A directory of crochet rib stitches and ribbing techniques (part 1)

I can’t tell you how many times I have seen someone post a picture of some crocheted ribbing and thought “ooooh… I love to know how they did that” only to realise that I already knew!

To stop myself going round into this loop, I decided to create a record of all the different kinds of crochet rib stitches I love.

In this post I share general information about crochet ribbing and part 1 of my crochet rib stitch directory.

What is Ribbing in Crochet Fabric?

Ribbing, in the context of crocheted or knit fabric can be defined as alternating high and low or raised parallel columns of fabric.

Typically these textured lines are vertical (as worn) and provide elasticity or offer strength, support or structure to the fabric (think how the bones in the rib cage offer structure!). Ribbing will often allow parts of the fabric to stretch without losing shape.

Approaches to crochet ribbing

There are a bunch of ways that you can approach ribbing in crochet. Most of these either involve working in the front or back loops, using slip stitches or post (UK raised) stitches. 

Part 1 of my ribbing directory (this post) will look at the first two approaches. Part 2 will look at post stitch ribbing.

I have also updated this post to include a link to a full video tutorial for the main rib stitch techniques used across both parts of the ribbing directory. You can find details of these after the written instructions.

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If you’re newer to working crochet ribbing then you may find this beginners guide useful. In it I introduce the concept of ribbing and demonstrate how to make a simple ribbed ear warmer. 

In this article, I compare some of the common approaches to crocheting kit-look ribbing using the back loops, front loops and slip stitches with a combination of the basic crochet stitches.

I think that seeing these styles all together will really help you make a decision on which type of ribbing to choose for your project. You can see below some of the examples I’ll be covering.

Why crochet ribbing?

The way I see it, ribbed stitches in crochet can fall into two main categories (and where they fall into both is the sweet spot!): functional or decorative.

Decorative ribbing simply looks pretty whereas functional ribbing is added to a project with a design related purpose in mind; to get a hat to stay on one’s head for example.

The two are not mutually exclusive, so this doesn’t mean that functional ribbing can’t also look great!

Function is given to ribbing in the form of its stretch; how big the rib can go, and it’s elasticity – how well it bounces back. (Note that these are my personal definitions used in the context of crochet, and may have other technical meanings!)

The types of crochet ribbing I’m looking at here are all worked horizontally, so the length of the row is the length of the rib. This differs to ribbing using post stitches, which tend to be worked vertically, i.e. you build up the ribs over rows so the number of rows determines the length of the rib. (Note that post stitches can also be used to create vertical ribbing.)

In the examples I share here, the stretch and elasticity are achieved between the rows rather than along them (the stitches have minimal stretch). This direction important to be aware when you are using stretch for a function.

The video below demonstrates the stretch and elasticity in all of the different ribs I’m about to share. It gives you a very useful overview, so I recommend taking a look to understand how the fabric moves.

For each of the crochet ribbing techniques, I will give you basic instructions on how to work it and discuss their properties including whether stretch, elasticity and whether they are reversible.

How to compare the ribbed swatches

For easy comparison, each turquoise of the swatches you see are made up of 10 stitches across and 20 rows in length. I used an 8.0 Hamanaka crochet hook (this is a Japanese size equivalent to a 5mm hook) and Drops Paris yarn (100% cotton aran weight)in each case.

I have also added some additional images made with a wool aran yarn (in the beige colour) so you can get an idea of what the crochet rib stitches can look like in different fibres. (These are the swatches demonstrated in the video tutorial.)

The images taken directly overhead were all done so from the same camera position. This allows you a compare the relative sizes of the swatches over an equal number of stitches, which I hope you will find useful. I have also included a picture taken from a lower, closer angle because the ribbed part of the stitches can look quite different from different positions.

Understanding how each type of rib moves, stretches and bounces can help you choose which ribbing style you might use to add a hat brim vs a sweater cuff or border on a blanket.

I have intentionally used cotton yarn for the main swatches as it has great stitch definition and has no stretch. This way, you know that all the stretch you see in the video comes from the stitch pattern and not the yarn.

I haven’t blocked or prettied up the swatches in any way (other than adjusting the lighting a bit on the images) because I want to give a realistic idea of what the different types of ribbing look like in their rawest form.

Crochet Stitch Abbrebiations

Below are a list of the stitch abbreviations I’ll use throughout the post using US terms (UK terms in brackets)

• BLO = back loop only
• FLO = front loop only
• ch = chain
• hdc = half double crochet (UK half treble)
• sc = single crochet (UK double crochet)
• ss = slip stitch
• st(s) = stitch(es)

Note that turning chains never count as stitches in these examples.

And with that all clarified, lets look at some of the rib stitch techniques!

Crochet ribbing using the back loop only (BLO)

In this technique you simply work your crochet stitches into the back loop of the stitch on the previous row, then turn and repeat.

This is probably the most common approach to ribbing and can be used with any crochet stitch. In each case, the fabric created is reversible, possibly one of the reasons for its popularity.

You can learn how to work it directly onto a project with this tutorial on how to create a ribbed hat band.

