Tutorial - Slip Stitch Ribbing (sl st in blo)

Ribbing is a real workhorse, adding that perfect bit of stretch to collars, cuffs, waistbands, hats, and so much more. There are a ton of uses for ribbing, and there are lots of different techniques to create it as well! This particular technique of slip stitch ribbing produces an extremely stretchy fabric that mimics knitted ribbing.

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Slip Stitch Ribbing (sl st in blo) Photo Tutorial

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For this technique, we will be working slip stitches (sl sts) into the back loop only (blo) of each stitch as we go across. Working in the back loop pushes the row of stitches to the back of the fabric. As we turn our fabric back and forth, that shift will end up alternating back and forth, creating the ribbing effect we’re looking for.

Find the back loop: The back loop is the loop facing farthest away from you, on the top of the fabric.
Insert hook into back loop of next stitch, yarn over, and pull up a loop.
Pull that loop through the loop that was already on your hook to finish your slip stitch.
Continue across the row, then chain 1 and turn to start the next row. Repeat until your ribbing is the desired length.