Bold Ribbing Knitting Pattern: A Thick, Raised Rib for Borders or Allover
Plain 1x1 rib on one side, a clever slip on the other, and you get a bold, raised rib that's thicker and warmer than usual. Only two rows to remember.
This rib stands up from the fabric, which is why I call it bold ribbing. It's very easy, looks beautiful, and turns out thicker than a normal rib, so whatever you make with it will be extra warm. The back is neat too. Use it for borders or knit a whole project in it.
Stitch count
Any number, even or odd. But this pattern pulls in while you knit (it stretches out again when worn), so cast on more than usual. If you'd normally need 100 stitches, cast on 120–130 to get the same width.
What you'll need
- Any wool. A soft wool or merino makes a lovely warm rib
- Knitting needles to suit your yarn
The pattern
- Row 1 (RS):right side
Slip the first stitch. Then work 1x1 rib: purl 1, knit 1, across the row. With an odd number of stitches, the last stitch is a knit. With an even number, it's a purl.
- Row 2 (WS):wrong side
Slip the first stitch (purlwise if it was a knit on the other side, knitwise if it was a purl). *Knit the knit stitch, bring the yarn to the front, slip the purl stitch without knitting, take the yarn to the back.* Repeat across. The last (edge) stitch is purled.
Repeat these two rows. On the right side it's plain one-knit-one-purl; on the wrong side you knit the knit stitches and slip the purl stitches. That slip on the wrong side is what makes the ribs bold and raised.
Where to use it
Even just as a border it looks very neat, on cuffs, hems and necklines. As an allover pattern it's perfect for men's sweaters, mufflers and anything you want to be really warm.
- bold ribbing
- raised rib
- knitting rib pattern
- sweater border
- warm knitting
- hand knitting
- wool
- handmade