With the BLO technique, the choice of stitch makes a big difference to the finished look. I demonstrate 3 variations below, using the slip stitche, single crochet (UK double crochet) and half double crochet (UK half treble).

Slip stitch ribbing worked in the back loop only

Row 1: Ch11, ss in second ch from hook and each st to end, turn. 10 sts

Row 2: Ch1, ss in BLO of each st to end, turn

Repeat Row 2 for pattern

This creates a very dense and elastic rib that probably looks the most like a knit stitch. It’s a beautiful way to create ribbing, though can be time consuming!

In this variation, I have started each row with a ch1 which does not count as a stitch. I find it easier to work the pattern this way, however, you can omit this or you can count it as a stitch and skip the first stitch of the row.

Single crochet rib worked in the back loop only

Row 1: Ch11, 1sc in second ch from hook and each st to end, turn. 10 sts

Row 2: Ch1, 1sc in BLO of each st to end, turn

Repeat Row 2 for pattern

Single crochet worked in the back loop only can create a very pretty and effective kind of ribbing. It has good stretch and bounces back well.

All these images were taken after I made the video where I stretched the swatches to their full extent, so they are representative of how the rib will look after it has been pulled about. I’m all for practicality!

In short, to create a half double crochet slip stitch (or double slip stitch), you yarn over, insert hook, yarn over pull the loop through the stitch and through all stitches on your hook. It’s basically a slip stitch with an extra yarn over at the start. Fiddly but fun!

Note that this swatch is not included in the video at this time.

Half double crochet ribbing worked in the back loop only

Row 1: Ch11, 1hdc in second ch from hook and each st to end, turn. 10 sts

Row 2: Ch1, 1hdc in BLO of each st to end, turn

Repeat Row 2 for pattern

Note that I only chain 1 at the start of the row when working with half double crochet in the back loop because it gives a tighter edge. Many crocheters chain 2 which is fine too and may be helpful if you want more stretch.

Hdc worked in the BLO is probably the kind of ribbing I use most often. I’m not sure that the picture really does it justice but hdc BLO ribbing is a great way to add a brim to a hat, to create stretch cuffs.

Of all the types of ribbing we’ve discussed so far, this probably has the most stretch. However, it is not quite as elastic as the slip stitch and single crochet equivalents.

Yarn over slip stitch in the back loop only

After this post was first published I discovered the ‘yarn over slip stitch’ or ‘half double crochet slip stitch’ version of the blo technique. This creates a lovely effect, somewhere between the slip stitch and single crochet versions which you can see below.

A yarn over slip stitch is created by yarning over, inserting your hoo, yarning over and pulling a through the stitch and the other two loops on the hook all in one movement. This is demonstrated in the video tutorial at after the written instructions.

My tips for crocheting back loop only ribbing

If you’re using this technique with single or half double crochets to create a brim or cuff for example, you can create a neater edge by working the last stitch of the row through both loops. Only do this on the row that ends on the outer facing edge.

This may pull the edge in a little but because you are only working through both loops alternate rows, it shouldn’t impact stretch too much.

This is the technique I use on the majority of my hat bands and hems as I think it has a much nicer finish which ages better.

If I’m working single or half double crochet BLO ribbing, I will also often go down a hook size or two as the tighter tension creates a more elastic version of the stitch.

Crochet ribbing working hdc in the 3rd loop

Half double crochet stitches have a loop just underneath the top of the stitch both on the front and back stitch. This is referred to as the third loop – the front third loop or the back third loop.

You can create an interesting crochet ribbing by working hdc in these front or back third loops instead of the back loop.

If you’ve not used the 3rd loop before, this post on crochet stitch anatomy shows you where it is. The back third loop is quite commonly know but it’s only recently I’ve discovered the use that the front third loop also has.

Again, you work this in rows to create the rib effect and it is reversible.

3rd loop ribbing will not work with single crochets as they do not have the 3rd loop to work into (the 3rd loop is created by the yarn over before you insert your hook). It can work with taller stitches, but I have limited it to half double crochet here as that is the most common form.

Half double crochet in the back 3rd loop ribbing

Row 1: Ch11, 1hdc in second ch from hook and each st to end, turn. 10 sts

Row 2: Ch1, 1hdc in the back 3rd loop of each st to end, turn

Repeat Row 2 for pattern

This creates a denser version of the hdc BLO method with smaller gaps between the rows (I have a direct comparison of the two below).

Half double crochet in the front third loop rib stitch

This one may be one of the best looking crochet rib stitches I’ve seen to date!

Row 1: Ch11, 1hdc in second ch from hook and each st to end, turn. 10 sts

Row 2: Ch1, 1hdc in the back 3rd loop of each st to end, turn

Repeat Row 2 for pattern

The difference between half double crochet in the BLO and the back 3rd loop

These two are very common ways to create ribbing so I have made a direct comparison between them. Although they are both worked with hdc, they are often used interchangeably, but there is quite a difference.

Ribbing worked in the 3rd loop is denser and, some say, more secure than worked in the back loop only. It doesn’t stretch as far as BLO but has good elasticity (it bounces back).

Below you will see the back loop and 3rd loop swatches side by side, which shows some of the clear differences.

