Beaded Rib Stitch Knit:  Complete tutorial and tips for success

Beaded Rib Stitch Knit   by Janice Jones   |Updated 01-27-2024

The Beaded Rib Stitch Pattern is an easy design that is created with knit and purl stitches over a 2-row repeat.  It is similar to the seeded rib stitch with a slight variation.  You still see the little seeds between the ribs, but it looks more like a 2 x 2 rib pattern.  

It lays flat, unlike the typical 2 x 2 rib and it is not reversible, though both sides look great.  

Skill Level

This is a beginning level knit pattern.

Skills Needed

Knit

Purl

Cast on

Bind off

Weave in Ends

Abbreviations

k - knit

p - purl

CO - cast on

BO - bind off

*   * - Repeat the directions between the astericks

Supplies Needed

• Yarn (I used Lion Brand Limited Edition in a light gray, a worsted weight, acrylic yarn)  CYC #4
• Needles:  I used US 8 (5.0 mm)
• Scissors
• Yarn needle

Notes About the Beaded Rib Stitch Knit

• All instructions are in US terms
• 2-row repeat
• Only knits and purls are used
• Stitch repeat:  Multiples of 5 + 2
• Not reversible, yet both sides look nice

Each Side is Different

Directions for Making the Beaded Rib Stitch Knit:  Straight Needles

Cast on a multiple of 5 plus 2 stitches. This just means that you will cast on a multiple of 5 such as 10, 15, 20, 25 and so forth, then add two more stitches.

Row 1 (RS):  * P2, K1, P1, K1 *, P2

Row 2 (WS):  K2, * P3, K2 *

Repeat rows 1 and 2 until you reach your desired length.  Then bind off in pattern for best results.  Weave in ends.

A quick explanation for these directions:

Step One:  Cast on the appropriate number of stitches.  I worked on 22 stitches for the swatch photographed on this page (4 x 5) + 2.  After casting on the appropriate number of stitches, you will start row one.

Step Two:  Row one which will be the right side: 

Notice that the astericks surround most of the directions, but not all.  So, to begin, you will make two purl stitches, the knit one, purl one, knit one, and then go back and repeat those stitches beginning with the purl two. 

Continue in this way until there are only two stitches remaining on the left needle.  You will purl those two stitches.

Step Three:  Row two will be the wrong side:

To work row two, you will start off by making two knit stitches.  This time, the astericks surround P3, K2.  For the rest of the row, you will make 3 purls, 2 knits, and continue making 3 purls and 2 knits across the row until there are no stitches on the left needle.

Step Four:  Bind off in pattern

There are three beginner-friendly ways you can bind off.

1. Knit two stitches, the lift the first stitch over the second stitch and off the needle.
2. Purl two stitches, the lift the first stitch over the second and off the needle.
3. Bind off in pattern:  Knit the knits and purl the purls as if you were working the next row.  But once you have two stitches on the right needle, lift the first over the second and off the needle.

Knitting the Beaded Rib Stitch Knit in the Round

When working in the Round you will cast on stitches in multiples of 5

Round 1:  * P2, K1, P1, K1 *

Round 2:  * P2, K3 *

Learn to Read Knit Stitch Pattern Charts

It is likely that you won't need a chart to knit from since the written directions are easy and straight-forward. 

However, it is always a good idea to learn how to read charts because as you grow as a knitter, patterns become more complex and charts are a good way to understand what to do.

Beaded Rib Stitch Knit Chart

Last Words

The beaded rib stitch knit is a lovely textured rib stitch is slightly textured, not reversible and worked on a two-row repeat. 

The pattern is made up entirely of knit and purl stitches and is easy enough for most beginner-level knitters to master.  Consider this pattern for stand alone projects such as scarves, pillow covers or table runners. 

It's also perfect for the rim of hats, cuffs on sweaters, or the lower edge on pullovers.

Beaded Rib Stitch Knit:  Pin for Future Reference

Disclosure:   This post contains affiliate links, which means if you make a purchase from one of these links I will get a small  commission.

Hi, there, I'm Janice, the voice behind this website and avid knitter and crochet enthusiast. I want to share my passion with you and help you learn how to knit or crochet, smarter.

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