How To Knit Slip Stitch Rib (With Video Tutorial)

In this blog post, you will see how to knit slip stitch rib and a free bag pattern.

The slip stitch rib is a beautiful and easy knitting pattern for various projects, from scarves and hats to sweaters and blankets.

It’s a perfect pattern for beginners just learning to knit, as it only requires basic knitting stitches and creates a lovely textured fabric.

Please scroll down to view the free pattern and video tutorial, or grab the ad-free printable PDF here.

Slip Stitch Ribbing Bag Pattern

Skill Level – Easy (Advanced beginner)

Notes

The bag is a stylish and practical accessory that you can use for shopping, carrying your knitting supplies, or as a general everyday bag.

The pattern is easy to follow, and the finished bag is durable, versatile, and stylish.

So, if you’re looking for a fun and rewarding knitting project, check out this pattern, learn how to knit the slip stitch rib, and make a beautiful bag!

Scroll down to view the free pattern, or grab your printer-friendly, ad-free PDF here.

The bag belongs in the in the Muses collection – 12 Summer Knits (The Muses Collection)

Copyright Info

Please do not copy, sell, redistribute, or republish this pattern.
If you wish to share this pattern, please provide a link to the pattern page only.
You may sell items produced using this pattern.
Do NOT use the copyrighted photos for your product listing.
For the copyright T&C, please read my Terms of Use.

Size Information

Finished measurements

Width of bag = 33 cm/13 inches.
Height of bag = 22 cm/8.5 inches.
Height of longest handle = 26 cm/10 inches.
Height of shorter handle = 16 cm/6 inches.
Width of handle = 8 cm/3 inches.

Gauge – 15 sts/24 rows in /10 cm/4 inches in the stitch pattern.

The supplies you need…

Yarn

1 x Ra Ra Raffia from Wool and The Gang (Desert Palm)
This is 100% paper.
100g = 250m/273 yards.
This is DK/Light worsted.

Needles

5.50 mm (US 9) knitting needles.
The bag is worked back and forth on the needles – knit flat.

Notions

Scissors.
Darning needle/yarn needle.
Tape measure.
Stitch holder

Abbreviations

CO – Cast on
Cont – Continue
K – Knit
Patt – Pattern
P – Purl
Sl 1 WYIB – Slip one stitch with the yarn in the back
St(s) – Stitch(es)
Rep – Repeat
RS – Right side
WS – Wrong side

How to knit slip stitch ribbing video tutorial

Pattern Instructions

Please note: For the slip stitch rib pattern, you cast on multiples of 3+2 st (for example, 3×5=15+2=17sts.

Worked flat knitting back and forth on two needles:

Worked in one piece and then seamed.

Cast on 47 sts.

Row 1 (RS): *P2, Sl 1 WYIB* – Rep from * to the end of the row, ending with P2.
Row 2 (WS): K2, *P1, K2* – Rep from * to * to the end of the row.

Rep rows 1 and 2 until your piece measures 44 cm/17 inches.

The Straps

Next RS row – Work in patt over the next 14 sts, cast off the center 19 sts, and work in patt over the final 14 sts.
Next row – Cont to work on the final 14 sts only and place the other 14 sts onto a stitch holder.
Cont to work in the stitch pattern on these 14 sts only – until the handle measures 51 cm/20 inches.
Cast off.
Place the other 14 sts from the stitch holder onto the needle and work in patt until the handle measures 31 cm/12 inches.
Cast off.

Please note – you may wish to make your bag handles shorter – work fewer rows in order to do this.

Making Up

You may wish to block your bag before seaming, please read the instructions on page 7 on how to do this.
Fold the main body of the bag in half and seam each side using the mattress stitch.
Then fold over and seam each handle to the other side of the bag.
Weave in all loose ends.

Finishing and Blocking

You may wish to block your bag before seaming; you can do that as follows:

Lay the item out on blocking mats, lightly stretch it into place, and pin it with blocking pins.
Spray with cold water.
Allow to dry completely.

As this is 100% paper, you can also lightly steam it to block it.

What Is The Slip Stitch Rib Stitch?

The slip stitch rib stitch is an elegant variant of the well known rib stitch pattern, adding texture and visual interest to knitted fabric. In this stitch pattern, slip stitches are worked alongside knits and purls to create a unique ribbed texture.

Typically, slip stitch ribbing is worked over an odd number of stitches.

On the right side of the fabric, slip stitches are worked purlwise with the yarn held at the back of the work, while knits and purls are worked as usual.

On the wrong side, all stitches are purled.

This combination of slip stitches and traditional ribbing creates a fabric with a raised, textured surface that resembles corduroy or ribbed fabric.

