How to Knit the 3×2 Ribbed Stitch — Pattern, Materials & Tips

The 3×2 knitted rib stitch creates a firm, elastic fabric with a distinctive textured look. This pattern includes a decorative variation using fish-tail (ft) long loops and SKPO shaping, making it useful for cuffs, hems, scarves or any project where stretch and visual interest are desired. Below you'll find materials, common abbreviations and a step-by-step row pattern to work the 3×2 rib with decorative elements.

Caption: Baby pink 3×2 ribbed swatch showing the rib texture and decorative long loops.

Knitting materials and tools:

• DPN 4 mm (UK 8 or US 6)
• Debbie Bliss (Cashmerino Aran) 55% Wool, 12% Cashmere, 33% acrylic. Baby pink color: 50 grams -90 m per skein.

Common abbreviations of knit stitches:

• k – knit
• p – purl
• st(s) – stitch(es)
• k2tog – knit two together
• sel s – selvage stitch: always slip the first stitch purlwise, work to the last stitch, purl the last stitch
• skpo – Slip, Knit, Pass Over: Slip one stitch to the right needle knitwise, knit in the next stitch and drop this stitch off the left needle, insert the left needle into the slipped stitch, pass it over the knit stitch and it’s done
• ft – fish tail part: skip next stitch and count down 4 stitches starting from the stitch underneath the stitch on the needle. Insert the needle into the 4th st and pull the yarn (you are going to have a long loop), k3, count back 1 st (on the right hand needle), count down 5 sts ( it is the same stitch that we have been working before), insert the needle and pull the yarn (you are going to have the second long loop)

Ribbed 3×2 knit stitch instructions:

Cast on a multiple of 5 sts plus 2 extra stitches, plus 2 selvage stitches.

Row1 (RS): sel s, *p2, k3 repeat from *, p2, sel s.

Row 2: sel s, k2, * p3, k2 – repeat *, sel s.

Row 3 (RS): repeat Row 1.

Row 4: repeat Row 2.

Row5 (RS): sel s, *p2, ft– repeat from * p2, sel s.

Row 6: sel s, k2, * slip long loop holding yarn in front, p3, slip long loop holding yarn in front, k2– repeat *, sel s.

Row 7 (RS): sel s, *p2, skpo, k1, k2tog – repeat from *, p2, sel s.

Row 8: sel s, k2, * p3, k2 – repeat *, sel s.

Repeat Rows 5-8 to form a pattern. No need to repeat anymore Rows 1-4.

Tips: Work a small swatch first to check tension—rib stretches more than stockinette. Use the selvage stitches for neater edges when seaming. After finishing, gently block your piece to even out stitches and long decorative loops if used.