Elongated Rib Stitch Knitting Pattern

by Janice Jones, Published September 6, 2026

Elongated rib stitch is a knit-and-purl rib pattern worked over a 12-row repeat. It begins like a 2x2 rib, then shifts the knit and purl columns halfway through the repeat. This creates long vertical sections of ribbing with a subtle broken-or-offset effect. The fabric has stretch, texture, and enough structure for scarves, cowls, blankets, borders, and textured panels.

  • Skill level: Basic
  • Knit and Purl Stitch
  • Stitch multiple: Multiple of 4 + 2 stitches when worked flat; multiple of 4 stitches when worked in the round
  • Row repeat: 12-row repeat when worked flat; 12-round repeat when worked in the round
  • Rib Stitch
  • Lies flat: Yes
  • Reversible: Yes, it is reversible
  • Best uses: Scarves, cowls, blankets, dishcloths, borders, hat brims, sweater hems, and textured panels
The elongated rib stitch is an easy rib that resembles the 2 x 2 rib but it is broken after 7 rows to create an entirely new appearanceElongated Rib Stitch (Right Side)
The wrong side showing of the elongated rib stitchElongated Rib Stitch Wrong Side

Tips for Knitting This Stitch

The main thing to watch is the change between Rows 6 and 7. Rows 1–6 begin with K2 on the right side, while Rows 7–12 begin with P2.

If you lose your place, look at the columns below your needle. During the first half of the repeat, continue the established knit and purl columns. After Row 6, switch them: knit stitches that were previously purl columns and purl stitches that were previously knit columns.

A row counter or removable stitch marker can also help you keep track of where you are in the 12-row repeat.  You could also use paper and pencil and tally marks to keep track of your rows.

Good Uses for Elongated Rib Stitch

Because this stitch combines stretch with a reversible textured appearance, it can work well for scarves, cowls, blankets, dishcloths, and other projects where both sides may show.

It can also be used as a decorative border or panel. On garments, consider it for hat brims, sweater hems, cuffs, or a textured section within a larger design.

Abbreviations

K – knit
P – purl
rep – repeat
RS – right side
st(s) – stitch(es)
WS – wrong side

rnd - round

Skills Needed for This Stitch Pattern

How to cast on using the longtail cast on method

How to bind off in pattern

How to make the knit stitch

How to make the purl stitch

How to read instructions

Written Instructions for Working Flat

Cast on a multiple of 4 + 2 stitches.

Row 1 (RS): K2, *p2, k2; rep from * to end.
Row 2 (WS): *P2, k2; rep from * to last 2 sts, p2.
Row 3: K2, *p2, k2; rep from * to end.
Row 4: *P2, k2; rep from * to last 2 sts, p2.
Row 5: K2, *p2, k2; rep from * to end.
Row 6: *P2, k2; rep from * to last 2 sts, p2.
Row 7: P2, *k2, p2; rep from * to end.
Row 8: *K2, p2; rep from * to last 2 sts, k2.
Row 9: P2, *k2, p2; rep from * to end.
Row 10: *K2, p2; rep from * to last 2 sts, k2.
Row 11: P2, *k2, p2; rep from * to end.
Row 12: *K2, p2; rep from * to last 2 sts, k2.

Repeat Rows 1–12 for the pattern.

Written Instructions for Working in the Round

Cast on a multiple of 4 stitches and join to work in the round.

Rnd 1: *K2, p2; rep from * around.
Rnd 2: *K2, p2; rep from * around.
Rnd 3: *K2, p2; rep from * around.
Rnd 4: *K2, p2; rep from * around.
Rnd 5: *K2, p2; rep from * around.
Rnd 6: *K2, p2; rep from * around.
Rnd 7: *P2, k2; rep from * around.
Rnd 8: *P2, k2; rep from * around.
Rnd 9: *P2, k2; rep from * around.
Rnd 10: *P2, k2; rep from * around.
Rnd 11: *P2, k2; rep from * around.
Rnd 12: *P2, k2; rep from * around.

Repeat Rounds 1–12 for the pattern.

Instructions for Working Flat in Chart Form

The chart shows the 12-row repeat for the elongated rib stitch. The red box marks the 4-stitch section that is repeated across the row. The stitches outside the red box show the additional stitches needed when working the pattern flat.

Read right-side (RS) rows from right to left and wrong-side (WS) rows from left to right.

Knitting chart showing how to make the elongated knit stitch

Frequently Asked Questions About the Elongated Rib Stitch

Does elongated rib stitch lie flat?

Yes. The alternating knit and purl columns help balance the fabric, so it does not have the strong curling tendency associated with stockinette stitch.

Is elongated rib stitch reversible?

Yes. The two sides are not identical, but both sides have an attractive ribbed texture, so the stitch works well for projects where either side may be visible.

How many stitches do I cast on for elongated rib stitch?

When knitting flat, cast on a multiple of 4 plus 2 stitches. For example, you could cast on 18, 22, 26, or 30 stitches.  When working in the round, cast on a multiple of 4 stitches.

Is elongated rib the same as 2 x 2 rib?

No. Both use groups of two knit stitches and two purl stitches, but ordinary 2 x 2 rib keeps those columns in the same position. In elongated rib, the knit and purl columns switch positions halfway through the 12-row repeat.

Please Pin for Future Reference

The elongated rib stitch worked in green yarn and a printed chart on a pin image

Last Words

If you are just getting started with knitting, this pattern is a good choice to expand your knitting skills.  It is as basic as a double rib (2x2) but looks more difficult because the long columns of ribs are interrupted every 7th row.  Give it a try -  I think you'll find it to be easy to memorize even though there is a 12 row repeat and the repetition is easy enough to make it a good choice while watching TV.