Full rib 2x2 (heavy rib knit)
Also known as: 2x2 rib knit, Full ribbing, Heavy rib, Cuff rib 2x2
Rib-knit variant with alternating sequences of two knit and two purl stitches — highly elastic, dimensionally stable, classic for cuffs, collars and sweater ribbing.
Description
Full rib 2x2 is the second-best-known rib knit after 1x1 rib. The binding consists of a regular sequence of two knit and two purl stitches across the entire needle row. This creates clearly visible longitudinal ribs of double the width compared with a 1x1 rib. Key traits are even higher lateral stretch (typically 70–100 percent) and a thicker, softer structure.
Full rib 2x2 is traditionally used for the waistbands of sweatshirts and hoodies, cuffs and necklines of polo shirts and T-shirts, and hems of wool sweaters and cardigans. In heavy weights (280–400 g/m2, wool-rich blends) full rib 2x2 also serves as the main fabric of classic fisherman sweaters, roll-neck winter jumpers and Navy-style sweatshirts. In make-up, the piece is typically applied with around 50 percent stretch so that the cuff snaps back cleanly after sewing.
- Binding scheme: 2 knit, 2 purl stitches alternating
- Clearly wider ribs than 1x1 rib — double-width vertical stripes
- Very high lateral elasticity (70–100 percent), strong recovery
- Standard for sweater cuffs, wristbands, collars; also main fabric for fisherman sweaters
Properties
| Binding scheme | 2 knit / 2 purl alternating |
|---|---|
| Elasticity | Lateral stretch 70–100 %, strong recovery |
| Weight | 200–400 g/m2 depending on use |
| Fibre blend | Cotton + elastane (cuffs); wool blends (sweaters) |
| Application | Sweater cuffs, collars, fisherman sweaters, roll-necks |
Related product categories
Sources & references
2- Wikipedia: Rib knitting Wikipedia — Freie Enzyklopädie https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rib_stitch
- TextileSchool: Rib knits textileschool.com https://www.textileschool.com/280/rib-knitted-fabrics-and-properties/
