The Kiel Rib is a type of ribbing stitch with rows of slip stitches creating these rows of ribs through the fabric. It’s a very dense stitch but it is stretchy and for such a plain stitch, quite fun to make. In this stitch guide I will show you how to crochet the Kiel Rib stitch with all the pictures that you need along with a video guide that you can follow along with too.

This article contains affiliate links, I may receive a commission for purchases made through these links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

I first used the Kiel Rib stitch as one of the pieces in the Wall Of Stitches Crochet Along – a sampler blanket pattern made up of 48 individual pieces, each made with a different crochet stitch. You can access the entire pattern for free here

The Kiel Rib stitch uses several rows of slip stitches to create the ribs. This makes this stitch quite dense, but the ribs look so pretty as they look like rows of chains strewn across the fabric. Using slip stitches this way is quite unusual as few crochet stitches use this technique, but the look it creates is just stunning.

For the sample in the picture below I used Paintbox 100% cotton aran. A beautiful non mercerised 100% cotton yarn that comes in a good variety of colours that are amazingly saturated with pigment for wonderfully vibrant colours that will make your crochet grab every ones attention.

This how to guide is part of Froggity Frog’s Stitch Vault collection. Have you seen all the other stitches in there? You can take a look here all the guides are free to access and maybe you will discover some new stitches to create for yourself.

The yarn I used for the pictures in this stitch guide is Paintbox 100% cotton aran. A beautiful non mercerised 100% cotton yarn that comes in a good variety of colours that are amazingly saturated with pigment for wonderfully vibrant colours that will make your crochet grab every ones attention.

I also used my trusty Clover Amour hooks which are perfect if you are looking for a good value ergonomic crochet hook that won’t cause your hand to ache if you are crocheting for long periods of time. I’ve tried many different crochet hooks over the years, but I always end up coming back to my trusty Clovers. They just sit so well in my hand and never let me down.

How To Crochet The Kiel Rib Stitch

Click here for the left hand video

https://youtu.be/ve_xP0xb-IE

Abbreviations

• Ch = Chain
• St = Stitch
• Slst = Slip Stitch
• Hdc = Half Double Crochet
• BLO = Back Loop Only

Start by making a foundation chain in any multiple of stitches you need (plus 1 for your turning chain)

Row 1. In the 2nd ch from your hook make a hdc. Make a hdc in each st across

Rows 2 – 4. Turn and ch1. Make a slst in the BLO in every st across

Row 5. Turn and ch1. Using the BLO make a hdc in each st across

Repeat rows 2-5 until you have as many rows as you need

How To Add A Border To The Kiel Rib Stitch

When it comes to adding a border to the Kiel Rib stitch , you need to take note of what to do with the slip stitch rows as they are not adding much height individually. So to make your border, ignore the row 3 repeats and don’t work into them. Make 2 stitches into the side of every odd numbered row, and 1 stitch into the side of every even numbered row.

I always recommend that you make a round of single crochet stitches around your piece first before adding any border pattern that you have planned, as doing this just helps to even your stitches out and make a nice solid round to add any further stitches into.

You can find more free crochet stitch guides here in Froggity Frog’s stitch vault. Come on over to our Facebook group – Froggity Frog’s Ribbit And Stitch and show us what you made with the Kiel Rib stitch. I’d love to see what you created with this crochet stitch. 

Don’t forget to sign up to our newsletter to be the first to know about new stitch guides and new crochet pattern releases. You can sign up here and be the first to see what I’ve got cooking behind the scenes here at Froggity Frog.