How to knit ribbings neater - tips for perfecting your tension for ANY knit/purl combination

An in-depth analysis of the rib stitch in all its variation and how to knit it neater. Theory and tips for instant results
Read the full tutorial here: nimble-needles.com/tutorials/...
My knitting needles: amzn.to/3pHJ69c
My yarn: bit.ly/354ESkw
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Do you want to learn how to make your rib stitch look neater? Then this tutorial will not only show you some very important tips and tricks to improve your tension and stitch definition, it will also show you WHY things are happening. The thing is. When you transition from a knit to a purl stitch, you create the most slack between stitch compared to all other possible transition combinations. That's because the stitches sit on your needles twisted and only become flat after you drop them off the needles.
To get a neater tension, you can employ various techniques to shorten that bit of extra slack you create there.
Chapters:
0:00 Introduction to knitting neater ribbings
1:38 Theory: Why your ribbings might look a bit wonky and less neat
5:06 Tip 1: Tighten up every first purl stitch
6:29 Tip 2: Purl or knit through the back loop
9:36 Tip 3: Knit ribbings on smaller needles
10:54 Tip 4: Slip stitches...and fix them later
14:49 Tip 5: Pick a different yarn to create neater ribbings
24:04 Tip 6: Knit flat instead of in the round or vice versa
25:36 Last words
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[@NimbleNeedles]

☕️ Support my work and buy me a cup of coffee: www.buymeacoffee.com/nimbleneedlez 🧑‍🎓Free knitting school: nimble-needles.com/learn-to-knit-for-beginners/ 🧶 My knitting tools: nimble-needles.com/wool-and-tools/my-knitting-toolkit-essential-items-i-need-for-every-project/ 👕 More patterns: nimble-needles.com/free-knitting-patterns/ 📸 Instagram: instagram.com/nimbleneedlez/

[@marisaengelbrecht9723]

Q

[@dr.azrakhan4476]

Hey Norman... I am a knitter from India. I am not the kind of person who comments on KZbin videos. But today i am compelled to do that and Thank you for giving such beautiful and to the point explanations. You show the exact mechanism going on and everything related to it in so much depth. I am thankful i found your channel. I never knew knitting had so much in it. Although i don't knit very frequently thanks to my studies. But your videos are exactly what i needed to learn the tips and tricks all in one channel. Thank you. May your day be filled with happiness and joy. Love from India.

[@NimbleNeedles]

thank you so much

[@allisonbyrd]

Thanks for demonstrating so clearly WHY there’s extra yarn used in going from a knit stitch to a purl stitch. It all makes sense to me now! 🙏😁 (Norman, your English vocabulary and “nimbleness” of speaking is wonderful- not just for a non-native speaker, but for any English-speaker. I wish I could speak a foreign language so well!)

[@NimbleNeedles]

aww..thank you this means a lot. At first I was worried about it..but then I was like, if you don't try you'll never know. And I dare say it was a good decision to start this channel and my blog in English :)

[@chetty4200]

I like the homemade imperfect look , that’s why I knit with hand-spun yarn too. In this world where everything is made perfect by machines , it’s actually beautiful to see imperfection. That said , I appreciate the skill of attempting to get it perfect. This skill for detail and precision was needed for thousands of years.

[@marthanordstrand2758]

So glad I found you after knitting for over 50 years! Several years ago, I lost control of my hands so my favorite pastime (quilting and applique) was lost at a high level due to pinched nerves in my neck. After surgery, I needed therapy to regain some use. I came back to knitting as physical therapy. I had to relearn holding needles and found that throwing was the best for me. Now, knitting is bringing me great joy along with Tunisian crochet and regular crochet. Obviously, typing is difficult for me as well. I plan on being around for a long time knitting as many scarves, socks, and sweaters for all my children and grandchildren, friends, and other loved ones... I taught applique, quilting, and needlework for many years and recognize excellent teachers when I see them. You are a great teacher and we are lucky to have you sharing all that you do with us. At 83, I am tenacious and will never give up. Norman, thank you for your wonderful videos and encouragement. I share your joy in creating beautiful things again. Joy is not something we can create or control. It is a gift from God and usually comes when we least expect it. You are also a gift!!!!! God Bless you. Martha

[@NimbleNeedles]

thank you martha for sharing your story and your elaborate feedback. It is much appreciated

[@pesahson]

I'm so glad I stumbled upon your channel early in my knitting journey. I love when people explain why and how things work. How you explain things is wonderful.

