Rib Knit

Rib knit is the stretchy structure of every cuff, collar, and waistband, made by alternating columns of knit and purl stitches so the knit columns stand proud and the purl columns recede. Because those columns pull together, the fabric contracts widthwise and springs back, giving rib its powerful crosswise stretch and recovery. Counted by the columns, a one-by-one rib alternates single stitches, a two-by-two rib pairs them for a bolder wale, and a whole garment knitted in rib hugs the body. It is less a named cloth than a fundamental way of knitting, as old as European hand knitting itself.