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Garter Ribbing Stitch Knitting Pattern

The Garter Ribbing Stitch Knitting Pattern creates columns of smooth Stockinette Stitch separated by two rows of Garter Stitch texture.

This 2-Row Repeat Knit Stitch Pattern is an easy-level project with a simple combination of knits and purls. It is a great choice for knitting up simple blankets, pillows, scarves, and more.

Get your free written pattern instructions with a video tutorial below. You may also purchase my ad-free Knit Stitch Pattern Book in both hardcopy and e-book formats.

Right and Wrong sides of Garter Ribbing knit stitch texture in blue color yarn.
Table of Contents

Knitting Techniques

This stitch is an easy combination of simple Knit and Purl Stitches. Find my entire library of Knitting Techniques to help knit up this project.

Garter Ribbing stitch knitting texture on circular bamboo needles with blue colored yarn.

Knitting Instructions

Cast On Stitches

If you are knitting your piece flat on straight needles, cast on knitting stitches onto your needles in multiples of 4, then add an additional 2 stitches at the very end. This determines the width of your work. Select any number of stitches, as long as it is divisible by four with an additional two stitches.

If you would like to add a border to the sides, cast on additional stitches. My blue sample has two knit garter stitches added to the right and left sides. Therefore, I cast on six multiples of four (24), plus two (2), plus four stitches for the sides (4), equaling 30 stitches total. I also knit two rows of the garter stitch at the bottom of my swatch.

When knitting your work in the round on circular needles, simply cast on in multiples of 4.

Close-up side view of the Garter Ribbing stitch pattern.

Casting On and Off in Pattern for Ribbing Stitches

When beginning and ending Rib Stitch Patterns, you may wish to do so “in pattern.” This creates the ribbed texture along the edge for knitted items like sleeves and necks, rather than a solid horizontal edge.

Casting On: Alternating the Long-Tail Cast On Knitwise and Cast On Purlwise stitches in pattern to begin your project.

Casting Off: Alternating the Basic Cast Off Knitwise and Cast Off Purlwise gives the finished edge the same texture as your ribbing.

Knitting steps to cast on and knit the Garter Ribbing Stitch pattern.

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Knit Row 1

Knit All
Knit all stitches on your first row, which is the right side of the work.

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Knit Row 2

Knitted Flat on the Wrong Side:
P2, * K2, P2 *
When knitting flat, begin by purling two stitches, then knit your stitch pattern repeat of two knit stitches and purl stitches.

Knitted in the Round on the Wrong Side:
* K2, P2 *
When knitting in the round, knit your entire stitch pattern with a repeat of two knit stitches and purl stitches.

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Repeat Stitch Pattern

Repeat rows one and two until your work is the length you desire. Bind off when complete!

Garter Ribbing Stitch Knitting Pattern Close Up


Knitting Pattern Book (ad-free)

Find the Garter Rib Stitch on page 10 of my ad-free Knit Stitch Pattern Book. Get your free printable pattern further down in this post!

Knit Stitch Pattern Book with Seed and Garter Ribbing Stitch Patterns

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Garter Ribbing Stitch a reversible pattern?

No, the Garter Ribbing Stitch is not a reversible pattern because the right side of the work displays the design, but the wrong (back) side does not. 

Does the Garter Ribbing Stitch curl or lie flat?

Because this stitch alternates knit and purl stitches on all rows, it easily lies flat. You may wish to block your work, however, it is not necessary since the fabric does not curl up.

Is the Garter Ribbing Stitch easy to memorize?

Yes, because this is an easy 2-Row Repeat of knits and purls, this pattern is easy to remember. It’s a great choice when you do not want to refer to the written pattern.

Garter Ribbing knit stitch texture in blue color yarn.

Printable Knitting Instructions

Garter Ribbing Knit Stitch Pattern in blue color yarn.

Printable Knitting Pattern

Yield: Garter Ribbing Stitch
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Active Time: 2 hours
Additional Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
Difficulty: Experienced Beginner

The Garter Ribbing Stitch Knitting Pattern creates columns of smooth Stockinette Stitch separated by two rows of Garter Stitch texture.

Materials

  • Yarn - Any Gauge

Tools

  • Knitting Needles - Appropriate Size for Yarn
  • Tapestry Needle
  • Scissors

Instructions

KNITTED FLAT ON STRAIGHT NEEDLES:

Cast On: Multiples of 4, plus 2

  1. Row 1 (Right Side): Knit All
  2. Row 2 (Wrong Side): P2, * K2, P2 *

or

IN THE ROUND ON CIRCULAR NEEDLES:

Cast On: Multiples of 4

  1. Row 1: Knit All
  2. Row 2: * K2, P2 *

Notes

Repeat Rows 1 – 2 until your piece is the length you desire

Repeat pattern between the * * asterisks

Not a Reversible Knit Stitch Pattern

2-Row Repeat

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KNITTING TECHNIQUES

  1. Slip Knot 
  2. CO = Cast On Long Tail Method
  3. K = Knit Stitch 
  4. P = Purl Stitch
  5. BO = Bind Off
  6. Weave In Ends

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KNITTING CHART

Knitting Chart for Garter Ribbing Stitch Pattern by Studio Knit.

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Thank You for Visiting Studio Knit

I hope you are inspired to knit up this Garter Ribbing Stitch Knitting Pattern in your next knitting project. Check out my entire library of free stitch patterns!

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Happy knitting to you!

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