[@NimbleNeedles]

You are so welcome! (and your utamaro bijin avatar is lovely! ;-)

[@user-sn2bn3bn9y]

Help please with my rib knitting​@@NimbleNeedles

[@SpaceCadette7653]

seriously i think about 6 months ago i posted on your beginners guide video that i was get was getting my first pair of needles, now i'm learning cables and taking on my first giant afghan. Honestly one of the best knitting teachers on the platform, thank you so much.

[@NimbleNeedles]

aww...makes me so happy to hear that you progressed so quickly and I could be a little part of it!

[@Randall5005]

I learned something today, after 60 years of knitting. Thank you for clearly demonstrating how yarn travels from stitch to stitch and how they all come together to form one's unique fabric. This is my go-to site!

[@NimbleNeedles]

ha! feedback like this always brings a smile to my face. thank you

[@rosewaterly297]

Hello I am Danielle from Oklahoma, USA. I just want you to know that you are my go to for knitting instruction. I love your channel. You do such a good job.❤️❤️

[@NimbleNeedles]

aww...thank you Danielle. That makes me kinda proud to hear that.

[@sarahbruck7538]

You are a genius - you understand and explain things so well - really, Norman, you have a gift of teaching. Once I understand the reasons why, then I don’t have to memorize a million “rules.” Knitting becomes such a joy when I am “one with the yarn.” The very first thing I knit was a sweater …completely in 2x2 ribbing! Oh, to have known then what you taught me today! Thank you for another great video

[@NimbleNeedles]

sounds like a lovely project for winter!

[@kaptainskarlett9927]

Good morning, Norman. Just wanted to say Hi and thank you for helping us old guys knit better. 😁

[@NimbleNeedles]

Good evening (here in Germany) & you are very welcome. Always happy to hear when I can help other knitters along on their knitting journey!

[@wintersfire1182]

As a spinner, I really appreciate you taking the time to explain that the twist can make a difference in your finished work. ❤️

[@comfycozytoo]

I love Norman's encouragement for the beginners at the end, that gentle rebuke 😅😅😅.

[@orangew3988]

Thank you! I've been knitting over 15 years and I feel vindicated to know that 2x2 rib actually isn't easy to make look good. I tend to stick to 1x1 rib because at least if the knit stitches are stretched open, at least its even. Thank you for clearing up where exactly the loose yarn is, as I've mostly tried just tightening my tension across the board to neaten it up, which actually doesn't solve the problem. Deffo got a few more tricks to try now. 3x1 rib here I come!

[@NimbleNeedles]

Glad I could help! and yeah...tightening up everything is not a solution.

[@boligeepiper6121]

As always, Norman, your explanation is crystal clear and very nice demonstrated. Another thing I truly appreciate in your tutorials is that your work is fairly close up - in some tutorials, there is less of a zoom and as a result, I then sometimes struggle to understand what they are doing. Never a problem in your tutorials. A big thank you for such an excellent job.

[@shayannah]

As a spinner, once you know what you do ( add or lose twist while knitting) you could spin your yarn to take this into account! Thank you for making this clear to me. I am a spinner :)

[@janebuckland737]

Norman you are my shining star throwing light on all my knitting problems. The help for tidier rib is awesome. I am a bit of a perfectionist and have abandoned so many projects due to ‘ugly’ rib… I am happy this time to continue and will be back for loads more tips as I get stuck on my first pullover project 🙏❤

[@Dollcan]

Thanks for discussing twist in the yarn. As a hand spinner I’m learning that how I cast on either untwist my yarn or adds too much. Still working towards a balanced yarn. I’m going to try different techniques for knitting my ribbing. Great video.

