I’m doing the A to Z Challenge for the month of April with the theme “Learn to Crochet A to Z.” For more details, and to see previous posts, click the link at the top of my blog!
Hi lovely followers! Today we’re going to talk about the ribbed stitch, which is a super easy way to add texture to your crochet. There are several different ways to achieve ribbing, but we’re just discussing one today.
Ribbing is fantastic for adding texture and stretch. Here’s a blanket I made for our puppy using the ribbed stitch – it holds up quite well under her rigorous play! It’s great for cuffs on sweaters and socks, as well as for scarves and blankets. And it looks quite similar to knitted ribbing, which makes me happy as I love the look of knitted fabric. 🙂
To do this stitch, all you have to do is crochet in the back loops of the stitches. (You can also do front loop crochet, which makes a cool pattern, but it isn’t this chunky, squishy kind of ribbing. It’s fun to experiment with, though, so feel free to give that a go!) You’re just working under one loop instead of two, which yields this cool effect.
So basically instead of inserting your hook under two loops like this…
You’ll be going under just the back loop, the back part of the “V,” like this!
I hope that makes sense – I didn’t get a picture of this in progress, but there are plenty of YouTube tutorials out there if you search ‘back loop crochet’ or ‘crochet ribbing.’ They explain it much better than me. :}
It creates a really cool look, I think, and I love that it’s so easy to do. You may have gathered by now that I’m a very lazy crocheter, so I love easy stitches that look complicated. 🙂
Have you used crochet ribbing before? What are your thoughts? Your comments are always appreciated – thank you for all your support! 🙂 <3
I love the effect ribbing gives, I used it on the fin of a mermaid tail blanket. 😊
Ooh, that sounds like a fantastic way to use ribbing! I love those mermaid tail blankets, how cool that you made one! 🙂
I’ve made a few and the fins always look best in rib. 😊
My sister-in-law crochets all the time. Three years ago she made six Angry Bird like toboggans for the younger nieces and nephews.
Ooh, those sound so cool – your sister-in-law must be busy! What a great gift! 🙂
I also love the effect ribbing gives and how it makes crochet squishier, probably because using one loop makes a thicker fabric, if that makes sense. Sadly, I’ve barely used it, but this entire series is very good! 😀
I love how squishy crochet ribbing is…and that does make sense, good explanation! I don’t often stop to think about *why* stitches work the way they do, so that’s an interesting thought. And I really appreciate your kind words about this whole series…it means a lot! 😀
I’m glad it make sense! And you’re welcome – it’s a great reference point, almost like an online encyclopaedia. 😊
I haven’t used this form of ribbing before. Mostly I’ve crocheted alternating in front posts and back posts to create a vertical ribbing. This version looks a lot easier! I’ll have to give it a shot. 😀
Oh I love front and back post ribbing – it’s so squishy and cool-looking! And super useful for when you want to make vertical ribbing…this method works better for going in the other direction. 🙂 I like using them both for different things, but I do love how squishy the post stitches are! 😀