A step by step tutorial showing you everything you need to know about grafting 2×2 ribbing
The 2×2 rib stitch is one of the most popular knitting stitches patterns of them all. And it’s so versatile. But what can you do when you want to close the toes of ribbed socks or you want to join a cowl in the round with an invisible seam? Is grafting 2×2 ribbing possible?
Of course, it is! In fact, it’s pretty easy once you understand the underlying principle. So, if you’ve never grafted a single stitch, then I really urge you to check out my full tutorial on how to graft knitting stitches. The repeat for the 2×2 rib stitch graft is a bit complicated, and thus a bit more difficult to remember. But if you can read your knitting, it’s super easy.
In a classic 2×2 rib stitch you always alternate between knitting two knit stitches and 2 purl stitches. Maybe you already know the Kitchener Stitch and how you can use it to join two knitted pieces together. But there is also a version of the Kitchener Stitch for the purl side.
And if you want to graft 2×2 ribbing, then essentially, all you have to do is combine these two methods. So you graft two knit stitches, and then two purl stitches. Pretty logical, if you think about it. And of course, you could adjust that repeat to graft any other kind of ribbing.
So, let’s show you how to do that!
Note: I earn a small commission for purchases made through links in this article.
Grafting 2x2 ribbing
To graft a 2x2 rib stitch you need to alternate between grafting two knit stitches and then two purl stitches. The repeat has 17 steps and 3 preparation steps, so go slowly and pay attention. You can graft ribbing with the stitches being held on two lifelines or two knitting needles. The latter being a bit more easier to handle in my experience.
Tools
Instructions
- Align the two pieces you want to join - preferably in a way so the first two stitches are knit stitches. The ribs should form one continuous line when laying flat.
- Thread the tail or a long piece of scrap yarn on a tapestry needle and go into the first stitch on the front needle purlwise (so coming from behind).
- Go through the first stitch on the back needle knitwise (so coming from the front).
- Go through the first stitch on the front needle knitwise and drop the stitch.
- Go through the adjacent stitch on the front needle purlwise.
Note: If the yarn gets caught on top of the needle, use your fingers to bring it under the needles again so you don't create an accidental yarn over. - Go through the first stitch on the back needle purlwise and drop it.
- Go through the adjacent stitch on the back needle knitwise.
- Go through the (new) first stitch on the front needle knitwise and drop it.
- And pull the yarn through the adjacent stitch (it's the third) knitwise.
Be careful, until step 8, everything was the same as for a normal Kitchener Stitch. But now, starting from step 9, you have to graft two purl stitches hence you go through the stitch knitwise (instead of the usual purlwise). - Drop the stitch on the back needle purlwise.
- And pull the yarn through the adjacent stitch on the back needle purlwise as well.
- Drop the (third) stitch on the front needle purlwise.
- Go through the adjacent stitch knitwise.
- Drop the stitch on the back needle knitwise.
- Pull the yarn through the stitch next to it purlwise.
- Drop the (fourth) stitch on the front needle purlwise.
- And go through the adjacent stitch purlwise.
Again, pay attention here. This fifth stitch on your front needle appears like a knit stitch and thus you need to graft a knit stitch here. - Pull the yarn through the stitch on the back needle knitwise and drop it
- And then, again, pay attention, and go through the adjacent stitch knitwise as well.
Repeat steps 4-19 until you grafted all stitches in your row.
Notes
Remember to give your tail a little tug every two stitches. You want to create a seam that is neither too tight nor too loose. If your seam ends up looking a bit wonky nevertheless, you can use a tapestry needle and distribute the yarn a bit more evenly after you finished. Simply go through every stitch and pull out (or add) a bit of yarn as required.
The repeat is a bit difficult to remember. As you can see, there are 17 steps and 3 preparation steps. You can write it down on a bit of cardboard and put it in your project back.
Further tips & things to know
There is one important thing you need to know about this grafting technique. It will result in a little jog. If you look closely at the swatch above, you can see that the ribs don’t align perfectly and the two ribs are offset by half a stitch. And there is nothing to prevent that because you are joining two pieced together that have been knitted in a different direction.
It’s barely noticeable except you stretch things out really far. So, I think that’s something you can live it – especially as there is no alternative that looks better (at least to my knowledge).
Also, as I already said, you don’t necessarily need the stitches to be on your knitting needles when working the 2×2 rib graft.
You can also use lifelines (or spare cables from a set of interchangeable knitting needles). Generally speaking, I think using your knitting needles creates better results as the barrel of your needles acts as a buffer. It prevents you pulling adjacent stitches too tight as you pull the yarn through.
But sometimes that is no option. And in that case, you have to adjust the instructions above a bit. First of all, you are not dropping any stitches, you can keep them on the lifeline and remove it afterward. Actually, that part makes it a bit easier. Instead, just remember this: You have to go into each stitch twice.
And here’s the second thing you need to remember. In most cases, the two pieces of 2×2 ribbing you want to join together will lay flat in front of you. This means the right side of the top part is facing you (and not the wrong side). As a result, the way you have to go in and out of the various stitches is upside down.
I mean, it’s still fairly easy to remember because it will still be knitwise. The only difference is the alignment of the loop.
Oh, and one more thing. Sometimes your ribbing doesn’t start with 2 knit stitches but with purl stitches. In these cases, you will have to adjust the repeat and start with step number 9 and (and skip 10).
And if there are selvage stitches, then you would have to graft however many knit or purl stitches you added before you start with the 2×2 ribbing. So, simply follow the instruction for the regular Kitchener stitch until the ribbing repeat starts.
Further reading material:
Anyways, that’s everything you need to know about grafting 2×2 ribbings. Comment below in case you have any questions.
Thank you for this tutorial. It will be a great help in making seamless singlets for prem babies.
There is one small hitch – I think you have put the picture for Step 1 in again at Step 17 by mistake.
thank you for that. i fixed it now!
Hello thank u very much for your blog. I want know : How do a grafting with rib 2/2 TWISTED. Could you show us with video or picture
thank u
Hey cedric, Right now i don’t think I have the time for that. sorry to disappoint you.