[@NimbleNeedles]

here's a little tip for you. When I do the longtail cast on, I usually just do like 5-10 stitches, and then I release the tail yarn so it can balance itself out again. then I pick up again and cast on another 5-10 stitches. if you want it totally balanced, you would havve to do that after each pass.

[@ritaglenn6287]

I’m a beginner. I have been knitting on and off over the years. This past year I have been more consistent and passionate about my new hobby. I get so much joy from learning and now I am gaining more confidence. I am so happy to have found your videos. Thank you for the clear and detailed instruction ! I love your explanations in this video. So many aha moments.

[@NimbleNeedles]

aww..thank you! happy to "enlighten" you Rita :)

[@grimmssocalledlife4140]

You are amazing I will definitely check out the blog. I’m on the spectrum and I appreciate the way you explain things it’s very clear everything has patterns

[@NimbleNeedles]

I am very happy to hear this feedback & don't hestitate to comment if there's anything I could do to accomodate neurodivergent people in a better way. My blog and youtube channel earns money through ads...so that's one part that may be a bit more difficult to adjust.

[@grimmssocalledlife4140]

It’s OK your channels worth the ads

[@3rdand105]

This video gave me a pleasant surprise near the beginning. As I've said before, I use the Norwegian purl stitch exclusively these days, and I've noticed that, by default, I have to adjust my tension after every purl stitch, because more yarn is needed to produce the stitch, and it must be tightened before continuing. As it turns out, my ribbing has become much more consistent, and now I know why. Thank you so much for this video. Keep up the good work!

[@NimbleNeedles]

yes, that's something a lot of people have experienced! glad it worked out for you!

[@RockinTheBassGuitar]

These demonstrations have been invaluable to me as I learn to knit. I feel like I can produce better work earlier in my learning than I otherwise would.

[@maryannejordan6227]

Norman, I just found your videos a few days ago. I’ve been knitting at least 25 years and have learned some things I never knew to improve my knitting. Thank you for these fine tutorials!

[@charroyer4328]

Fine Tutorials

[@cwilson991]

Thank you again for a great tutorial. You are so in-depth it is great!

[@luciaoperosa2239]

Always perfect! Thank you ! 🤗

[@goldenyarn7892]

Wow this video helped so much!

[@KaterinaDobesSimonoff]

You are fabulous! Thank you!

[@theresafedoriw5003]

Excellent information!

[@annsuma28]

i'm a beginner knitter so about half of those things still sound like a foreign language to me, but i still found this video very useful! thank you for breaking down the way fabric is created in a stitch, really helped me get my head around knitting and purling!

[@NimbleNeedles]

make sure to check out my glossary. Tons of helpful knitting lingo and abbreviations explained there: nimble-needles.com/tutorials/knitting-terms-and-techniques-glossary/

[@annsuma28]

@@NimbleNeedles thank you so much!

[@alexandrarebelcrafter9328]

Love your advice and deep look into techniques.

[@nathalieslachmuylders]

I love your technical demonstration of the distance the yarn travels in a 2x2. I did not know this was the most difficult rib, though I'm not a beginner knitter. I notice that my 2x2 in my current Madelinetosh yarn project is looking less regular than it does in previous projects, and I can now see that the reason must be the twist/ply of Madelinetosh. I also understand now why the 'sticky' BT Loft yarn produced a very irregular 1x1 rib. I'll try to pay attention to all the variables I wasn't aware of in the future (how the yarn cake unwinds, my English knitting style etc), but my brain is still twisting and spinning from all that new information : ) BIG THANKS for that explanation. Best wishes for you and your channel from Ireland.

[@NimbleNeedles]

Thank you 😊🥰🧶

[@EyeLean5280]

Beautiful explanation!

