if you are measuring gauge for ribbing, make sure you know if the ribbing should be blocked or unblocked as blocked will usually be slightly more stretched out.
- Be sure you keep your knit and purl stitch tensions even.
- Consider going down a needle size for the ribbing section of a project for a neater appearance.
- Some knitters recommend knitting twisted stitches to make ribbing neater, but I have not seen a totally convincing argument for this. But feel free to try it!
- For best results, use a stretchy bind off to your ribbing. That can be as easy as looesly binding off in pattern.
2×2 Rib Stitch Knitting Pattern (knit flat)
Cast on a multiple of 4 stitches + 2
Row 1: (k2, p2) and repeat to the last 2 stitches, then k2
Row 2: (p2, k2) and repeat to the last 2 stitches, then p2
Repeat rows 1 & 2.
Here is a chart showing how to knit 2×2 rib stitch flat:
2×2 Rib Stitch Knitting Pattern (in the round)
Cast on a multiple of 4 stitches and join to knit in the round.
All rounds: (k2, p2) and repeat to the end of the round.
Here is a chart showing how to knit 2×2 rib stitch in the round:
2×2 Rib Stitch Video Tutorial
How To Knit 2x2 Rib Stitch
Learn how to knit this 2x2 rib stitch knitting pattern, a chunkier, stretchier ribbing stitch for your next knitting project with this easy tutorial!
Materials
Tools
Instructions
2x2 Rib Stitch Knitting Pattern (knit flat)
- Cast on a multiple of 4 stitches + 2
- Row 1: (k2, p2) and repeat to the last 2 stitches, then k2
- Row 2: (p2, k2) and repeat to the last 2 stitches, then p2
- Repeat rows 1 & 2.
2x2 Rib Stitch Knitting Pattern (in the round)
- Cast on a multiple of 4 stitches and join to knit in the round.
- All rounds: (k2, p2) and repeat to the end of the round.
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