Making super stretchy crochet ribbing that looks like knit? It's easier than you might think! Here's how to crochet slip stitch ribbing!
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How to Crochet Slip Stitch Ribbing - Right Handed
How to Crochet Slip Stitch Ribbing - Left Handed
As Seen in this Video (click for more info):
Slip stitch ribbing is very simple to make, using only the most beginning stitches - chain and slip stitch! But anyone who has tried to crochet into a slip stitch before knows it isn't quite that easy! The thicker the yarn, the easier it is, but it can still be a frustrating stitch to make!
The basic pattern is this: chain to the desired width of the ribbing, plus 1. Skipping the chain closest to the hook, slip stitch in the back loop only of each chain across. Then for each following row, chain 1 and slip stitch in the back loop only across. As long as you keep your stitch count, you're on your way!
But there's the rub - how to work into the previous slip stitches! Often, slip stitches are so tight that getting a hook in there is a real struggle. The key to opening up those slip stitches is to pause just a moment when you are at the point where you have two loops left on the hook. Maybe wiggle your hook a little. Then go ahead and pull that first loop through to complete the stitch.
It's amazing how much this trick helps! And the result is being able to make this gorgeous, super stretchy crochet ribbing. It has a knit look and stretch, but it's made with simple crochet stitches and bit of know how. I hope you've enjoyed this video and tutorial - thanks for watching!
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shoshana says
what a great idea, i think i'm going to try a hat totally out of slip stitcfh ribbing!
i finally finished my moogly cal 2016, how can i send you a picture? i love it, thank you sooo much for all the wonderful squares!
shoshana
Tamara Kelly says
Ooo, now that will be one stretchy hat! 😀 Thank you!
And yay! tamarakelly@mooglyblog.com or the Moogly Facebook page are great ways to share!
Cassy says
Thankyou that looks pretty easy and of course I'm going to try it.
Tamara Kelly says
🙂 I'm glad you like it!
Susan Izbiansky says
Do you have any patterns that use this stitch?
Tamara Kelly says
I do not, but I may in the future! 🙂
Susan Izbiansky says
Thanks!
Cheryl-Anne Marie Clark says
Thank you for the tutorial on the slip stitch ribbing, I want to make the fingerless mitts so I will be using this for the ribbing on them.
Tamara Kelly says
😀 Thank you, I'm so glad you like it!
TigerKim says
Thank You! What an awesome technique for Knitters & Crocheters to have in our skill baskets. So glad I saw this. This is great for Plus-Sizers who want shape with ease, and for anyone who hates tight clothing. I can think of more uses than just cuffs and hats! Awesome.
Rochelle says
This is by far the best ribbing technique ever! I love the look of ribbing and have tried crocheting it before, but it never came out quite right for me. I have made 3 different things so far with this ribbing - Love it! Thank you 🙂
Tamara Kelly says
I'm so glad to hear it! Thank you so much Rochelle!
Uzma Khan says
U r quite right when u say its frustrating..
The same jad happened to me when i started in a very good mood my son's hand warmers but with a thin yarn.... All of my work had to b undone.... Because i was not able to find the back loops... Then i realized thesame thing u r describing here... Its a bit satisfactory to me.
Tamara Kelly says
I'm sorry you found it frustrating too - but glad you found that you're not alone! 🙂
Robyn says
Hi Tamara,
Do appreciate your video on the slip stitch ribbing. I did leave a comment on YouTube—which is RARE—that’s how much I appreciate it. You are the only one with the “pause” tip, and it kept me from giving up!
One suggestion, if you could re-upload that video with “Tip” in the video title, because when I looked up slip stitch crochet tips, it isn’t in any of the first videos—and should be! It is a project saver! Thank you again!
Tamara Kelly says
♥ Thank you so much Robyn! I'm so glad it helped!!