[@jenniferwallacewilson9075]

I am fairly new to knitting and I randomly came across your channel and OMG you've really helped bring to light so many of the things I've struggled with. Because of COVID, I can't just go to an in-person local knitting group where I can get hands on help from someone in person, and your tips and channel have really helped me get better and work through the frustrations!

[@NimbleNeedles]

Very happy to hear this 😊😊🥰🧶

[@Mischiou]

I love you. Thanks for sharing this.

[@donatella3812]

I am so happy found you ! Your explanations are so clear ! It’s easy improving with you. Thank you so much ! Donatella from Italy

[@linneaanderson7343]

this is very helpful thank you!

[@lynnetaylor8974]

Norman, thank you so much for this great tutorial. Makes so much sense when it's explained like this.

[@lauretka5]

Thank you! Your tips helped me knitting rib stitch so so much neater!

[@susanfreeman6350]

I’ve been knitting for about 40 years… way before resources like the internet were available for helpful hints. I just subscribed to this channel and really appreciate your clear instructions. Most of all, I love how you deconstruct the “anatomy” of a stitch in explaining why things work. Thanks so much!

[@ClaudiaCarranza1]

I just wanted to say thank you for your entrelac video a while back. i can now entrealc with confidence and have one entrelac in progress and one in my head.

[@NimbleNeedles]

Claudia, that makes me very happy.

[@ClaudiaCarranza1]

@@NimbleNeedles Update! Half a row in using tip #1, 'pull after the 1st purl coming off the line of knits, and omg! the difference is astounding. No, i will not frog back a piece i have been working on for a year, but i will continue this practice as it not only gives great results it also feels good to my hands. Thank you so much!

[@NimbleNeedles]

@@ClaudiaCarranza1 that's the spirit! embrace your mistakes & learn from them

[@charliespinoza1966]

I’m so glad I found your channel and blog!

[@NimbleNeedles]

and i'm glad to have you here! :)

[@kitten4795]

I love all of your videos, they are all great.

[@NimbleNeedles]

Thank you so much, Collette!

[@boopsloops7277]

Thank you for this informative lesson.

[@mothernature88888]

I love to learn from you (from bottom of my heart ♥)! Wish you unlimited inspiration. 🙌

[@minvalara2765]

Thank you for this very clear explanation. I have avoided 2x2 ribbing but now I feel more confident about achieving a better result. After knitting for more than 60 years I am learning a lot from your videos. Now off to search for a video about an appropriate cast on for 2x2 rib. Thank you Norman, I hope you are having a good day.😊

[@NimbleNeedles]

I have a cast-on video as well. I prefer the alternating Longtail cast-on in most cases

[@minvalara2765]

@@NimbleNeedles Thank you!

[@JennySimon206]

You would be so proud of me. I knitted, folded and joined the brim of a CC beanie today using 1x1 ribbing. It was a test swatch. I'm gonna tear it out and start over. I started on a 50" cable doing magic loop. Crocheted a provisional cast on. Joined w an extra st, slipped pulled over one. Knit one row then did 1x1 ribbing switching to 2 circulars halfway thru to try it out. Then took the cast on out, joined by picking up as I went. Took lifeline out and it didn't unravel. I did combination knitting BTW. I'm watching this video again. I'm learning stuff I didn't do on the swatch. I haven't taken it out yet. Prob keep practicing. So if I'm doing combination knitting already do I just keep doing that or is twisted mean you don't untwist it or go the the other leg?

[@NimbleNeedles]

Yes, you wouldn't untwist it.

[@kaliboo6881]

yessssssss!!! love your videos.... very good ideas!

[@NimbleNeedles]

thank you, Kali :)

[@annroberts7935]

A great op-ed that should help so many of us improve the look of our ribbing. Thank you for taking the time to do this

[@heikekropp5377]

love the Video, thank you so much ❤

[@kensalaman3951]

you're wonderful. so talented. thank you thank you thank you.

[@lorettazaharias9692]

This video is so helpful and your explanations of why yarn behaves the way it does is so informative. I look forward to knitting the ribbings better. Thanks for your help.

[@87kimled]

Very helpful!

