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June 17, 2025


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Fabric University | Knit Construction Resource | Rib Knits
Sweater Knit & Yarn Resource

RIB KNITS

A basic stitch used in weft knitting in which the knitting machines require two sets of needles operating at right angles to each other. Rib knits have a very high degree of elasticity in the crosswise direction. This knitted fabric is used for complete garments and for such specialized uses as sleeve bands, neck bands, sweater waistbands, and special types of trims for use with other knit or woven fabrics. Lightweight sweaters in rib knits provide a close, body-hugging fit. Rib knits tend to be more durable and provide more stretch than jersey knitted fabrics.

In the knitting process, when every other wale alternates between plain and purl stitches on the right and back sides, it is called a 1 X 1 rib, or a plain rib. By alternating every two wales of plain stitches to the front side with every two wales of purl stitches to the back side, a 2 X 2, or Swiss rib, is created. When 6 wales of plain stitches to the right side alternates with 2 wales of purl stitches to the back side, a 6 X 2 rib is created.

To identify rib knit fabrics, especially when they are tightly knit, using fine yarns, it may be necessary to stretch the fabric widthwise to see the appearance of alternating columns of plain and purl stitches in the lengthwise, or wale direction of the rib knit fabric. The raised ridges are wales of plain stitches, and the recessed columns are the wales of purl stitches.

1x1 rib knit1x1 Rib

6x2 rib6x2 Rib


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ZYIA - Item 201 - BlackAll-Star Bra
For high-impact sports and long workouts, nothing beats the functionality and support of our All Star. The high-fit neckline lets you focus on your workout while the mesh panel keeps you cool. A wide, ventilated back panel and zippered racer back construction offer additional stay-in-place support and a touch of style that makes this bra worth wearing solo.

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ZYIA - Item 613 - Black Havana Tank
Incredibly lightweight and breathable, our Havana tank uses four-way stretch fabric and has superior sweat wicking. It is striped with small lines of breathable mesh from top to bottom for maximum ventilation—this top will help you feel as chill as its louvered styling makes it look.

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