Learn to Knit 5: Rib Stitch Facecloth by Ash Thorne

Learn to Knit 5: Rib Stitch Facecloth

Knitting
November 2023
DK (11 wpi) ?
21 stitches and 14 rows = 2 inches
in stockinette
US 6 - 4.0 mm
63 - 71 yards (58 - 65 m)
English
This pattern is available for free.

This pattern is part of a guided “Learn to Knit” series designed by an elementary teacher. Each successive facecloth pattern in the series builds on previous skills in the tiniest increments, making the daunting challenge of learning how to knit accessible. While it is best to pair this guide with the hands-on advice of a knitting shop or friendly neighbourhood knitter, each skill has multiple links to YouTube videos so that you can learn on your own or review lessons when your guide isn’t available.
If you’ve ever tried to teach someone to knit and been at a loss for where to start or where to go next, this series removes that mental puzzle and allows you to focus on what you do best: knit. You can share this guide with your learner so they can access the tutorial links to practice when you aren’t available.

So far we have been knitting and purling entire rows to create patterns and textures. We can create even more textures when we mix knitting and purling within a row. Ribbing, also called the rib stitch, is one of the most common textures found in knitting because it creates a very stretchy fabric, is reversible, and generally will lie flat. You will see it commonly on the cuffs, collars, and hems of sweaters as well as on the cuffs of socks and edges of hats. The elasticity of ribbing helps socks stay up, hats stay on, and sleeves stay closed.

Pre-requisite Skills:

  • cast on (CO) and bind off (BO)
  • knit (k) and purl (p)

New Skill: switching between knitting and purling within a row