Worked flat with a multiple of 4 + 2 stitches
In Words
Row 1: Knit 2, *purl 2, knit 2,* repeat from * to * until the end of the row.
Row 2: Purl 2, * knit 2, purl 2,* repeat from * to * until the end of the row.
These 2 rows form pattern.
Charted
Worked in the round with a multiple of 4 stitches
In Words
All rounds: *Knit 2, purl 2,* repeat from * to * until the end of the round.
Charted
Why do so many people say 2×2 ribbing is k2, p2, and stays that way the whole time? I learned it as 2k, p2, for the first row, then switch to p2,k2 for the second row, all through the pattern. So you alternate beginning odd rows with k2, and beginning even rows with p2,k2. Cast on stitches in multiples of four. That’s how I always did it.
Hi Jean,
That’s a good question. I learnt to always use the extra stitches when working flat because it balances the design if you’re working something that won’t be seamed (such as a scarf). If you’re going to be seaming two pieces together with a seam that takes up one stitch on either side (like mattress stitch or a back stitched seam), it will help hide the seam by making it run up the centre of a column of ribbing, and all the ribbed columns will be the same size after seaming.
Hi Jean,
How many rows do I knit if the pattern says: work 11rows in 2×2 rib?
Eleven rows.