Grecian Rib
The Grecian Rib Stitch slants… a lot… even after blocking, lending itself beautifully to bias knitting, with softly textured ribs that move gracefully from one corner to the other. This stitch inspired the Grecian Rib Scarf, pictured above.
Pattern
NOTE: Worked over an even number of stitches.
Right Side: *Knit into the 2nd stitch, lift this second stitch over the first stitch and off the needle as if to bind off, knit the 1st stitch normally, repeat from * to end.
Wrong Side: (K1, p1) to end.
Right Side… Step-by Step
This tutorial was taken from the Grecian Rib Scarf project.
Right Side: To start, *knit into the second stitch on the left-hand needle (see red arrow), but do not let any stitches drop off the left-hand needle.
You now have a new stitch on your right-hand needle (see pink arrow).
The first stitch (aqua arrow) and second stitch (red arrow) are still on the left-hand needle.
With the tip of your right-hand needle, carefully pick up the second stitch (red arrow) on the left-hand needle, purlwise, bring it over the first stitch (aqua arrow) and off of the left-hand needle.
Next, knit the first stitch normally. Both stitches are now on the right-hand needle (see aqua and pink arrow). You have worked 2 stitches in Grecian Rib Stitch. Repeat from * to end.
Please note: As you can see, three stitches remain on the left-hand needle, equaling 5 total. The Grecian Rib Stitch is typically worked over an even number of stitches. These pictures were taken during the making of the Grecian Rib Scarf which includes a series of increases at the beginning of the scarf, which explains the odd number of stitches shown here.
I’m struggling something fierce with this stitch, and I can’t seem to find any good videos online, either.
After I stitch the first stitch normally (last step) I have 3 stitches on my right needle, and 3 left on the left– and no matter how loose I cast on, the yarn gets unbelievably tight. Any idea what I’m doing wrong?
Hello, Sandy!
Thank you for writing in! Sorry for the delayed response! I am also sorry that you’re having trouble with this stitch. Are you making the Grecian Rib Scarf? Have you made a sample swatch? If not, I recommend making a couple sample swatches using different needle sizes. You’re tension might be tight and going up a needle size might help. Or perhaps you’re knitting tighter than usual since this is a stitch you’ve not knit before. If this is the case ou could also casting on with a larger needle and work a few rows until you get into the rhythm of the stitch, then switch to smaller needle size.
If you have further questions, please let us know! Again, thank you for your question!
Happy knitting,
Kumeko
I also end up with 3 stitches in the right and two on the left after knitting the first stitch. ??♀️
A video would be awesome! ?
Hi Monkia,
Thanks for writing in! When knitting the first row, you will knit into the second stitch, leaving it on the needle and then pull that stitch over the first stitch. This will place 1 stitch on your right hand needle and 4 on your left. You will then knit the stitch that you just leap frogged as a normal stitch.
We will certainly keep your request for a video in mind. In the meantime, I hope that this clears things up!
Cassy
So, I love this scarf, im making it for my step mother in laws birthday present, I have 3 days, I think I understand the principle of the stitch so wish me luck, it is a beautiful pattern.
Does this pattern curl? Does it need to be blocked?
Hi Elvina,
Thanks for reaching out! While any knitted piece benefits from blocking, as if evens out your stitches and gives everything a more finished appearance, this stitch does not curl or require aggressive blocking.
I hope that helps!
Julianna