How to Knit 1x1 Rib | Norwegian Knitting Method + Yarn Tension
If you’re learning the Norwegian knitting method, 1x1 rib is one of the best stitch patterns for practicing the transition between the knit and purl stitches.
In this tutorial, I’ll show you how to knit 1x1 rib using the Norwegian knitting method, including how I hold and tension my working yarn and how I move comfortably between knit and purl stitches.
Because 1x1 rib alternates a knit stitch with a purl stitch, you get plenty of practice with one of the things that makes the Norwegian method so interesting: the Norwegian purl.
Rather than bringing the working yarn all the way to the front of the needles for every purl stitch, the yarn remains positioned at the back of the work while the purl is formed.
If you’re working on becoming more comfortable with the Norwegian knitting method, this is a great technique to add to your practice.
In the video, I’ll walk you through the entire process slowly so you can see exactly where the yarn and needles are positioned for each stitch.
We’ll cover:
How I hold the working yarn
How to tension your yarn for Norwegian knitting
How to work the Norwegian knit stitch
How to work the Norwegian purl stitch
How to alternate between knit and purl stitches
How to knit 1x1 rib
How to keep your yarn tension comfortable and consistent
What Is 1x1 Rib?
1x1 rib is one of the most commonly used ribbing patterns in knitting.
It is created by alternating:
Knit 1, purl 1
across your row or round.
Written in a knitting pattern, you’ll often see it written as:
K1, p1; repeat from across.
When worked over an even number of stitches, the knit and purl columns stack on top of one another to create the familiar stretchy ribbed fabric.
You’ll commonly find 1x1 rib used for:
Hat brims
Sweater cuffs
Sock cuffs
Necklines
Mittens
Waistbands
Edgings
It’s simple, stretchy, and incredibly useful.
Why Practice Norwegian Knitting With 1x1 Rib?
When you first learn the Norwegian method, it can feel fairly natural to practice long stretches of knit stitches or purl stitches.
Ribbing is different.
With 1x1 rib, you’re switching between the two stitches constantly:
knit, purl, knit, purl.
That repetition gives you the opportunity to practice the small movements involved in transitioning between the Norwegian knit and Norwegian purl.
As you become more comfortable with the movement, the stitches can begin to flow together instead of feeling like two completely separate techniques.
How to Hold and Tension Your Yarn
In the Norwegian knitting method, the working yarn is held in the left hand.
The exact way you tension the yarn can vary slightly from knitter to knitter. What matters most is that the yarn can move freely while still giving you enough control to form even stitches.
Try not to grip the yarn tightly.You want enough tension to guide the yarn, but not so much that you are fighting against it every time you form a stitch.
In the video tutorial, I show you exactly how I position the working yarn in my hand and how I maintain tension while knitting.
If your stitches feel tight or your hands begin working harder than they need to, experiment with loosening your grip slightly.
The goal is control without unnecessary tension in your hands.
Knitting the Knit Stitch
For the knit stitch, insert the right needle into the next stitch as you normally would when working the Norwegian knitting method.
Catch the working yarn and pull the new stitch through.
Slip the old stitch from the left needle.
You have now completed your knit stitch.
Working the Norwegian Purl
The Norwegian purl is one of the defining techniques within this knitting method.
Instead of bringing the working yarn to the front of your needles before purling, the yarn stays at the back of the work.
The stitch is created through the movement and positioning of the needles.
This can feel unusual when you first learn it, particularly if you are accustomed to moving the yarn forward every time you purl.
Once the movement becomes familiar, however, you can transition directly from your knit stitch into your purl without making a large movement with the working yarn.
The video above gives you a close-up view of the entire movement.
How to Knit 1x1 Rib
To begin your ribbing, cast on an even number of stitches.
Then work:
K1, p1; repeat from across.
Continue repeating the same sequence.
When the stitches are stacked correctly, you’ll begin to see vertical columns of knit stitches separated by recessed columns of purl stitches.
If You’re Working Flat
Continue working the knit stitches as they appear and the purl stitches as they appear.
You are essentially knitting the knits and purling the purls.
If You’re Working in the Round
Once you join your knitting in the round, continue:
K1, p1; repeat from around.
Because you are always working from the right side of the fabric, the rib pattern continues naturally around the project.
Tips for More Consistent Ribbing
Ribbing can sometimes look a little uneven while you’re knitting it, especially when you’re learning a new method.
A few things can help.
Keep Your Movements Small
One of the advantages of practicing the Norwegian method is learning to work with compact needle movements.
Try not to exaggerate the motion of each stitch.
Small, controlled movements can make it easier to maintain a consistent rhythm.
Avoid Pulling the Yarn Too Tightly
After completing a stitch, you don’t need to pull hard on the working yarn.
Allow the needle itself to help determine the size of the stitch.
Over-tightening can make your ribbing less elastic and can make the next row more difficult to work.
Give Yourself Time to Find the Rhythm
If you are new to the Norwegian purl, 1x1 rib may initially feel slow.
That’s completely normal when learning a new movement.
Practice a small swatch and concentrate on the transition:
knit → purl → knit → purl
rather than trying to work quickly.
Speed comes from familiarity.
Practice With a Small Swatch
If you’d like to practice before using the technique in a project, cast on an even number of stitches and work several inches of 1x1 rib.
You don’t need a large swatch.
The goal is simply to give your hands enough repetitions to become familiar with:
Holding the yarn
Maintaining yarn tension
Forming the knit stitch
Forming the Norwegian purl
Transitioning between the two stitches
Once those movements begin to feel natural, try using the technique in a hat, sock, mitten, or another project that uses ribbing.
Also, wet blocking your work after you’ve finished your project really helps re-position stitches and polish 1×1 rib.
Learn More Norwegian Knitting Techniques
If you’re learning the Norwegian knitting method, I have more tutorials here at M1R KNIT to help you build your skills one technique at a time.
Start with the basics, practice the Norwegian purl, and then begin adding techniques like ribbing, increases, decreases, and complete knitting projects.
The more you practice the movements, the more natural the method becomes.
Watch the full 1x1 rib tutorial above and knit along with me.
Happy knitting, XO Kim
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