Working a half double crochet in the back loop creates that knit look ‘v’ effect by pushing the front loop and 3rd loop forward.

When you work in the 3rd loop, you are pushing the top v (the one you traditionally insert your hook into) to the front to create the rib effect. This is why the rib sticks out a little more in the 3rd loop approach.

For me, it’s really useful to understand this difference – but I tend to geek out over such things!

The video tutorial (below) compares the front and back third loop ribbing in more detail.

Crochet Ribbing Video Tutorial

Below you will find both a left and right handed video tutorial which demonstrates the crochet rib stitches shown above as well as some of the post stitch ribbing techniques discussed in part two of my rib stitch directory.

You can watch the whole video for a full range of techniques including all my tips and tricks, or yes the time stamp in the comments to jump to a specific crochet rib stitch tutorial. Both videos include closed captions.

Right handed crochet rib stitch tutorial

Left handed crochet rib stitch tutorial

Crochet ribbing using a combination of stitches and BLO

You can also use a combination of stitches with the back and third loop only ribbing methods. There are endless permutations that could be used, but below I demonstrate the one I use un my Free ‘Off the Rails’ infinity scarf pattern.

These combinations are unlikely to be reversible, and may not have the same functional use, i.e. less elasticity, as some of the other ribs but can create beautifully decorative stitch patterns.

Half double crochet and single crochet BLO rib stitch

Row 1: Ch11, 1sc in second ch from hook and each st to end, turn. 10 sts

Row 2: Ch1, 1hdc in each st to end, turn

Row 3: Ch1, 1sc in BLO of each st to end, turn

Repeat Rows 2 and 3 for pattern

This is a decorative rib stitch with very little elasticity and is different on either side. I’m a big fan of this this one looks. Especially in super chunky yarn!

More crochet rib stitch patterns using slip stitches

Slip stitches can be a very effective way to create a knit-look rib.

You’ve already seen how great slip stitches worked in the BLO look, but you can create other versions by combining slip stitches with single crochets.

You can use taller stitches in combination with slip stitches, but you may find that your work starts to ‘lean’ and creates more of a rhombus rather than a nice straight section of ribbing.

I’ll explain why this happens in the final section, but for now, I’ve stuck with single crochet.

When working with slip stitch ribbing, you need to keep an eye on your tension as it’s very easy to pull slip stitches too tight. If this is an issue for you then try going up a hook size or two on the slip stitch rows.

My other tips for slip stitches is to try and work them in one smooth movement. So you pull through the loop you’re working into and the loop on the hook all at once.

This can take a bit of getting used to, but I find it’s a good way to maintain a relaxed tension.

Slip stitch alternated with single crochet ribbing

Row 1: Ch11, 1sc in second ch from hook and each st to end, turn. 10 sts

Row 2: Ch1, ss in each st to end, turn

Row 3: Ch1, 1sc in the top of each sc from 2 rows below (the ss will have forced this to the back of the work so it will be facing you), turn

Repeat Rows 2 and 3 for pattern

If you struggle to work out where to work the rows of single crochet, I recommend popping a stitch marker into the top of the single crochets so you can ‘see’ where to work the next row.

It may take a bit of practice but you’ll get used to it.

This technique gives a really pronounced 3D kind of ribbed effect which the video at the start shows well (it’s quite hard to see from still images).

The understudy of this fabric is flat, so the rib is not reversible.

I love the effect that this technique creates and have started using it on some of my garment patterns. It can really brighten up a project when you start to alternate colours too.

Slip stitch in the front loops with single crochet ribbing

Row 1: Ch11, 1sc in second ch from hook and each st to end, turn. 10 sts

Row 2: Ch1, ss in FLO of each st to end, turn

Row 3: Ch1, 1sc in the missed loop of each sc from 2 rows down, turn

Repeat Rows 2 and 3 for pattern

This kind of ribbing is fairly dense and has good elasticity but not too much stretch. Good for something you want to stay quite tight!

The underside of the ribbing is flat so should feel comfortable pressed up against skin.

Why does my crochet ribbing lean?

To understand why ribbing may lean, you need to appreciate that all crochet stitches have a natural lean. The taller the stitch, the greater the lean.

With slip stitch ribbing techniques, you are alternating rows of taller stitches with a slip stitch (which has virtually no lean really), so all your leaning stitches will be worked in the same direction. This causes the work to ‘move’ in that direction.

This is not exclusive to ribbing. In any pattern where you alternate tall and short stitches, you are susceptible to get this, but it is often more pronounced with slip stitching. Maybe because of the density of slip stitch crochet, I’m not quite sure on the mechanics of that!

Blocking may help to reduce this lean but it may not eliminate it entirely.

I have seen this ‘lean’ used functionally within a pattern before (unbelievably clever!), so I don’t tell you this to put you off experimenting. Mostly, I just want to make sure you’re aware of it as a possibility so that you can look out for and understand it!

So there ends the first part of my ribbing directory.

Keep an eye out for Part 2 coming soon, where I’ll look at ribbing using post stitches.

I hope you found this useful in the meantime!

Happy Hooking

Dx