Twisted rib: sharp columns for cuffs and brims
Twisted rib knitting: k1tbl, p1 in the round, with ptbl on wrong-side rows when you knit flat. The two variants, and why twisted rib stretches less.
By Julia WallinCo-founder and editorTwisted rib is rib where the knit stitches are worked through the back loop. The most common version is k1tbl, p1. The knit columns look sharper and slightly raised compared with plain rib. It is a common cuff and brim in Scandinavian patterns.
The two variants
Half-twisted rib is k1tbl, p1. Only the knit stitches are twisted. Most patterns mean this version, and in the round you do not need ptbl. It keeps most of the stretch of plain rib.
Fully twisted rib is k1tbl, p1tbl. Both stitches are twisted. It is flatter and firmer, and it is the least stretchy version.
The name is not standardised, so check the abbreviations in your pattern. If the pattern does not say and you knit in the round, work k1tbl, p1.
How to knit twisted rib in the round
Cast on an even number of stitches. Use a stretchy cast on, for example the Italian cast on.
Knit one stitch through the back loop (k1tbl).
Purl one stitch as usual.
Repeat steps 2 and 3 to the end of the round. Work every round the same way.
Knitting it flat
On right-side rows, work k1tbl, p1. On wrong-side rows, purl the twisted stitches through the back loop (p1tbl) and knit the others. The columns must be twisted from both sides. If you work the wrong-side rows plain, each column gets alternating tight and loose stitches.
For fully twisted rib, twist every stitch on both sides.
When to use it
Twisted rib suits cuffs and brims that should keep their shape. Twisting closes each stitch, so the rib is firmer and less stretchy than plain rib. On an edge that must stretch a lot, such as a sock cuff that goes over the heel, add a few stitches or use half-twisted rib. Fully twisted rib also draws in across the width, so knit a swatch if the width matters.
Bind off loosely. A tight bind off on twisted rib can make a cuff too tight to pull on.
Frequently asked questions
What is twisted rib in knitting?
Rib where the knit stitches, and sometimes the purl stitches, are worked through the back loop. This twists the stitches, so the columns look sharper than in plain rib.
Is twisted rib stretchier than normal rib?
No. Twisting closes the stitches, so twisted rib is firmer and stretches less than plain rib.
Do I need to purl through the back loop for twisted rib?
Not for k1tbl, p1 in the round. You need ptbl when you knit flat, and for fully twisted rib.
Why does my twisted rib look uneven?
Usually because you knit flat and worked the wrong-side rows plain, so the columns are only twisted every other row. Purl the twisted stitches through the back loop on wrong-side rows.
Co-founder and editor at knyt. Knits every guide before it is published.
