Garter Rib Stitch Pattern: Beginner-friendly Tutorial

Garter Rib Stitch Pattern by Janice Jones |Published 11-11-2023

The Garter Rib Stitch Pattern is an easy beginner friendly stitch that is made up of knits and purls.

urls.  Think of it as a two by two rib pattern with a couple of garter stitches between the stockinette column.

It works great as a rib pattern in projects where you want a rib to occur such as hat brims, sweater sleeve cuffs, or hems on a pullover.  It is equally lovely in scarves, pillows, dishcloths, and blankets.

Garter rib stitch pattern on needles, worked in green yarn

It lays flat, but for a more professional appearance, it's a good idea to block using the best method for the type of yarn you are using.  Learn more about blocking your knitting projects.

This rib pattern is not as stretchy as some and is not reversible, though the back of the fabric has it's own charm.  It's worked on a two row repeat of knit and purl stitches.  The simplicity of the stitch makes it an ideal project for beginners.  It's easy to memorize, so the perfect project for working when you are watching television.

This is a Non Reversible Pattern

The front and back do not look the same. Both appear as a rib stitch, but the wrong or back side is not well defined.

Garter rib stitch pattern worked in green, right side facing.Garter Rib Stitch Pattern, Right Side
Garter rib stitch pattern worked in green, wrong side showingGarter Rib Stitch Pattern, Wrong Side

Notes about the Garter Rib Stitch Pattern

  • Non-reversible.
  • Worked a multiple of 4 + 2 (meaning a multiple of 4 stitches, plus two.  10, 14, 18, 22, and so forth).
  • Two row repeat.
  • Lays Flat
  • US Terms apply.

Abbreviations

k = knit

p = purl

CO = cast on

BO = bind off

RS = right side

*    *  = repeat the directions within the set of astericks

Skills Needed for this Pattern

How to Cast On

How to Bind Off

Knit Stitch

Purl Stitch

Weave In Ends

Blocking, Optional

Skill Level

This is an easy, beginner-friendly pattern.

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

Supplies Needed to Practice This Swatch

  • You will need some yarn.  I used a 100% Acrylic Worsted Weight Yarn
  • Corresponding knitting needles.  If you are using a #4 worsted weight yarn, use needles size US 7 or 8 (4.5 to 5.0 mm)
  • Scissors
  • Yarn needle for weaving in ends.

Directions

Garter Rib Stitch in progress still on needlesGarter Rib Stitch Pattern Directions

Cast on a multiple of 4 stitches, and then add 2 more stitches at the end. For the purposes of this tutorial, I cast on 26 stitches.

Row 1: (RS)  Knit across.

Row 2: P2, *k2, p2*

Remember that the * * means that you repeat the instruction between the two asterisks across the row.

Repeat these two rows for the pattern, or until you reach your desired length.

Bind off loosely after you have finished knitting row one.  

Weave in ends.  Block if desired.

Garter Rib Stitch Pattern:  Chart 

Garter-Stitch-Rib.png

This is an easy, beginner-friendly pattern with only two rows of written instructions.  Using a chart in not necessary for this stitch, however it's never too early to learn how to read a chart.

Check out my complete tutorial for learning to read a knitting chart.

Garter Rib Stitch Pattern:  Frequently Asked Questions

Does the Garter Rib Stitch Pattern lie flat?

Yes, the alternating between knits and purls allows it to lay flat.  It does not curl.

Is this pattern reversible?

It is not considered to be reversible.  The front or public side looks different than that of the wrong or back side.

Is there a stretchier rib pattern than this?

The 1 x 1 and 2 x 2 rib stitch patterns are quite stretchy.

When using this rib stitch pattern in a project, should you go down a needle size?

That depends on where you are using this stitch pattern.  If you are creating a blanket, scarf, or pillow cover, there is no need to go down a needle size or two.  Use the needle size that is appropriate for the type of yarn you have chosen.

If you use this stitch as the brim of a hat or a sleeve cuff, you may decide to go down one to two sizes.

Why is my knitting so uneven?

Most beginners struggle with uneven stitches, and even some more experienced knitters wish they could knit neater fabric.  It all has to do with tension.  The good news is that it is fixable.  Learn more about tension and how to improve the look of your rib stitches.

Garter Rib Stitch Pattern:  Pin for Future Reference

Garter Rib Stitch Pattern Pin Image

More Stitch Patterns to Explore

Pique Knit Stitch cutoutPique Knit
Close check knit, cutoutClose Check
Fisherman's RibFisherman's Rib
Bamboo stitch cutoutBamboo

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