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rib: Ribbing

Alternate knit and purl stitches in columns, such as k2, p2. This describes the resulting fabric or stitch pattern, which usually means a repeating sequence of knits and purls.

How to work rib

Alternate knit and purl stitches in columns, such as k2, p2. It stretches and pulls in, so it is used for cuffs and hems.

Common mistake

Losing the stitch pattern at the row change; knit the knits and purl the purls.

Effect on your stitch count

It does not change the stitch count by itself.

Related abbreviations

All terms are in the knitting abbreviations list, and in the app's Glossary, which works offline.

Frequently asked questions

What does rib stand for?

rib stands for ribbing.

Does rib change the number of stitches?

It does not change the stitch count by itself.

Last updated 7 November 2026. Stitchlight is an independent app; this page is written for readers, not for search engines. Spotted a mistake? Tell us.

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