[@ClaudiaCarranza1]

Also, near the end of a ribbed project and was noticing the wobbly. your video was a lightbulb moment. thank you!

[@NimbleNeedles]

you can still try to block things. that often helps quite a lot as well!

[@frandefleurs5116]

Gosh, thank you, your tutorial was very helpful, interesting, and educational.

[@khaendel1]

Very helpful explanations, Norman, thank you. It's an excellent video again!

[@NimbleNeedles]

as always, mmy pleasure!

[@alisonambrose5293]

Thank you Norman, lots of useful advice and tips once again x

[@NimbleNeedles]

thank you Alison. Always on the lookout for new tips for my subscribers :)

[@Winterseve86]

This is one of the most helpful knitting videos ever!! Norman, this is fantastic. I especially like your consideration of different knitting styles and demonstrating with the ribbon. I am saving this and sharing it with all the knitters I can think of!

[@wendyellis6402]

I find so many of your tips and explanations of the way yarns behave so helpful. Many thanks 😊

[@NimbleNeedles]

Glad it was helpful, Wendy!

[@sarahvierra7038]

This is such a wonderfully clear explanation and demonstration that I don't just know how to make my knitting better, I know *why* it works. :) Thank you for posting this!

[@tagladyify]

Thank you for sharing your awesome skills with me.

[@shirleyeggenschwiler9482]

Super information!! Thanks so much !

[@NimbleNeedles]

Glad it was helpful, Shirley!

[@judylee3589]

Absolutely FANTASTIC tutorial. Thank you!

[@NimbleNeedles]

Glad you enjoyed it, Judy! was a lot of work :P

[@savvy2172]

Another fabulous tutorial… many thanks Norman ✅

[@NimbleNeedles]

thank you for watching!

[@christinevoss6993]

So much great information thanks!

[@NimbleNeedles]

Glad it was helpful, Christine!

[@SaraofWheatStateWoolCo.]

I know this video is 2 years old but... you are a FANTASTIC teacher! I LOVE that you show me what I'm doing that is likely incorrect and then how to fix it. Thank you so much!

[@jennidumlao1756]

Good explaining the differences

[@dianelakata1308]

I find knitting stockinette flat challenging. Every tiny variation in tension shows!!

[@NimbleNeedles]

that is true. if you use a slightly fuzzy yarn (shetland wool or so) and block it, I found that be a great help to disguise a lot of tension issues

[@betarokk1]

The video I was waiting for!! Thank you :)

[@NimbleNeedles]

Hope you enjoyed it! :) :)

[@feymreichmanostenrn8751]

Great explanation to the complicated detail of "wonky" headscratcher ribbing! Danke!

[@sheknits1]

Norman you are an amazing teacher. You made all of this so understandable. Thank you for sharing your knowledge with all of us.❤️

[@NimbleNeedles]

You are very welcome Shawna. Always a pleasure to help a fellow knitter.

[@cm1799]

That was so interesting and I learned so much! Thank you, Norman!

[@NimbleNeedles]

My pleasure!

[@Ipleadthebloodofjesus]

Thank you Norman. I appreciate your expertise and encouragement.

[@NimbleNeedles]

Thanks for watching! :D

[@HollyTriedIt]

Very informative. Thanks for all the tips.

[@NimbleNeedles]

My pleasure!

[@pogocharles7155]

Thank you so much for this information!!!! It helped a lot!!!!

[@NimbleNeedles]

then the video served it's purpose. happy to hear it was able to help you!

[@chinesepianist]

That video packs a lot of information and in a very clear manner. Thank you very much, I learned a lot !

[@NimbleNeedles]

Glad it was helpful!

[@leetrayer8639]

I have been knitting for years but never understood why my stitches aren't so neat! So, thank you!

[@NimbleNeedles]

you can constantly learn new things in knitting, isn't that great?

[@YEHluv]

thank you so much, i was so much struggling with the loose first purl !!

[@SamiKhan-ev1rl]

Wow amazing turiorals I'm a learner watching ur videos.

