Mock Ribbing Stitch Pattern That Doesn't Pull In the Fabric
A step-by-step knitting tutorial for a mock ribbing stitch pattern: cast on a stitch count divisible by 2, plus 2 edge stitches, work a setup row in classic purl stitches, then repeat row 2 with the yarn moved in front of/behind the work and row 3 in purl stitches.
BeginnerFree
Translated
Things you will learn
This isn't real ribbing but a stitch pattern that imitates it: the edge stays firm and doesn't pull in the fabric.
The source specifically stresses that the pattern is worked in classic purl stitches.
Casting on: the stitch count must be divisible by 2, plus 2 edge stitches.
The repeat consists of two rows worked in turn: row 2 with the yarn-move technique and row 3 in purl stitches.
The pattern works well for cuffs, collars, and button bands on jackets and cardigans.
What You'll Get
You'll get a firm edge with a texture that resembles ribbing. Unlike real ribbing, this pattern shouldn't noticeably pull in the fabric's width.
Materials and tools
Tools
Knitting needles, the main tool for working the pattern
Files and resources
Classic vs. "grandmother-style" stitchesThe source asks you to check the difference between these stitches, because the pattern is worked specifically in classic purl stitches.
Preparation
Check how you work your purl stitches
The source stresses that this pattern is worked in classic purl stitches. If you purl the "grandmother-style" way, the texture may come out different.
Cast on the right number of stitches
The stitch count must be divisible by 2, plus 2 edge stitches.
Setup Row
Before repeating the pattern, you need to set up a base row of purl stitches.
Cast on stitches
Cast on a stitch count divisible by 2, and add 2 edge stitches.
Row 1: purl all stitches
The first row in the source is the setup row: purl all stitches.
Main Repeat
Next, rows 2 and 3 are repeated. The order of steps from the source is kept here.
Row 2: slip the edge stitch and purl 1 stitch
Slip the edge stitch. Then purl 1 stitch.
Move the yarn to the front and back of the work
Next, leave the yarn in front of the work, slip the purled stitch, move the yarn behind the work, and put the stitch back in place.
In row 2, it's important to move the yarn in front of and behind the work in the right order.
Yarn position matters
The source specifically notes: first the yarn is in front of the work, then, after slipping the stitch, it's moved behind the work.
Repeat this technique to the end of row 2
Repeat this technique to the end of the row. Purl the last edge stitch.
Row 3: purl all stitches
Work the third row entirely in purl stitches.
Repeat rows 2 and 3
To work the mock ribbing pattern, repeat rows 2 and 3. On the wrong side, the pattern looks like a firm, textured surface.
This is how the pattern looks on the wrong side after repeating the rows.
Where to Use This Pattern
The source suggests using this pattern wherever you need a firm edge without noticeable pulling-in.
Use it for an edge the same width as the fabric
This pattern works well when you need a firm edge that's the same width as the main fabric.
Use it on cuffs, collars, and button bands
The source lists cuffs, collars, and button bands on jackets and cardigans.
This pattern can be used for cuffs, collars, and button bands.
Finish and variations
Finish
Check the edge width
The finished edge should stay about the same width as the main fabric, without noticeable pulling-in.
Check the texture
The right side should resemble ribbing, and the wrong side should have a firm, textured surface, as shown in the photo.
Variations
Cuffs, collars, and button bands
The source specifically names these uses: cuffs, collars, and button bands on jackets and cardigans.
The pattern doesn't look like the ribbing-look sample in the photo.
Likely cause
The purl stitches weren't worked the classic way.
How to fix it
Knit a swatch using classic purl stitches; the source specifically warns not to confuse them with the "grandmother-style" purl.
The repeat gets thrown off
Problem
You can't repeat the technique evenly up to the edge stitch at the end of the row.
Likely cause
The cast-on count isn't divisible by 2, or the 2 edge stitches were forgotten.
How to fix it
Recount your cast-on: the number of working stitches must be divisible by 2, plus 2 edge stitches.
The pattern gets lost in row 2
Problem
After a few repeats, the yarn ends up in the wrong place.
Likely cause
The order was skipped: yarn in front of the work, slip the purled stitch, move the yarn behind the work, put the stitch back.
How to fix it
Work row 2 slowly and check the order of steps, especially the yarn position in front of and behind the work.
The row edge looks messy
Problem
The edge stitches don't form a neat edge.
Likely cause
The edge stitch at the start of row 2 wasn't slipped, or the last edge stitch wasn't purled.
How to fix it
In row 2, slip the first edge stitch, and purl the last edge stitch, as stated in the source.
The pattern gets mistaken for regular ribbing
Problem
The pattern looks like regular ribbing with twisted knit stitches.
Likely cause
The texture really is similar: this is noted in the discussion of the material.
How to fix it
Don't swap in a regular ribbing chart. This master class uses a mock ribbing pattern worked in purl stitches following the repeat described here.
?FAQ
Is this regular 1x1 ribbing?
No. The source calls this a mock ribbing stitch pattern: it resembles ribbing but is worked with a different repeat and shouldn't pull in the fabric.
Which stitches is the pattern worked in?
The master class calls for classic purl stitches. This is an important condition from the source.
How many stitches should I cast on?
Cast on a stitch count divisible by 2, plus 2 edge stitches.
Which rows do I repeat?
After the setup row 1, you repeat row 2 with the yarn-move technique and row 3, where all stitches are purled.
Why does the pattern look like ribbing with twisted knit stitches?
This resemblance is noted in the discussion of the material, but the technique in the source is different: the pattern is knit in purl stitches, repeating rows 2 and 3.
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You surprised me! Ribbing made with purls?? It really looks like regular ribbing with twisted knit stitches. Saving this one for later! I'll definitely try to knit it.
BeginnerFree
You surprised me! Ribbing made with purls?? It really looks like regular ribbing with twisted knit stitches. Saving this one for later! I'll definitely try to knit it.