also known as the Ribbon Stitch
The Ruching stitch is very fun, easy to do, easy to memorize and offers a lovely squishy texture that would be great for a scarf, hat or baby blanket. The ruching of this stitch pattern is created by doubling the amount of stitches in indicated rows using a smaller needle. The ruching is then brought together by reducing the amount of stitches and then switching to larger needles.
I’ve designed a block pattern that would be wonderful for a blanket that utilizes 10” x 10” or 9.5″ x 9.5″ blocks. The patterns are free and can be located on my website.
For option 1: Ruching Block 1
For option 2: Ruching Block 2
If you’d like to see the video tutorial, you can click on the box above or click HERE. And, if you don’t have time to try this amazing stitch right away, there’s a Pin below that you can save to your Pinterest board.
There are two options for working this stitch. Option 1 uses the stockinette stitch to separate the ruching (see purple example below); Option 2 uses garter stitch to separate the ruching.

Stitches & abbreviations used:
K: Knit
K2tog: Knit 2 together
Kfb: Knit front and back
P: Purl
Multiples of 1
Uses 2 different sized needles
For my blocks, I use sizes US 6 / 4 mm & US 5 / 3.75 mm for DK weight yarn and for the video tutorial I use sizes US 8 / 5 mm and US 7 / 4.5 mm for worsted weight yarn

Directions for Ruching Stitch option 1
This has the stockinette stitch as the divider of the ruching
- (WS): Purl
- (RS): Knit
- Purl
- Knit
- Purl
- Knit
- Purl
- Kfb in ea st; change to smaller needles for next row
- Purl
- Knit
- Purl
- Knit
- Purl
- K2tog across row; change to larger needles for next row
Rep rows 1-14 to desired length
** If working a square or a scarf, you can repeat rows 1 – 6 or 7 once more for an even top and bottom of the project.

Directions for Ruching Stitch option 2
This option has the garter stitch for separating the ruching
Note: This option does scrunch up a little bit more than the first option, but it does lay flatter and the edges appear straighter.
- (WS): Knit
- (RS): Knit
- Knit
- Knit
- Knit
- Knit
- Knit
- Kfb in ea st; change to smaller needles for next row
- Purl
- Knit
- Purl
- Knit
- Purl
- K2tog across row; change to larger needles for next row
Rep rows 1-14 to desired length
** If working a square or a scarf, you can repeat rows 1 – 6 or 7 once more for an even top and bottom of the project.
I hope you enjoyed learning this lovely stitch and try it out on a project. If you do make something with the Ruching Stitch, please tag me on social media @handmadebystacyj – I’d love to see your makes! To know when more stitches and patterns are added, please check back often or subscribe to my newsletter.
Stacy J
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