Learn How to Make Crochet Ribbing

Learning how to add crochet ribbing to a sweater, beanie, or other project is a skill that will help you finish your projects.

When you learn to make ribbing in crochet you will be able to add the knit – like stretchy look to the ends of sweater sleeves, brims of hats and even crochet blankets too!

Below, I’ll show you how to make two easy ribbing techniques for crochet patterns and projects.

Crochet Ribbing Stitches

Most ribbing in crochet uses basic stitches like the single crochet and half double crochet.

Single Crochet (sc):

1. Insert hook from front to back in the second chain from the hook or designated stitch
2. Bring the yarn over the hook and pull the yarn back through the chain (or stitch) from back to front (2 loops on hook).
3. Yarn over and pull through both loops on the hook.

Half Double Crochet (hdc):

1. Yarn over, insert hook from front to back of the designated stitch, yarn over the hook and pick up a loop. 
2. Yarn over the hook and pull back through all three loops on the hook.

The type of crochet stitch used in ribbing will depend on the thickness of the yarn used. When I use a worsted weight yarn I prefer to use half double crochets for ribbing, but when I am crocheting with a bulkier yarn I tend to go for the single crochet ribbing option, but either option works.

How to Make a Rib Stitch in Crochet

Keep in mind, the tutorials below will show you a swatch of ribbing in crochet. Most patterns will tell you exactly how many stitches you’ll need in the ribbing, so use this tutorial as a guide.

Simply put, ribbing is worked by crocheting a stitch; in this example it will be a single crochet or half double crochet, in the back loop of a stitch from the row or round before.

This technique will create the ridge or ribbed texture that we see on hat brims, sweater cuffs, cardigan necks and blanket edgings. The ridges or ribs are formed by the unworked front loops of the stitches.

Use our simple stitch tutorials below to learn how to make ribbing in crochet in two different ways.

Our full photo tutorials below will help guide you through every step of making ribbing, so you will be ready the next time a crochet pattern requires it.

I hope you enjoy these two types of crochet ribbing!

Easy Crochet Ribbing Tutorial

Skill Level: Easy

Materials

• Color Theory Yarn by Lion Brand or any yarn
• 5.5 mm crochet hook or the hook size that corresponds with the yarn you are using.

Crochet Stitches & Abbreviations

• sc = single crochet
• hdc= half double crochet
• bl = back loop
• st = stitch
• ch (s) = chains

Notes

• The edging tutorial is written in standard US terms
• You can use any yarn to make ribbing. Make sure to read the yarn label, so you use the correct crochet hook size for the yarn you pick.

The Tutorials

Single Crochet Ribbing

Row 1: To begin ch 15, in the second ch from the hook sc, sc into each ch across, turn your work. (14)

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Row 2: Ch 1, next you will sc in the bl of the first sc stitch from the row before. The stitch looks like a V from the top and the bl is the part of the V that is the furthest away from you, bl sc into each st across, turn.

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Row 3 – ?: Ch 1, repeat row 2 continuing to work in the bl of each st.

Half Double Crochet Ribbing

Row 1: To begin ch 15, in the second ch from the hook hdc, hdc into each ch across, turn your work. (14)

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Row 2: Ch 1, next you will hdc in the bl of the first hdc stitch from the row before. The stitch looks like a V from the top and the bl is the part of the V that is the furthest away from you, bl hdc into each st across, turn.

Row 3 –?: Ch 1, repeat row 2 continuing to work in the bl of each st.

Common Questions about Ribbing

Can I use other stitches to make ribbing?

Yes! This same technique can be used for the double crochet stitch or even a triple crochet stitch if desired.

Free Crochet Patterns

• 30 Free Crochet Baby Blanket Patterns
• Primrose Crochet Baby Blanket
• 10 Cozy Crochet Blanket and Afghan Patterns You’ll Love
• Easy Moss Stitch Crochet Baby Blanket
• Rainbow Crochet Blanket Pattern
• Easy Crochet Afghan Pattern (8 Sizes)
• Easy Crochet Shell Stitch Baby Blanket
• Mountain Pine Crochet Tree Blanket
• American Flag Crochet Patterns for Blankets
• Free and Easy Crochet Graphgan Patterns using C2C