PurlbedHand knitting › Basic fabrics and ribs
2×2 rib
Pairs of knit columns alternating with pairs of purl columns; bolder and more graphic than 1×1 rib. Knit 2, purl 2 across; on each later row work the stitches as they face you.
What you work it with
Hand knitting · Tools: Needles one or two sizes smaller than for the body; springy wool.
Symbol chart
One or two repeats of the stitch pattern, drawn as seen from the right side.Steps
- Cast on a multiple of 4 (+2 flat).
- Row 1 (RS): k2, *p2, k2*; repeat to the end.
- Row 2 (WS): p2, *k2, p2*; repeat.
- Repeat rows 1 and 2 to the depth you want.
- Cast off in rib, loosely.
The full card
- What it looks like
- Pairs of knit columns alternating with pairs of purl columns; bolder and more graphic than 1×1 rib.
- How it behaves
- Elastic across and does not curl; deeper grooves than 1×1 rib, so it reads as stripes even when stretched.
- How it works
- Knit 2, purl 2 across; on each later row work the stitches as they face you.
- Tools
- Needles one or two sizes smaller than for the body; springy wool.
- Parameters
- In the round: a multiple of 4. Flat: a multiple of 4 plus 2, so both edges start and end with k2 and a seam lands in the middle of a knit pair.
- Steps
- 1) Cast on a multiple of 4 (+2 flat). 2) Row 1 (RS): k2, *p2, k2*; repeat to the end. 3) Row 2 (WS): p2, *k2, p2*; repeat. 4) Repeat rows 1 and 2 to the depth you want. 5) Cast off in rib, loosely.
- Charting
- Read from the right side: each row shows k k p p; work the opposite on WS rows.
- Limits and common problems
- The knit stitch next to a purl pair can look loose and uneven; work it a little firmer [inference]. Count the repeat before joining in the round, or the pattern shifts at the join.
- Combines with
- 1×1 rib, Stocking stitch (stockinette), 6-stitch cable
- Pieces and assembly
- Hat brims, sweater hems, sock cuffs; a whole hat in 2×2 rib fits many head sizes.
Written in our own words from machine manuals, knitting references and swatching. Knit a test swatch before a whole piece.