Easy 1-Row Reversible Knitting Stitch That Looks Like Ribbing + Video
This one-row reversible knitting stitch that looks like ribbing will make you do a double take.
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Those clean vertical columns look just like ribbing — but pick it up and you’ll immediately notice something different.
No accordion effect. No stretch. No raised bumps. Just smooth, flat columns of V’s running beautifully from cast on to bind off.
And it’s a one-row repeat. Two steps. That’s it.
If you love the look of ribbing but find it too stretchy or too dimensional for certain projects — this is the stitch you’ve been looking for!
Grab your needles and let’s get busy!
Materials
For this swatch I used:
US 7 (4.5 mm) birch wood needles [10 in (25.4cm) long and smooth; their sharp tips make them perfect for all sort of patterns, including lace] #ad
And 100% Mercerised Egyptian Cotton Yarn (DK weight, strong, stable and durable, with great shape stability) #ad
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Pattern Notes
- One row only — just repeat it until you reach your desired length
- Both sides are identical — there is no wrong side
- This stitch lays completely flat — no border needed
- The slipped stitch creates the illusion of a knit V column without the dimensional texture of traditional ribbing
- Use smooth yarn for the clearest stitch definition — wool, cotton or linen work beautifully
- Unlike regular ribbing, this stitch has no stretch — which makes it perfect for projects where you want structure without the accordion effect
Abbreviations
CO: cast on
st (s) = stitch (es)
RS: right side of the work
wyif: with yarn in front
sl1pw: slip one stitch purlwise
P: purl
One-Row Reversible Knitting Stitch Pattern
Stitch Multiple
CO multiples of 4. For example: 4 * 4 = 16 sts (no edge sts included).
Instructions
Row 1 (RS): wyif sl1pw, *wyif P3, wyib sl1pw*. Repeat from * to *, to last st, 3 sts, wyif P3.
Repeat row 1 until the desired length is reached.
How to Bind Off
wyif P1, P1, psso, P1, psso, P1, psso, K1, psso, *P1, psso (3 times), K1, psso*. Repeat from * to * to last 3 sts, P1, psso (3 times).
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What Makes this Reversible Knitting Stitch Different?
You might be wondering — isn’t this just ribbing?
Not quite.
Traditional ribbing alternates knit and purl stitches to create raised, dimensional columns that stretch horizontally. It’s wonderful for cuffs, hems and brims — but use it for a scarf or blanket and you’ll get that familiar accordion effect as the fabric pulls in on itself.
The Smooth Rib Stitch gives you the LOOK of those vertical columns — without any of the stretch or dimension. The slipped stitch creates a flat V that mimics the knit column of ribbing, while the three purl stitches create the background.
The result? A smooth, structured fabric that works for absolutely any project — not just the ones where stretch is an advantage.
Love the ribbing look? You might also enjoy:
Broken Rib Stitch — One-Row Repeat
Shadow Rib Stitch — 2-Row Repeat
Not sure how many stitches to cast on for your project? Check out my Guide to calculating stitches, yarn and measurements for any rectangular project — it takes the guesswork out completely!
Where To Use This Reversible Knitting Stitch
Scarves — the flat, non-stretchy fabric drapes beautifully without the accordion effect of traditional ribbing. No borders needed.
Blankets and throws — the smooth vertical columns give large projects a clean, structured look without pulling in at the sides.
Wraps and shawls — lightweight and elegant, especially in cotton or linen yarn for spring and summer projects.
Vests and shrugs — the ribbing-like appearance works beautifully for garments where you want vertical definition without the fitted stretch of traditional rib.
Dishcloths and home accessories — quick to knit, beautiful to look at, and practical too.
Note: Unlike traditional ribbing, this stitch is NOT recommended as a replacement for cuffs, hems or brims where stretch and recovery are needed. For those, stick with your regular rib!
This is the other side of the work:
Free Scarf Planning Guide
If you’d like to turn this stitch into a scarf, my free 3-Step Perfect Scarf Formula is a great place to start.
It includes how to choose your yarn, how to pick the stitch pattern, how much yarn you’ll need, needle sizes, and cast-on numbers for 2 different yarn weights.
👉 You can download the free full guide here →
Tips For This One-Row Reversible Knitting Stitch
1. Keep your slipped stitches loose: The Sl1pw creates the flat V column — if you pull too tight, the column will pucker. Keep it relaxed and the fabric will stay beautifully smooth.
2. Keep your yarn at the back when slipping: When you slip the stitch purlwise, make sure your yarn stays at the back of the work — otherwise you’ll accidentally create a yarn over and your stitch count will change.
3. One row — that’s really it: It sounds almost too simple, but yes — you just repeat that one row forever. Once the rhythm clicks (usually after just a few repeats) it becomes completely meditative.
4. Choose smooth yarn for best results: The stitch definition is everything here — smooth yarns like wool, cotton or linen show off those flat V columns beautifully. Fuzzy yarns will hide the effect.
5. Don’t use this where you need stretch: This is a flat, non-stretchy stitch — which is exactly what makes it so versatile. But if you need the elastic recovery of ribbing for cuffs or hems, use traditional rib instead 😊
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A big hug, and happy knitting 😊
Carolina – So Woolly
PS: If you love knitting stitch patterns that don’t curl, check my guide → 15 Knitting Stitches That Don’t Curl