[@CoffeeOwlFinland]

Again very useful tips. Thank you so much for making these videos where you share your knowledge.

[@NimbleNeedles]

My pleasure!

[@salon2456]

love this video, explains my ribbing issues perfectly!

[@annettehoffmeister4144]

Hello from Denmark. Norman, you are a genius. Thank you so much 🧶😊

[@1Yesssssss1]

Thank you SO SO much Norman! Thank you for sharing with us your fantastics tips and tricks, your wonderful knitting projects, and thank you for all the effort you put in your blog and in these helpful videos! Everything is put together so so well, your passion for knitting really shine through! Kisses from a swiss fan!

[@NimbleNeedles]

As I grew up 10 kilometers from the swiss border, it's always nice to hear someone from "home" =) very happy to hear you like my blog!

[@nonac3994]

Thank you Norman for taking the time to address this so thoughtfully and comprehensively. Your various illustrations of the concepts are excellent. I heard several things from you here that I had not heard in all my prior searching on this subject.

[@NimbleNeedles]

then my video served its purpose. happy to hear that

[@bhatia.s9900]

You explain the technicality of knitting so nicely ( with the help of chunky yarn ) hats off to you

[@indesrpringles5356]

Excellent tips, very useful. Thank you.

[@NimbleNeedles]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@ljiljanaborojevic4498]

Thank you for such great explanation

[@NimbleNeedles]

You are welcome!

[@anne-beritheireng5571]

Tanks, you solved my problem 😊

[@katalinmcewan]

Thank you so much! Your video is the answer to my prayers! 😃

[@NimbleNeedles]

the knitting gods were listening :P

[@susanklinefelter643]

You just changed my knitting life forever! Thank you Norman, I love your videos and this was a great way to learn how to tighten up my Purls!

[@NimbleNeedles]

You are so welcome, Susan! :)

[@tiffanypappas4531]

This is such a great tutorial video!! I have been struggling so much with my knitting and I'm definitely going to give these tips a try. Thank you Norman!! 🙏❤️🙌

[@NimbleNeedles]

Glad it was helpful!

[@elwiewallin7657]

I L💖VE your attention to detail ❣️💖❣️ Tack så mycket ! Greetings from Malmö, Sweden

[@sheilaabayateye1558]

Now it makes sense thankyou so much. As a new knitter this was very helpful.

[@lauralongland6176]

What an excellent video. I learnt so much from this, thank you

[@NimbleNeedles]

you are very welcome, Laura!

[@denisevettraino7916]

Norman, Thank you for providing the most Amazing and Valuable information ! I Love how you take the mystery out of this knitting issue of 2x2 rib with Yarn Science !!! I learn something new every time I watch your channel

[@NimbleNeedles]

ha! then my videos served their purpose

[@Matilda1874]

I love watching your videos and really enjoy all the tips to become an even better knitter. Right now I'm knitting a sweater top down and I'm more than pleased with my yarn combination. I'm so glad I saw this video today so I can knit beautiful ribs on it ❤ You're the best! 👌

[@helenstauffer579]

Thank you. 😊

[@annesinclair3455]

Thank you for this easy to understand tutorial. I especially love your statement about embracing the differences. My Nana taught me to knit as a youngster but life got in the way and I’ve recently started again after 50+ years 😵‍💫! I’m enjoying the challenges and learning many new (to me) techniques. I’m finding KZbin tutorials a good way to learn how to correct or change my style. Practice is the key though. Thanks again 🙏🏻

[@claymonsterpottery]

I haven’t learned so much from one person in 27 minutes in years. Wow, thanks for thinking all this through and posting such an informative video. I’ve never been impressed with my ribbing and now I have ways to improve it. Thank you.

[@Stitcher_in_MD]

Thank you for the great demo!! It will make a big visual difference in my knitting!! I’ll just need to remember to use your hint!!

[@jancy1609]

Thankyou for such a great video, it was very informative and interesting. :)

[@NimbleNeedles]

Glad you enjoyed it, Jancy!