We found out a little earlier. And today we travel around the world and knit elastic bands.
They got their name from the names of the countries.
I won’t say for sure whether all this corresponds to historical reality, but, in any case, it won’t hurt to have such interesting patterns in your arsenal.
The set of loops – (18+2) – should be divided into 3 plus two edge stitches.
- Row 1 – knit 2, purl 1;
- Row 2 – knit 1, yarn over, knit 2 and pull them into the yarn over.
- 3rd row - repeat from 1st.
As you can see, the pattern is very simple, easy to knit, and easy to remember. We pull the yarn overs through the loops, so they come out without holes and do not form. The pattern turns out to be quite dense.
And at the end we get this beauty.
It’s good to knit the sleeves of children’s clothes with such an elastic band, while knitting the main parts (front and back) in stockinette stitch. American rib looks very elegant, especially when knitting with light yarn.
What else is remarkable about this pattern? A beginner can handle it, and the texture of the pattern will hide minor knitting errors, as was the case with
Well, we continue our knitting journey, stop - France and, accordingly, French elastic. Also a very interesting and simple pattern, we alternate two rows from the pattern description. It is very easy to knit and looks unusual.
A set of loops (18+1+2) – the number of loops should be divided by 3, + 1 loop for symmetry of the pattern, + 2 edge loops.
- Row 1 – *Purl 1, knit the next 2 loops like this: first knit the second loop back wall, behind the knitting needle, then the first loop in the same way * at the end of row 1 purl.
- Row 2 – *Knit 1, knit the next two loops like this: first purl the second loop in front of the knitting needle, then the first loop in the same way. (We knit purl loops in the usual way)* at the end of row 1 knit.
- 3rd row - repeat from 1st.
French gum is ready!
Now let’s learn how to knit a Polish rib.
This is a very popular elastic band, especially now that various scarves and transformable models have returned to fashion: collar scarves, snoods.
A Polish elastic band would be the ideal option for them.
By the way, a long time ago, from a knitting course, I still had a recording of the “Leningrad Elastic” pattern. Outwardly, it is very similar to the Polish gum, although, in my opinion, it turns out to be a little clearer than the Polish version. I made both patterns and they are equally easy to knit. Choose which one you like best and knit beautiful things J.
Polish elastic band (option 1) – classic
Set of loops – 20 (multiples of four)
- Row 1 – knit 2, purl 2;
- Row 2 – purl 1*, knit 2, purl 2*, knit 1.
- Row 3 – repeat pattern from row 1
Polish gum (option 2) – the forgotten “Leningrad”
The set of loops is a multiple of four plus 2 edge loops.
- Row 1 - knit 1, purl 1, knit 2.
- Row 2 – purl 1, knit 3
- 3rd row - the pattern is repeated from the 1st row.
Another thing I like about Polish elastic is its versatility. It looks equally good when knitting hats, scarves and snoods, an excellent option for knitting the inside of mittens, gloves and mittens, like a native one in knitted children's models, rompers for the little ones are especially good.
The only thing I wouldn’t recommend is this elastic band for cuffs and bottoms of products - the pattern turns out to be quite loose.
Well, our little journey is over, I hope it was interesting and useful, you have mastered knitting an elastic band with knitting needles.
And next in line is another series of rubber bands (how many of them there are!). We will learn how to knit thick rib with slip stitches, as well as puffy and cross rib.
Have fun knitting!
- We knit the first tier like this: 2 IP, 2 LP, etc. We take into account that the LP should be knitted behind the back wall of the loop.
- The next tier is made in the following sequence: we remove the first one, then we knit one IP, two LP and one IP. Knitting knit stitches is similar to the first row.
- The third is knitted similarly to the first, and the fourth - to the second.
- The FR should be harmoniously combined in pattern and knitting density with the main pattern and type of fabric.
- It is not recommended to use FR for the manufacture of circular fabric. This is due to the fact that it does not have a double pattern. And with this knitting method, it will not be able to fully convey its volume and pattern.
- If stretched too much, the fabric may lose its pattern. That is why it is not recommended to stretch it too much, since the FR is valued for its relief.
- Simple: 1×1, 2×2, etc.
- English,
- Double,
- Polish,
- French
- Elastic band 1×1. We knit all front rows in the sequence of loops: front, purl. We knit all the purls over the front knit, and purl over the purl.
