How to Crochet the Rib Stitch (Stretchy Ribbing)

Ribbing is what gives hat brims, cuffs, and waistbands their snug, stretchy fit, and the crochet rib stitch lets you create that lovely knit look ribbing with a hook. There are two main ways to make it, one very easy and one a little more advanced, and both give you the stretchy, ridged fabric that hugs the body and holds its shape. This guide shows you how to crochet the rib stitch using both methods, with tips and common mistakes. It is part of the crochet stitch library.

What Is the Rib Stitch?

The rib stitch is not a single stitch so much as a technique for making stretchy, ridged fabric that resembles knitted ribbing. It works by creating raised vertical or horizontal ridges that let the fabric stretch and spring back. The two common methods are the back loop only method, which is beginner friendly and soft, and the post stitch method, which is firmer and more defined. Both give you ribbing, so you can choose based on the look and stretch you want.

When to Use the Rib Stitch

Use ribbing wherever you want a stretchy, snug section. It is the classic choice for hat brims, the cuffs of sleeves and mittens, waistbands, and the ribbed edges of sweaters and cowls, all places where the stretch helps the fabric fit closely and stay put. Ribbing also adds a nice textured contrast to a plain stitch body. Because it stretches, it is especially useful for anything that needs to fit snugly and comfortably around a part of the body.

The Easy Method: Back Loop Only

The simplest way to make ribbing is to work into the back loop only of each stitch, often shortened to BLO. Each stitch has two loops at the top, and normally you work under both, but for this method you insert your hook under just the back loop. Worked in rows, this leaves the front loops as raised ridges on the surface, creating a stretchy, ribbed texture. Single crochet in the back loop only makes tight ribbing, while half double crochet in the back loop only makes softer, stretchier ribbing that many crocheters love for hat brims.

Step by Step: BLO Ribbing

To make a ribbed hat brim, ribbing is often worked as a long strip that is later joined into a ring. Step one: chain the height you want the brim to be, plus one. Step two: work single crochet or half double crochet into each chain across. Step three: chain one and turn, then work each stitch of the next row into the back loop only. Step four: repeat, always working into the back loop only, until the strip is long enough. The ridges run along the length of the strip, and when you turn the strip sideways, they become the vertical stretchy ribbing of a brim.

The Firmer Method: Post Stitches

For firmer, more defined ribbing, you can use post stitches, working front post and back post double crochets in alternating columns. A front post stitch is worked around the post of the stitch below from the front, so it sits raised, while a back post stitch sits recessed. Alternating them column by column pushes the fabric into deep, stretchy ridges that look very much like knitted ribbing. This method is a step up in skill, since it uses the same post stitches as crochet cables, but it gives the most professional ribbing.

Common Rib Stitch Mistakes

The most common mistake with back loop only ribbing is accidentally working into both loops, which loses the ridges and the stretch, so always check you are under the back loop only. With post stitch ribbing, mixing up front and back posts breaks the ribbed pattern, so keep track of your columns. Working too tightly reduces stretch in both methods, so keep a relaxed tension. Counting your stitches each row prevents the edges from drifting, as in how to count crochet stitches.

Best Projects for the Rib Stitch

Ribbing is essential for hat brims, cuffs, mittens, waistbands, and the edges of sweaters and cowls, and it also makes cozy scarves and legwarmers on its own. The back loop only method is perfect for beginners and soft projects, while post stitch ribbing suits garments that need a crisp, firm edge. Pair ribbing with a plain or textured body for a polished finish. Explore more stitches in the crochet stitch library, and find projects to make in the beginner pattern hub.