How to Crochet a Ribbed Band | 2 Different Techniques

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A ribbed band is used in a lot of garment construction, including hats and bands. You can also use it as a border on a blanket or within a pattern for an added texture. Knitted items often have a ribbed band by alternating between purl and knit stitches. But what about crochet? How do you crochet a ribbed band?

Here is the typical knitted ribbed band. In knitting, if you alternate between purl and knit stitches, you’ll get a nice ribbed band.

So how can we replicate the ribbed band in crochet? These techniques will not be exactly like the knit version, but they’ll be very close. A ribbed band typically has a lot of stretch to it. I’m going to share 2 crochet techniques that will help you create a crochet ribbed band for your next project.

How to Crochet a Ribbed Band – Technique #1

One way to make a crochet ribbed band would be by alternating the front post double crochet stitch (FPDC) with the back post double crochet stitch (BPDC). This is also known as the basketweave crochet stitch.

By crocheting around the front or back of the post, the double crochet is either brought forward or backwards. This creates a very pronounced ribbed band. I’ve used this technique in sweaters or cardigans.

Check out this post on the Basket Weave Baby Blanket that I crocheted. I used FPDC and BPDC to create a lovely texture and turned it into a basket weave pattern. You can see how alternating FPDC with BPDC creates a ribbed band.

In order to take this technique and make it into a ribbed band, simply crochet the length (or circumference if you are making a hat) that you need. Once you have the desired length add either 2 or 3 chains. The number depends on your preference – I am a loose crocheter so I use 2 chains. Many, however, use 3 chains. You just need to match the height of your double crochet. Your first row will be a row of double crochets.

Alternately, you could start with a foundation row of double crochets – do as many in order to reach the length you need. This is my preferred way of starting as it is two steps in one.

At the end of the first row, chain 2 or 3 (depending on your preference as noted above). Now you will start alternating between FPDC and BPDC. Crochet as many rows as you need to reach the desired height.

Here is a video that shows you how to crochet FPDC and BPDC.

Here, I’ve used this technique as the crochet ribbed band on a sweater that I am working on. You can see how pronounced the pattern is.

How to Crochet a Ribbed Band – Technique #2

You can also create a ribbed band using single crochet stitches. This creates a finer, more delicate look (in comparison to the FPDC/BPDC technique) which may be the look you are going for. I’ve used this technique in making hats.

This technique is interesting because it is created perpendicularly. In other words, you will crochet a long, thin band and then join it in order to create the band.

To start, chain the length of the desired height of your band. Chain 1 extra and then single crochet across. You could also crochet a foundation single crochet row of the desired height as well. Remember, it is only the HEIGHT of your ribbed band. So for instance, it may only be 5-10 stitches.

Once you have the starting row done, single crochet across in the BACK loops of every single crochet. The front loops will create that ribbed loop. At the end of each row, chain one and turn. Do as many rows as you need in order to reach the desired length.

Here is a video on how to crochet a ribbed band, using SC’s in the back loop.

The video also includes instructions on how to join – you can either sew or crochet together.

While both techniques create a crochet ribbed band, they have different looks. I find the FPDC/BPDC technique to have a more pronounced and obvious look, while the SC in the back loop technique has a more subtle look. The technique that you choose will depend on the look you want, as well as the type of item that you are crocheting.

Want to remember these 2 different techniques to crochet a ribbed band? Be sure to save this to your favourite Pinterest board.