In this video, we’re introducing you to a beautifully practical elastic knitting stitch that’s perfect for any dress project. Whether you’re making a form-fitting knit dress or a relaxed, flowy silhouette, this stitch provides the right amount of stretch and structure to give your garment a polished, flattering shape. It’s ideal for waistlines, cuffs, necklines, or even full-body ribbing depending on the style you’re going for.
We’ll walk you through the stitch pattern step-by-step, showing how simple combinations of knit and purl stitches can create a subtle rib effect that bounces back and holds its form. You’ll see how the elasticity enhances both the comfort and fit of a dress—making it move with the body while maintaining a neat silhouette. This stitch works great in both light and medium-weight yarns, making it versatile for different seasons.
What makes this elastic stitch so valuable is its adaptability. It blends seamlessly into other textures like stockinette or lace, so you can use it as a functional detail or as a design element on its own. You can easily adjust the width and spacing of the rib for more or less stretch, and we’ll show you how to integrate it into both top-down and bottom-up dress constructions.
By the end of the video, you’ll have a go-to elastic stitch that you can use across countless dress patterns and other garments too. Whether you’re looking to add stretch to a fitted bodice or a flexible hem that won’t flare out, this stitch delivers both style and function. It’s a must-have technique for any garment knitter’s toolkit!
Tutorial and photos of this stitch by: LaNa / Стильное вязание.