- Elastic band 2×2. The number of loops should be a multiple of two plus two edge loops. In all odd rows, two knits are knitted, two purls are knitted, and in the odd rows, to maintain the pattern, just like for the 1×1 elastic band, the knit stitches are knitted above the purl rows.
- Elastic band 2×1. The number of loops for such an elastic band should be divided by three plus two edge loops:
- 1r. We knit 2 knits and purl 1 to the end of the row.
- 2 rub. The report is knitted throughout the entire row: purl 1, knit 2.
- From the 3rd row, the knitting pattern is repeated from the 1st row.
- We cast on an odd number of loops, after which we knit the first row according to the report: 1 yarn over, 1 loop, removed not knitted, the working thread is thrown over the fabric, 1 knit.
- 2nd row. Yarn over, 1 loop removed without knitting, two loops are knitted as one knit stitch.
- 3rd row. Two loops are knitted as one knit stitch, yarn over, 1 loop is thrown over unknitted.
- The fabric is knitted according to the same pattern, where the single crochet stitch is thrown unknitted onto the right knitting needle, and the double crochet stitch from the previous row is knitted as one knit stitch, so the steps are repeated until the end of the row.
- Then you can close the loops of the product as usual.
- 1r. knit, yarn over, unknitted loop.
- 2p . Yarn over, unknitted loop, purl.
- 3 rub. Two loops together, not knitted loop.
- The set of loops for a double elastic band should be equal to an even number and divided by four, plus two edge loops.
- We knit the first row as follows: the front one is knitted behind the front wall, 1 loop is removed unknitted, the working thread is moved in front of the fabric and so on until the end of the row.
- 2nd row. 1 purl, 1 loop is removed unknitted, the working thread is thrown over the product.
- In the third and subsequent rows, knitting is repeated from the first row.
- 1r. We alternate 2 purl loops and 2 knit stitches behind the back wall.
- 2 rub. We repeat the sequence: 1 purl loop, 2 knit stitches behind the back wall, 1 purl stitch.
- The next rows are knitted again from the first.
- We cast on loops, the number of which should be divisible by three plus 3 loops for edge loops and symmetry.
- In all odd rows we knit sequentially until the penultimate loop: 1 purl loop, then remove 1 loop not knitted, then knit the next one behind the back wall, return the removed loop to the knitting needle again and also knit it behind the back wall with a knit loop, the last loop of the row is knitted with a purl.
- We knit even rows as follows. We knit the sequence of loops: 1 front loop, re-slip the unknitted loop, knit the next one purl, return the unknitted loop to left knitting needle and knit it purlwise. We finish the row with a knit stitch.
- The density and pattern of the elastic must correspond to the main pattern of the fabric and the type of product for which the elastic is made.
- Not all types of elastic bands can be used in circular knitting, since many of them have a patent, that is, double-sided pattern. These are, for example, rubber bands such as French or English 2x2.
There are quite a lot in our world different ways creating a variety of patterns. But, as a rule, they use the most common ones. These include French gum. It is good for knitting scarves, skirts, children's clothing - in general, everything where the important component is the corrugated structure of the pattern. Is the French knitting pattern difficult to make? At first glance, this pattern seems quite complicated. But this is only at first glance. There is nothing difficult here.
What is this rubber band?
And indeed, there is nothing overly complicated in the execution of this pattern. Even for beginner craftswomen. It will be quite enough to learn how to create knit and purl loops from threads using two knitting needles. French elastic with knitting needles (its diagram will be presented a little lower) is considered quite openwork and delicate. This is due to the fact that when knitting it, only these two types of loops are used. And in appearance it is very different from the usual rubber bands. It is also called “snake” or “corrugation” precisely because there are some features in its use. This elastic band is used not only for knitting clothes in general, but also as finishing. Experts consider purl loops to be its peculiarity and even its dissimilarity from other types of knitting, because it is customary to knit them in the reverse order.
Another feature of the elastic band is the total number of loops cast on. It is usually a multiple of four, which means that all stitches cast on must be divisible by four. And here we must not forget about the two edge loops.
We knit correctly
The correct way to knit a French rib is to alternate two rows. In the first, two knits and two purls alternate. In this case, the front loops should be knitted behind the back walls.
In the second row the sequence will be as follows: 1 purl loop, 2 knit stitches (they must be knitted behind the back wall of the loops), 1 purl stitch. Then continue knitting, in which the first and second rows alternate.
How to learn to make French elastic?
To begin with, it must be said that knitting needles (the diagram will be given below) is not double-sided knitting. And it is absolutely not necessary to use circular knitting needles to make it. In this case, the pattern may simply not work out.
