How to Create Crochet Ribbing – 5 Simple Patterns

Crochet ribbing consists of a combination of simple stitches, usually worked in the back loops only or using front or back post stitches to create ridges. All of these work beautifully, but I have a favorite…because not only does it looked knitted, it has a great stretch, like ribbing is intended to do.

Here I’ve compiled 5 different ribbing techniques – I hope you learn something new and can use them on all your beautiful projects! Please share with someone you think would like to learn new ribbing techniques.

At the end of the post – there is a video describing the different types and their benefits.

Also, these patterns can be worked using a top-down hat pattern or a bottom-up hat pattern.  Check out this awesome technique by TL Yarn Crafts on how to create ribbing using top down!  It’s a great video.

Abbreviations

chain (ch), single crochet (sc), half double crochet (hdc), slip stitch (sl st), back loop only (blo), front post half double crochet (FPhdc), third loop (3rd loop).

These instructions are for working flat back and forth rows.  Ribbing height can vary from hats to sweaters, so it is up to you how many chains you make to start.  When you finish, you will join the ends together and stitch them up.

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Remember ~ when making these rows – the first stitch is always made in the same space as the turning chain.  X = X number of rows for your project.

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Pattern 1 ~  Single Crochet Ribbing

Create your foundation chain using chains or foundation single crochet’s (or hdc, depending on which pattern you using).

Row 1 – sc in 2nd ch from hook and across entire row. ch 1, turn.

Row 2 – sc entire row (blo). ch 1, turn.

Rows 3 – X: Repeat Row 2 until your ribbing is the length you’d like.

Pattern 2 ~  Half Double Crochet Ribbing

When working hdc – the last stitch of the row likes to hide ~ so remember to count your stitches.  If you are short by one stitch – find that hiding last stitch and pull up the loop 🙂 Also, Half Double Crochet’s have a “3rd loop”  here is a pictorial on how to find that sucker.

Create your foundation chain using chains or foundation hdc.  To learn how to create a foundation hdc, check out this tutorial.

Row 1 – hdc in each chain(st) across row (if you started with a foundation hdc row, you’ll work these into the 3rd loops). ch 1, turn.

Row 2 – hdc (3rd loop) entire row. ch 1, turn.

Rows 3 – X: Repeat Row 2 until your ribbing is the length you’d like.

Pattern 3 ~  Combo Half Double Crochet & Single Crochet

Create your foundation chain using chains or foundation sc.  To learn how to create a foundation sc, check out this tutorial.

Row 1 – sc in each chain(st) across row (if you started with a foundation sc row, you’ll work these into the back loops only). ch 1, turn.

Row 2 – hdc (blo) entire row. ch 1, turn.

Row 3 – sc (3rd loop) entire row. ch 1, turn.

Rows 4 – X: Repeat Rows 2& 3 until your ribbing is the length you’d like.

Pattern 4 ~  Single Crochet & Slip Stitch

Make the sl st very loose – this ribbing will bunch up – Also remember to count these stitches, the last stitch of the slip stitch row will seriously hide from you! – p.s. – this is my favorite one ;).

Create your foundation chain using chains or foundation sc.  To learn how to create a foundation sc, check out this tutorial.

Row 1 – (if you started with a foundation sc row, skip this row and move onto Row 2).  sc in each chain across row  ch 1, turn.

Row 2 – sl st (blo) entire row. ch 1, turn (make these loose! they tend to bunch up and it will make it easier to create R3).

Row 3 – sc (blo) entire row. ch 1, turn.

Rows 4 – X: Repeat Rows 2& 3 until your ribbing is the length you’d like.

Pattern 5 ~  Front Post Half Double Crochet & Single Crochet Combo

This is a cool pattern – very versatile.

Create your foundation chain using chains or foundation sc.  To learn how to create a foundation sc, check out this tutorial.

Row 1 – (if you started with a foundation sc row, skip this row and move onto Row 2).  sc in each chain across row  ch 1, turn.

Row 2 – FPhdc around each sc from Row 1. ch 1, turn.

Row 3 – sc (in both loops) entire row. ch 1, turn.

Rows 4 – X: Repeat Rows 2& 3 until your ribbing is the length you’d like.

Thanks for stopping by & Happy Hooking!

❤ Tasha

~Inspire, Learn, Create