Crochet Stitch: Easy 1x1 Ribbing

Rib stitch is a textured vertical stripe stitch pattern and it is created by alternating knit and purl stitches in the same row. The result is an elastic fiber ideal for cuffs, brims, or hats. 

In crochet, we can mimic the 1x1 ribbing knit stitch very easily! There are different stitches, but my favorite way to achieve the look of 1x1 ribbing is by working a crochet stitch that includes yarn overs and slip stitches.

Keep in mind that the only big difference with a knit rib is that we will be working horizontally instead of vertically. This means that we will be working sideways and once we are finished we will turn the work. 

To make the 1x1 Rib Stitch Crochet Stitch —

If you've followed me for a while now, you know that I am not a big fan of abbreviations and difficult patterns. And as usual, some abbreviations look more difficult than they actually are. To make the 1x1 Rib Stitch crochet pattern you need to know how to make a slip stitch, a yarn over, what the back loop is, and that's it!

Yarn Over Slip Stitch (YO SL ST):  Yarn over, insert the hook into the next ch, yarn over again, and pull up a loop. Now you have three loops on your hook. Pull the last loop through the other two.

Yarn Over Slip Stitch Back Loop Only (YO SL ST BLO): Yarn over, insert the hook into indicated stitch through the back loop, yarn over again and pull up a loop (you should have three loops on your hook now: the first stitch, the yarn over, and the slip stitch). Pull the last loop (slipped stitch) through the other two.

Step by step guide to 1x1 Ribbing Crochet Stitch —

Chain any number of stitches.

1º Row (RS - foundation row): Chain 1, YO SL ST in each stitch to the end of row; turn. This means to *yarn over and make a slip stitch into the 2nd ch from hook, pull the last loop (slipped stitch) through the other two loops; repeat from * to the end of row. Turn.

2º Row (WS): Chain 1, YO SL ST BLO in each stitch, turn. This means to *yarn over, insert the hook into the next stitch through the back loop only, yarn over again, and pull up through the stitch and through the other two loops on the hook; repeat from * to the end of row. Turn. 

Repeat Row 2 to form the 1x1 Rib Crochet Stitch. 

Designer's Tip —

When I crochet, I tend to do the slip stitches tighter than the rest of the stitches, so don't be afraid of trying a larger needle than the one suggested for the yarn. And don't forget, if you have any questions, comments, or concerns, please reach out through email at hello@maxandherb.com