Now you can try to make a pattern as a sample. It is better to choose light yarn, because the pattern will not be visible on dark-colored yarn. It will be quite difficult to understand whether the rows are knitted correctly or not.
For the work you will need scissors, two knitting needles and threads of appropriate thickness.
So, let's start knitting. The French elastic, the diagram of which will show that the first row will consist of facial loops, should turn out to be quite neat.
You need to cast on 21 loops on the knitting needles. Now remove, without knitting, one edge, knit the next one with a purl. Then you need to make two knit stitches, of which first the second one will be knitted using the back thread, and then the remaining one will be knitted in exactly the same way, but it should not be removed from the knitting needle. Doing everything exactly the same way, you need to knit this row to the end.
Now you need to knit the purl row. This is done as follows: remove the edge loop, the next one must be knitted using the back thread. Knit two purl stitches with the front thread, only you need to do this in the opposite direction, just like everything is done in the knit row (instructions are a little higher). Everything else is knitted exactly the same as already described. This is how the French rib pattern is knitted with knitting needles. The diagram with a description tells in detail exactly how everything should be done.
Another way
Craftswomen are always interested in trying different variants knitting. To understand how to knit French elastic with knitting needles (a verbal knitting pattern will be given below), you can choose this option. So, loops are cast on the knitting needles in an amount that is a multiple of four, then three more loops are added (so that the pattern is symmetrical, and then two more loops are added, they will become the edge.
In exactly the same way as in the version described above, the loops will alternate here.
First row: you need to remove the first loop (edge), then knit three loops purl. Now one needs to be knitted, and the next three stitches purl. Then all actions are repeated from the first row.
This pattern will come in handy when you need to knit an independent pattern or finishing element.
It's all about alternating loops
So, we have already figured out how to knit a French rib pattern with knitting needles. How to knit a pattern so that it turns out neat and beautiful? The main thing is to remember: here you need to alternate knit and purl stitches. Usually all knitting patterns are very simple. The only thing that is required from the craftswoman is to understand how to knit such loops.
When you need to do something with a French elastic band, you need to understand that it will be loose and voluminous. If the threads with which this item is connected are too tight, the design will turn out completely invisible and unattractive.
Many, especially beginner knitters, are interested in how to knit French rib with knitting needles. Is it difficult to make? The answers to these questions can be found below. At first glance, this pattern seems quite complex. But it is not so. It's actually quite simple. The main thing is to start. To perform it - face (KP) and purl (IP). In addition, to knit such an ornament, you will need a knitting pattern. The French elastic band (FR) has one peculiarity: it turns out to be openwork and unlike the usual elastic bands. It is often called “snake”, “Riga”, “faceted” or “corrugated”.
Description
FR represents volumetric pattern. To make it you will need yarn and two knitting needles. Typically, French elastic knitting, the diagram of which can be seen below, is used to make children's things, namely skirts, capes, boleros, dresses, etc.
It is also often used for finishing sweaters, jumpers and other products. In addition, it is allowed to wear scarves, snoods, mittens, cardigans, etc.
When choosing an option, you must take into account that such knitting patterns are one-sided.
It is also worth noting that when sewing together parts knitted with FR, the seams will be practically invisible.
Features of FR
A special feature of this knitting method is that the stitches are knitted in reverse order. Also, the features include the number of loops that are necessary for of this pattern. All cast-on loops must be divided by four. It is also necessary to remember about edge loops (KP). The first CP is gained at the beginning of the row.
When knitting, it is not knitted, but simply thrown onto the second knitting needle. The second checkpoint is at the end. Regardless of the pattern, it is always knitted with a purl loop. This is the first method of manufacturing FRs. For the second option, the number of loops should be divided by three. In general, snake elastic is knitted by alternating two rows.
Tip: For French ribbing, you should always cast on an odd number of stitches. Each row should begin with an edge loop. Following the edging there is always a LP. Each row should end as follows: 2 IP, 2 LP and 1 IP (edge).
Common methods for manufacturing FRs
Method No. 1
So, how to knit a French rib with knitting needles? First we cast on the required number of loops. It should be remembered: there should be so many loops on the knitting needles that they are divided into four. So, let's start knitting:
Method number 2
For this ornament, cast on the required number of loops.
It should be remembered that it must be divisible by three. To make the pattern symmetrical and more even, three additional loops will be needed.
