3 Easy Crochet Ribbing Techniques for Beginners
Crochet ribbing is that little detail that makes your projects look polished and professional. From sweater cuffs to beanie brims, it adds stretch, structure, and style. But how do you decide which ribbing to add to your project? In this post, I’ll share three beginner-friendly ribbing techniques you’ll want to use again and again—plus tips on when each one works best.
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SAVE THESE STITCHES FOR LATER
Crochet Ribbing Techniques
Most of us don’t think about ribbing until the end of a project—but really, it’s something to consider from the start. Ribbing creates an undulating fabric of stitches, most often used as a finishing touch on hat brims, sweater cuffs, and cardigan hems. While ribbing isn’t the only way to trim your crochet masterpiece, it’s a timeless feature that adds a polished frame to all of your hard work.
In this video, I’ve compiled three of my favorite ways to make crochet ribbing. Each one uses a different combination of stitches and placement, resulting in ribbing that looks and behaves a little differently. You might find a favorite (I’m partial to Option 2!), but having a few techniques in your back pocket means you’ll always have the right option for your project.
Ready to learn 3 different crochet ribbing styles? Follow along in this video!
Need some help reading crochet patterns or understanding abbreviations? Check out this post – How to Read Crochet Patterns for Total Beginners.
// OPTION 1: Post Stitch Ribbing (Structured & Decorative)
Description: This ribbing alternates rows of double crochet and front post stitches on the right side, with single crochet rows on the wrong side. It has a distinct front and back, very little stretch, and tends to curl—so you’ll want to block it once finished.
Uses: Great for decorative projects where the back won’t show, like bag straps or a cozy ear warmer.
Starting Chain: Any odd number.
Note: Starting ch-1 DOES NOT count as a stitch.
Row 1 (RS): Dc in the 2nd ch from the hook and each ch across the row. Turn.
Row 2 (WS): Ch 1, sc in each st across row. Turn.
Row 3: Ch 1, (dc 1, fpdc 1) across to last st, dc in last st. Turn.
Rep Rows 2-3 to desired length, ending with a Row 3 repeat.
// OPTION 2: Single Crochet Back Loop Ribbing (Beginner-Friendly Classic)
Description: This is a one-row repeat of single crochet worked in the back loop only. It’s identical on both sides, very stretchy, and perfect for beginners. The only downside? It may not bounce back well, so consider using a smaller hook than your main project.
Uses: Truly versatile—hats, mittens, cardigans, you name it.
Starting Chain: Any number
Note: Starting ch-1 DOES NOT count as a stitch.
Row 1: Sc in the 2nd ch from the hook and each ch across the row. Turn.
Row 2: Ch 1, sc BLO in each st across row. Turn.
Rep Rows 2 to desired length.
BONUS: Learn how to attach this border to hat brims and cuffs in this tutorial video.
// OPTION 3: Yarn Over Slip Stitch Ribbing (The Designer Favorite)
Description: A go-to among crochet designers, this ribbing mimics knit fabric with a mix of slip stitches and yarn over slip stitches. It’s slow to work and dense in texture, but the result is stretchy, durable, and stylish.
Uses: Use this ribbing for both decoration and function. It’s perfect for a stretchy waistband on a skirt or crochet shorts, a snug brim on a beanie, or the polished edge on a handmade cardigan or tank top.
Starting Chain: Any number
Note: Starting ch-1 DOES NOT count as a stitch.
Row 1: Sl st in the 2nd ch from the hook and each ch across the row. Turn.
Row 2: Yo sl st through both lps the first st, yo sl st BLO across row to last st, yo sl st through both lps of the last st. Turn.
Row 3: Sl st through both lps the first st, sl st BLO across row to last st, sl st through both lps of the last st. Turn.
Rep Rows 2-3 to the desired length.
BONUS: Try this ribbing on a heirloom granny square cardigan using this free pattern.
Practice These Crochet Ribbing Techniques
Looking for a chance to give these different ribbing options a try? Check out these patterns!
Clockwise from Top-Left:
- Robin Hat (comes with matching scarf!)
- Lexington Cashmere Gloves
- Kima Cardi
- Marlo Hat (comes with matching scarf!)
- Grandpa Sweater Vest
Hi Toni, I had no idea there were different crochet ribbing types. I was only familiar with #2 which I have used on beanies and mittens. I plan to make my daughter a granny square skirt, so option #3 will be perfect for the waist band. Thank you so much for all the time and hard work you have done in putting together the Crochet academy.
So glad I could share some other options with you! And I think Option 3 would be perfect for the ribbing on a skirt. Happy stitching!
Such great info. Especially the pros and cons. I’ve used the first two types of ribbing (also used a hdc row alternating with a sc row), but I haven’t used the slip stitch method. I am definitely going to have to try that in sweaters going forward. The sc in the back loop method gets really stretched out. And thanks for the tip about reducing hook size!
Same as Jennifer W above. Looking forward to doing the slip stitch method. Love your tutorials – all of them! Thanks so much for being you and sharing with us.
Hi Toni I did some ribbing technique before, and the front post dc the only thing is that the ribbing takes a lot of time. I love all your tutorials 💕
Thanks, Toni. I think I will have to try the ribbing with the Kima Cardi.
Always love your tutorials! Your style and personality are refreshing. I have to admit that I’ve never made a cardigan but I like the slip stitch ribbing best. I will try one of your recommended projects (probably will make the hat or gloves:) Thank you!
So glad you dropped by the blog! Don’t be scared of cardigans – they’re so fun and cozy. Thought I will say, adding ribbing to a cardigan will test your patience, lol
Thanks for the tips Toni! I prefer #2, but will try it with a smaller hook next time on hats and arm warmers.
Glad you found them helpful! Give up all a go to see what types of projects work best with different ribbing 🙂
<3
Toni this is the only lesson that did not have a “Pin this Post” option. I’m trying to set up a reference board on Pinterest for future use. Is there any ay you can give us this option on this lesson?
Oopsie! Thanks so much for pointing this out. I updated the post 🙂
Thank you, I learned alot today
Wow! This took some doing, but I made three passably good swatches so cannot wait to practice more! (Honestly, the first single crochet one was hardest for me) So excited for the rest of the lessons and the CAL next week
ps: your singing at the end? I had looked away to tidy up my work area and I was like ?huh? HAHA; Absolutely made my day! 😉
lol you caught me singing! I have had Kendrick Lamar on the brain since going to his concert this summer. Thanks for stopping by!!
neither side of my yarn over slip stitch looks exactly like yours. I can’t figure out how to attach a photo, so let me try to describe it. there are little vertical bars alongside the rib. I figure I am doing something wrong with the “back” loop, but as near as I can tell, I am following your directions. please help as I am trying to make the crochet version of the Melt the Ice hat.
Hi darling! My best guess is that you’re grabbing the front loop and not the back loop. When starting your row, begin by identifying all three loops (front loop, back loop, and 3rd loop), and make sure you’re catching the right one. It might help to drop a photo in a crochet help group. I have one called TLYC Makers, and they’re infinitely helpful. You can join for free HERE.
From the pattern I’ve been looking at I’ve just been doing slip stitches in the back loops of each stitch. Now that I am looking at these I’m wondering if that technique is wrong. Can I continue to do it that way? Or should I switch to one of the ways that you have shown it?
Hi – slst BLO is a perfectly acceptable ribbing. There are so many ways to go about it. These are just three I use a lot. Keep going with what you have, but try some separate swatches of these ribbing techniques to see if you like them 🙂