How to Knit a Diagonal Rib Pattern

Ribbing is a commonly used element in knitting projects where the ability to stretch is required. There are various ways to create ribbing, but for something truly unique, you can try the diagonal rib pattern. It creates a ribbing that, as the names suggests, runs on a diagonal instead of horizontally or vertically, and has a wide open stitch. Read on to learn how to knit a diagonal rib pattern.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Knitting needles (in any size)
• Yarn

1. Cast on four or more stitches. The diagonal rib is worked in four stitch intervals.
2. Alternate knitting two and purling two in pattern across all the stitches to create the first row. Repeat this to create row two.
3. Knit one, purl two, knit two. Then purl two and knit two in pattern across all the stitches except the last three. End with purling two and knitting one to complete row three.
4. Purl one, knit two, purl two. Knit two and purl two across the remaining stitches except the last three. End with knitting two and purling one to complete row four.
5. Work row five by purling two and knitting two across all the stitches.
6. Finish pattern by repeating rows five, four and three, in that order for the next three rows. You will have completed a total of eight rows.

Tips & Warnings

• A diagonal rib will not pull in or collapse like traditional ribbing. Instead, it is an open looking ribbing.
• The diagonal rib is better for making the body of clothing than as traditional ribbing in neck bands.