With this method, odd rows will differ from even ones. So, the odd ones are knitted as follows: one stitch, the next one is removed without knitting, then another loop is knitted behind the back wall.
Cover the odd numbered rows of the IP. Knitting even tiers with knitting needles is carried out according to the following pattern: one LP, the next one is removed without knitting, one PI, then the removed loop is put on a knitting needle and knitted PI. Even rows must be closed with LP. The pattern usually becomes noticeable after 6-7 rows.
As you can see, knitting a French rib with knitting needles, the video of which can be seen below, is not difficult.
In the world of knitting, there is such a variety of different patterns that allow you to create unique things. In most cases, their design is done only with well-known rubber bands. However, in fact, there are quite a lot of types of finishes, especially unusual ones, for example, Bulgarian or French. They are the ones who can decorate the product with their novelty and originality.
French rib is considered very openwork, since both knit and purl loops are used for knitting it.
In appearance, the French elastic band differs significantly from the usual elastic bands. Its second name is “corrugation” or “snake”. This name was given to it because of the peculiarities of its application. French rib is used for knitting children's skirts, dresses, capes, and is also used as a trim. Its distinctive feature is the purl loops, since they are knitted in the reverse order. 
French elastic 1 (with a report of 3 loops) consists of 2 repeating rows. The main difference from other types of elastic bands is the crossing of the loops. At the same time, in the front rows, 2 front loops are crossed, and in the purl rows, the purl loops are crossed, see the pattern diagram. The loops are not removed on an additional knitting needle, as when knitting a braid, but simply first knit the second (knit or purl) loop, and then the first, and only then remove both knitted loops onto the right knitting needle. Such crossing of loops is done in each report and in each row of the pattern, which, of course, requires more time than when knitting other types of elastic bands. 
French elastic pattern-1
French elastic pattern 1: pattern report 3 loops + 1 loop for symmetry + 2 edge loops (not shown in the diagram), repeat the pattern from the 1st to 2nd rows.
1st row: * 1 p., 2 cross. persons loops (without removing the 2nd loop from the left knitting needle, knit behind the back wall of the front one, then knit the 1st loop and remove both to the right knitting needle)* repeat from* to* required amount once and finish row 1 purl;
2nd row: k1, * p2. crossed (first knit the 2nd purl loop, thread before work, then knit the 1st purl stitch), k1. P.*;
If you want to knit such a pattern in a circle, then use only report loops, without additional or edge loops. Also with circular knitting The scheme of the 2nd row will also change, namely:
1st row: * 1 p., 2 cross. persons loops (without removing the 2nd loop from the left knitting needle, knit behind the back wall of the front one, then knit the 1st loop and remove both to the right knitting needle)* repeat from* to* until the end of the row;
2nd row: *P1, cross 2 persons loops (without removing the 2nd loop from the left knitting needle, knit behind the back wall of the front one, then knit the 1st loop and remove both to the right knitting needle)* repeat from* to* until the end of the row.
French elastic 2 (with 4 loops) differs from the previous one only in the number of purl loops between the “spikelets” of intertwined loops. Otherwise, working with weaving loops is just as painstaking. 
French elastic band diagram 2
French elastic pattern 2: pattern report 4 loops + 2 loops for symmetry of the pattern + 2 edge loops (not shown in the diagram)
1st row: 1 purl, * 1 purl, 2 cross. persons loops (without removing the 2nd loop from the left knitting needle, knit behind the back wall of the front one, then knit the 1st loop and remove both to the right knitting needle), 1 purl.*, repeat from* to* the required number of times and finish row 1 purl .;
2nd row: k1, * k1, p2. crossed (first knit the 2nd purl loop, thread before work, then knit the 1st purl stitch), k1. p.*, 1 person.p.
Repeat the 1st and 2nd rows until the desired length is reached.
French rib 3, also known as classic Polish or faceted rib, has a corrugated texture in appearance and is much easier to knit than the previous two options. This elastic band is most often used as an independent pattern for knitting children's items, both for boys and girls, as well as for knitting various accessories - scarves and hats. 
French elastic pattern 3
French rib pattern 3 consists of two alternating rows with offset loops of the pattern. The number of loops for the pattern is a multiple of 4 + 1 loop for symmetry + 2 edge loops (edge loops are not indicated in the diagram).
1st row - * knit 2, purl 2 *, repeat from * to *, knit 1;
2nd row - * purl 2, knit 2 *, purl 1.
