2×2 Rib Stitch Knitting Pattern for Beginners

The 2×2 Rib Stitch is a versatile knitting pattern that lends itself beautifully to a variety of projects, including scarves, hats, and blankets. With an easy sequence of alternating knit and purl stitches, this textured fabric displays a distinctive vertical ribbing effect.

2x2 Rib Stitch Knitting Pattern in white yarn on knitting needle

Classic Ribbing Texture

This vintage favorite is known for its simplicity, making it an ideal choice for both beginners and seasoned knitters.

  • Row Repeat: Knit up the 2×2 Rib Stitch in a simple 2-row repeat.
  • Stitch Techniques: A series of easy knits and purls create the ribbed pattern.
  • Stretchy: It’s a favorite choice for comfortable elasticity, making it perfect for projects that require a bit of stretch. The brims of hats and cuffs of sweaters often use this pattern.
  • Easy-to-Memorize: As we are knitting just two rows with simple knits and purls, this texture is easy to knit on the go, as you can memorize the pattern without needing to refer to the written pattern.
  • Reversible: This is a reversible pattern, meaning that both sides of your work, the right and wrong sides, are identical.
  • Lays Flat: It is a favorite stitch choice because this pattern easily lays flat.

Knit Stitch Pattern Book

Love easy knitting? Get 50 stitch patterns from my Knit Stitch Pattern Book available in both print and digital formats.

Knitting Techniques

The 2×2 Rib Stitch is an easy combination of simple Knit and Purl Stitches. Find my entire library of Knitting Techniques to help knit up this project.

Cast On and Cast Off Ribbing

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.

Printable Knitting Instructions

2x2 Rib Stitch Knitting Pattern in white yarn on knitting needle

Printable Knitting Pattern

The 2x2 Rib Stitch is a 2-Row repeating pattern of knit and purl techniques. Great stitch to create a simple, stretchy project like the brim edge of a hat.

Makes: 2x2 Rib Stitch
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Active Time: 2 hours
Additional Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
Difficulty: Experienced Beginner

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

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

or

IN THE ROUND ON CIRCULAR NEEDLES:

Cast On: Multiples of 4

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

Notes

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

Repeat pattern between the * * asterisks

Reversible Knit Stitch Pattern

2-Row Repeat

Does Not Lie Flat

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KNITTING TECHNIQUES

  • Slip Knot 
  • CO = Cast On Long Tail Method
  • K = Knit Stitch 
  • P = Purl Stitch
  • BO = Bind Off
  • Weave In Ends
  • _____

    KNITTING CHART

    Knitting chart of the 2x2 rib stitch pattern.

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