The slip stitch rib stitch is commonly used in various knitting projects, including scarves, hats, and sweaters, to add depth and dimension to the fabric.

What can you make with the slip stitch rib pattern?

With its unique texture and stretchy nature, the slip stitch rib stitch opens up a world of possibilities for knitting projects.

This versatile stitch can be used to create a variety of stylish and functional items, including shawls, scarves, cowls, hats, and gloves.

The textured surface of the slip stitch rib stitch adds visual interest to accessories, making them cozy and eye-catching additions to any outfit.

Sweaters and cardigans knit with this stitch pattern offer a modern twist on classic designs, while socks made with slip stitch ribbing provide a comfortable and snug fit.

Additionally, the slip stitch rib stitch can be incorporated into blankets, baby blankets, throws, and home decor items, adding a touch of elegance and sophistication to any room.

Moreover, it is a great pattern for projects like washcloths, dishcloths, and placemats.

Whether you’re knitting for yourself or crafting gifts for loved ones, the slip stitch rib stitch offers endless opportunities to create beautiful and unique handmade pieces that are both stylish and practical.

Is the slip stitch rib a reversible pattern?

The slip stitch rib stitch is not traditionally reversible in the strictest sense, as the texture on the front of the work differs from that on the wrong side.

On the right side, the slip stitches create raised ribs, while the wrong side exhibits a flatter surface with subtle indentations where the slipped stitches occurred.

However, some knitters appreciate the texture on both sides of the fabric, making it reversible in terms of aesthetics.

Although the wrong side may lack the pronounced ridges of the right side, it still offers a visually appealing texture.

Thus, while the slip stitch rib stitch may not have perfectly identical sides, both sides contribute to the overall charm and stretchy fabric of the finished piece, allowing for versatility in how it is worn or displayed.

More Rib Stitches

Check out these posts to try out new stitches.

What Supplies Do You Need To Knit A Bag?

To knit a bag, you’ll need several key supplies.

Firstly, select the appropriate yarn for your project, considering factors such as durability, texture, and color.

Opt for sturdy cotton or linen yarns for a durable bag, or choose wool or acrylic for a softer, more flexible option.

Raffia is an excellent option for summer bags; it’s especially perfect for beach bags.

Next, ensure you have the right knitting needles for your chosen yarn weight and pattern, whether straight, circular, or double-pointed needles.

Stitch markers are helpful for keeping track of pattern repeats or shaping.

A tape measure is essential for checking the gauge and measuring the size of your bag as you knit.

Additionally, you’ll need scissors for cutting yarn, a yarn needle for weaving in ends, and optional supplies like bag handles or straps, lining fabric, and closures, depending on your design preferences.

With these supplies at hand, you’ll be well-equipped to knit a stylish and functional bag tailored to your needs and tastes.

Learn everything about the different yarn weights here – Yarn Weight Guide {+ Conversion Chart}
Learn how to read a yarn label here – How To Read A Yarn Label (Step By Step)
Learn everything about yarn fibers here – Yarn Types Explained: A Guide To Different Fibers

Bag Knitting Patterns

For more knitting time, check out these bag knitting patterns.

Bag Crochet Patterns

Check out more bag patterns where you can practice the basic crochet stitches (like the single crochet, the double crochet, and the crochet ribbing) below.

Knitting Lessons

If you are a new knitter and need help with the knitting basics, check out these posts here and be your own knitting instructor – Knitting Lessons (With Video Tutorials).

There, you will find step-by-step tutorials for all the different knitting techniques a newbie needs to know.

Including how to cast on, how to bind off, how to knit the basic knit stitches, how to knit the knit stitch, how to knit the purl stitch, the stocking stitch, the rib stitch, the garter stitch, the mattress stitch, short rows, how to yarn over(yo), how to measure gauge, how to fix knitting mistakes, and a list of knitting abbreviations (UK + US terms), and more.

For a complete guide on learning how to knit, check out this post: How to Knit – A Complete Beginner’s Guide

For easier projects, check out this pattern category; here, you will find a range of knitting patterns for new knitters.- Beginner Knitters

And if you need more video tutorials to help you practice your basic knitting skills, check out my YouTube channel here – Handy Little Me – YouTube.

Could you share your work with us?

I love seeing your finished projects on social media.

If you enjoyed making raffia knot bag, I’d love to see yours on Instagram, be sure to tag me @handylittleme.

If you are on Facebook, stop over to the Handylittleme Facebook Group and share a photo.

You can also check out my Facebook page here.

You can also find us on Pinterest, Ravelry, and Twitter.

I’d love to see your work.

Happy Knitting!