What is rib knit fabric?

What is Rib Knit Fabric?

What is Rib Knit

Knitting is a great hobby and a way to make statement pieces for a wardrobe. Many knitters hear the term rib knit and wonder how they can add this technique to their skill set. A rib knit is a term used to describe a specific technique used to work fabric together using alternating raised and lowered rows. This method is utilized in order to produce a solid garment that features a slight pattern on each side of the garment all while being extremely comfortable to wear. This is a great way to add a unique look to a garment without making it too bold with an overwhelming pattern. Additionally, the rib kiting method is traditionally used with fabrics such as cotton, cotton blends, wool, and acrylic because of its comfort and elasticity. The garments produced using the rib knit technique are endless including; clothing, necklines, cuffs, scarves, and socks. A rib knit pattern is very easy to spot in various products due to the vertical textured lines, or ribs, that are woven into the garments. Garments produced with a rib knit typically do not wear down as quickly and can become staple pieces of any wardrobe collection.

How is the Rib Knit Process Produced?
The rib knit is a textile that has been created using an circular loom or a double bed knitting machine. This is a machine has two needles which allows fabric to pass through and alternates the material making knit stitch and purl stitch making vertical lines. The technique is used in order to produce vertical lines in the garment. Overall, the vertical lines that are produced by rib knitting will add a great pattern to the garment. When knitting by hand, these projects can tend to take awhile before it begins to take shape. However, when using the circular loom machine to complete rib kit the product is completed much more quickly.

Variations in Rib Knitting
Similar to other knitting techniques, ribbing also offers garments variation within the product. Traditionally, ribbing is done in a 1*1 stitch and a 2*2 stitch. The 1*1 rib stitch is by far the most popular form of ribbing. The 1*1 rib knit technique simply means a garment has alternating knits and purl stitches in one row followed by knitting consistently to develop a pattern within the fabric. Typically, garments produced using the 1*1 will have more spring and tension. When completing a 2*2 the stitching will be almost identical to 1*1; however, when completing a garment using the 2*2 the stitches alternate 2 knit and 2 purl stitches for every vertical row. Garments that are produced with the 2*2 tend to lie flatter on the body and notably offer more elasticity. An easy way to keep track while working is to remember to make a knit stitch when the previous row stitch appears in a V and make a purl stitch when the previous row appears like a bump. The circular loom machine is extremely helpful in keeping track of the pattern. Additionally, the 2*2 pattern is far easier to spot in garments than the 1*1 rib knit.

Purposes of a Rib Knit
When it comes to the art of knitting, a rib knit is widely used for various projects due to the elasticity it provides to the garment. The rib knit technique is traditionally used when making tee shirts, socks, sleeves, waists, necklines, and scarves. By using the rib knit technic, manufactures are able to achieve more movement, as well as, more durability in the garments being produced. When a rib knit method is used the products also tend to fit the body better. Garments produced from a rib knit tend to bounce back due to the elasticity and there is no uncomfortable resistance during wearing. Additionally, because of the type of technique, rib knitting garments tend to not curl which can be a downfall of other knitting options and overall add a sense of warmth and comfortability.