How to Make the Farrow Knit Rib Stitch for Beginners

Farrow Knit Rib Stitch by Janice 

The Farrow Knit Rib Stitch is an easy rib pattern with only knits and purls. Its easy two-row repeat design makes it ideal for the beginner knitter. But if you are tired of making garter stitch scarves or washcloths, this is a perfect way to advance your knitting skills and create something with an interesting texture.

It's also a reversible pattern, which makes it an ideal choice for scarves, blankets, cowls, and any project where both the right and wrong sides will show. You would not be alone if you think this stitch resembles the broken rib stitch pattern. Though similar, it is an entirely different stitch.

Farrow Knit Rib Stitch Pattern worked in pink worsted weight acrylic yarn

So, if you know how to make a purl stitch and knit stitches, you can create this interesting rib. Incidentally, this fabric creates a nice horizontal stretch so it is also appropriate where a rib stitch might be needed, such as hat brims, or sleeve cuffs.

Skill Level

From the Craft Yarn Council, the symbol used to determine the skill level required to finish the project.Basic level, Beginner-Friendly

Beginner, Easy

Abbreviations

K - Knit

P - Purl

CO - Cast on

BO - Bind off

* * - Repeat the directions between the asterisks for the specified number of times

RS - right side

st - stitch

Skills Needed

Knit Stitch

Purl Stitch

Cast On

Bind Off

Weave in Ends

Place a Stitch Marker

Notes about the Farrow Rib Stitch

  1. All instructions are in US terms
  2. Two-row repeat
  3. Three stitch repeat
  4. Lies flat (you may decide to block for a more finished appearance)
  5. Stretches horizontally
  6. Worked on a multiple of 3 + 1, meaning you will cast on some stitch multiples of 3 and then add one to the end.  
  7. Place a stitch marker through one stitch on the right side to keep track of the right and wrong sides.
  8. Reversible
  9. If you prefer to add a border to your knit swatch, you can increase the cast on edge by four stitches, two for each side.  Knit those four stitches.  You can also add a couple of rows of garter stitch to the beginning and end of the swatch to make a nice border.

Reversible Knit Pattern

The right side showing of the farrow knit rib stitch pattern, closeupThis is the right side of the farrow rib knit stitch pattern.
Wrong side of the farrow knit rib stitch, showing that this knit pattern is reversible.The wrong side of the Farrow rib knit stitch pattern.

Supplies Needed for this Tutorial

  • Yarn (I am using a worsted weight (#4 weight) yarn, 100% acrylic)
  • Knitting needle (choose a needle size that corresponds to the type of yarn you are using. I am working on US 7 (4.5 mm) needles.
  • Scissors
  • Yarn needle for weaving in ends
  • Stitch marker (optional)
The farrow rib knit stitch pattern showing the placement of a stitch marker indicating the right side of the fabricIf you place a stitch marker on the right side of the fabric, you will never have to guess which side is right or wrong. This is helpful if you need to put down your knitting and pick it up later.

Directions for Working on Straight Needles

CO 25 stitches using the long tail cast-on method.

Row 1 (RS): *K2, P1, repeat from * to last st. K1.

Row 2: P1, *K2, P1* to end of row.

Repeat rows 1 and 2 until you reach your desired length. Bind off, weave in ends.

*It is recommended to bind off in pattern for a cleaner appearance.  When binding off in pattern, you would work the next row in pattern, but after knitting two stitches, you would use your left needle to slide the first stitch on the right needle over the second stitch and off the needle.

Learn How to Read Knitting Charts

The farrow knit rib stitch shown in a knitting chartFarrow Knit Rib Stitch Chart

This is an easy pattern to follow using written directions, however, it is never too early to learn how to follow a knitted chart. This is what the farrow rib stitch looks like in chart form.

Learn how to read knitting charts.

Ready to put this stitch pattern to work?

Farrow rib stitch scarf found on RavelryRavelry by Jennifer

I found a straightforward, beginner-friendly pattern that uses the farrow rib stitch pattern.  Click on the photo to go to the pattern.

Farrow Knit Rib Stitch Pattern:  Pin for Future Reference

The Farrow Rib Knit Stitch Pattern Pin ImageHow to Knit the Farrow Knit Rib Stitch Pattern, Pin Image

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I hope you found this tutorial helpful.  Please check back often as I update regularly adding new stitch tutorials weekly.

Happy Knitting


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About Janice

Hi, I’m Janice, the voice behind Smart-Knit-Crocheting. I love to knit and crochet and even more, I love teaching others what I know.

Though I learned to knit and crochet as a child, I didn’t get serious about these amazing hobbies until I retired. I’m a certified knit and crochet instructor through the Craft Yarn Council and am working on becoming a Master Hand Knitter through The Knitting Guild Association.

I’m currently living with my husband of over 50 years and our 7 Shih Tzu dogs.

I love hearing from you, so please drop me a line and let me know what you’re working on, whether you love knitting or crocheting more, and if you have any questions. Please visit my about me page for more information.


Happy Crocheting