Knitting Patterns with Decorative Ribbing Designs

The knitting technique of basic ribbing is common to any knitter who has knitted the cuffs of socks or the neckbands of pullovers. The term "ribbing" refers to the raised columns that make materials stretchy. It was in learning to knit socks that I discovered that there is more to ribbing than the basic "knit one, purl one" stitch repetition. It so happens that a variety of decorative ribbing techniques exist - Big Bamboo, Brioche, Cartridge, Lace, Eyelet, Slip-Stitch Waffle, Twisted Stitch, Masonry, Rib and Garter, Rib and Welt, Succotash, Vine, etc. - that when included in patterns add to their value. This guide describes some knitting patterns with these decorative ribbing designs.

Brioche Rib

Twilly Neckerchief by Lisa Shroyer

Knitters will find the deep indentations of the Brioche ribbing in this lovely neckerchief pattern that requires a size 8/32 in. circular needle, a tapestry needle, and three balls of Classic Alpaca yarn in the colors Fall Foliage, Rosette, and Mahogany. The finished size is 31 in. wide by 26 in. long.

Eyelet Rib

Eyelet Rib Wrap Knitting Pattern by Sally Trefftzs

Eyelet ribbings are composed of multiple columns of textured eyelets. This free knitting pattern makes any size Eyelet Rib Wrap based on the measurements of an individual's elbow-to-elbow width when they are standing with hands on hips. While the amount of yarn and the size of knitting needles are based on a person's measurements, Trefftzs uses seven 50 gram skeins of Unger's Utopia Sport yarn and size 5 knitting needles.

Garter Ridge Rib

Puffin Baby-Garter Ridge Blanket by Susan Druding

The textured design of the Garter Ridge Rib is designed as follows: Knit 2 Purl 1 repetition on rounds 1,2, and 3 and Purl on round 4. This free knitting pattern makes a 29 in. wide by 29 in. long baby blanket with garter ridge ribbing. It requires seven 50g balls of Puffin yarn and a size 11 circular bamboo or Daisy needle.

Twisted Stitch Rib

Watered Quartz Tee by Teva Durham

The Watered Quartz Tee knitted with this pattern features stripes of twisted rib stitch that resemble the twisted design of a nail. The required materials include 3-4 balls of Loop-d-Loop yarn (Teva Durham Quartz), 2-3 balls of Loop-d-Loop yarn (Teva Durham River); and size 5 and 10 1/2 knitting needles. This pattern is designed for bust circumferences 30 ½ in. to 44 in. and is found in the Spring 2009 Issue of Interweave Knits Magazine available for $9.99.

Vine Rib

Climbing Vines Pullover by Joelle Meier Rioux

The knitted pullover featured in this pattern is designed with a half front "climbing" vine rib pattern along with a basic ribbed neckband, lower edging, and cuffs. Tailored to bust circumferences 31 in. to 50 ½ in., this pattern requires 6-10 balls of Classic Elite Portland Tweed, size 7 knitting needles, and size 6/24 in. circular needle. This pattern is found in the Winter 2008 issue of Interweave Knits Magazine available for $10.

Welt and Rib

Welt and Rib Raglanby Shayna Zelko

To knit this Welt and Rib turtleneck featuring horizontal lines on the top half and vertical lines on the botton half, one needs 7-15 skeins of Manos del Uruguay Silk Blend yarn, a size 5/32 in. circular needle and set of double pointed needles, a size H/8 crochet hook, and a tapestry needle. It is tailored to bust circumferences fromm 31 ¾ in. to 51 ¾ in.

With these knitting patterns with decorative ribbings in mind, knitters can try something new. All it takes is knowing the simple decorative ribbing techniques, that are decribed on Patons Stitch Gallery. The finished product will be fabulous!

Sources

Druding, S. "Puffin Baby Blanket Pattern Garter Ridge Blanket - Crystal Palace Yarns - Free Knit Patt." CrystalPalace Yarns.

Durham, T. "Interweave Knits Magazine-Winter 2008 Pattern Preview and Yarn Requirements." Interweave Press LLC.

Rioux, J.M. "Interweave Knits Magazine-Winter 2008 Pattern Preview and Yarn Requirements."Interweave Press LLC.

"Patons:Stitch Gallery."Patons.

Shroyer, L. . "Interweave Knits Magazine-Fall 2009 Pattern Preview and Yarn Requirements." Interweave Press LLC.

Trefftzs, S. "Free Knitting Pattern for Wrap with Eyelet Rib."Knittingontheweb.com.

Zelko, S. "Interweave Knits Magazine-Winter 2008 Pattern Preview and Yarn Requirements." Interweave Press LLC.