If you take a closer look at the diagram, you will see that the loops of the pattern are placed in this way:
The first loop of the pattern in the front rows is knitted with the front one, and in the purl rows - purl;
the second loop of the pattern in all rows is knitted;
the third loop opposite the first in the front rows is knitted purlwise, in the purl rows - knitted;
The fourth loop of the pattern in all rows is knitted purlwise. But in essence, the pattern of the pattern is a 2×2 elastic band (knit 2, purl 2) only with the pattern offset in each row by 1 loop.
And here is a video master class: How to knit a French rib with knitting needles.
American gum 
Scarf with American elastic band 
Particularly impressive American gum will look good when knitted with light threads. The pattern turns out to be quite dense and textured.
American gum pattern
American elastic pattern: pattern report is 3 loops + 2 edge loops, repeat the 1st and 2nd rows of the pattern in height according to the pattern:
1st row: *Knit 2, purl 1*, repeat from * to * until end of row;
2nd row: *Knit 1, yarn over, knit 2 stitches and pulled through the yarn over.
Despite the apparent complexity, the pattern is very easy to knit and quickly remembered.
The product is very light and elastic when knitted with an elastic pattern. This knitting is often used for knitting the bottoms of sweaters, blouses, necklines, and scarves. In the collection hand knitting knitting there are several varieties of elastic patterns, differing not only in the method of knitting, but also appearance. To make the fabric more neat, it is better to knit elastic with knitting needles with a diameter either equal to the thickness of the thread, or no more than 1.5 more. The most common types of this pattern are:
How to knit a simple elastic band
A simple rib is knitted using a different combination of basic stitches, i.e. knit and purl. Due to the fact that the fabric knitted with this pattern is elastic and has good stretch, knitting with a similar pattern is used in cases where it is necessary to achieve the effect of fitting the product itself, for example, a turtleneck, or its individual parts, such as a cuff, collar, edges neck and bottom of the product. Simple elastic bands are usually conventionally designated by the numbers 2×2 or 1×2, where the first number indicates the number of front stitches, and the second number of purl stitches in the report. Thus, you can knit an elastic band with simple knitting needles with almost any combination of the main loops, the main thing is to maintain proportions that will allow the fabric to be elastic. Let's consider several options for simple elastic pattern patterns:
An important point when choosing an option for knitting a simple elastic band is the size of the product itself, for example, for a large one you can take a 4x4 combination, as well as the pattern of the main pattern, since for the harmonious appearance of the product it is very important that everything in it is combined.
How to knit an English rib
English elastic is the most popular among all representatives of this pattern. It also has a second name: pearl. Currently, due to its lush and embossed appearance and soft texture, it is widely used in knitting products such as jumpers, scarves, hats and other voluminous products. It is not recommended to knit English rib with knitting needles for cuffs and edges of the product, since the fabric knitted with this pattern turns out to be soft and not very elastic. An English rib pattern is made using basic stitches and yarn over stitches. The pattern for creating a 1×1 English elastic pattern is as follows:
Closing the stitches of an English rib is a little different from finishing a plain fabric. To make the edge beautiful and even, the preparatory row is knitted first. To do this, perform the following steps:
If a 1×1 English rib is knitted in the round, then the sequence of stitches will be slightly different:
The English 2×2 elastic band also looks very good; for it, take the number of loops divisible by 4 plus two edge loops:
In order for the fabric on such elements of the product as the neckline or cuffs, as well as when knitting scarves, belts or hats, to be denser and better able to hold its shape, one of the varieties of the elastic pattern, called double elastic, is used. For beginners, this elastic band will be as easy as for more experienced needlewomen:
You can more clearly see how to knit a double elastic band using the following video:
For belts and scarves, double or hollow elastic is best done in circular knitting, using special knitting needles. But in this case, all rows are knitted according to the same pattern: knit stitch, 1 stitch not knitted.
How to knit a Polish rib with knitting needles
Polish elastic is an excellent solution for creating products such as snoods or scarf-collars, as well as for children's things, thanks to its loose and airy structure. You can knit a Polish rib in one of the following two ways:
The following video will help beginners knit a Polish rib with knitting needles:
In order to knit a French elastic band, the number of loops must be selected so that it is divided into four plus two loops for the edge loops. The elastic band is performed using the following alternation of main loops:
You can knit a French rib in the following way:
There are quite a few types of elastic bands, so when choosing a specific model, in order for the product to look harmonious, you need to take into account the following nuances:
