Ruching Stitch

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

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Directions for Ruching Stitch option 1

This has the stockinette stitch as the divider of the ruching

1. (WS): Purl
2. (RS): Knit
3. Purl
4. Knit
5. Purl
6. Knit
7. Purl
8. Kfb in ea st; change to smaller needles for next row
9. Purl
10. Knit
11. Purl
12. Knit
13. Purl
14. 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.

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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.

1. (WS): Knit
2. (RS): Knit
3. Knit
4. Knit
5. Knit
6. Knit
7. Knit
8. Kfb in ea st; change to smaller needles for next row
9. Purl
10. Knit
11. Purl
12. Knit
13. Purl
14. 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.

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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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