How to Crochet Ribbing at The End of a Project

In many crochet patterns that call for a cuff/ribbing (like ribbed cuffs to a sweater or hat) is typically created at the beginning of the project. You typically start by crocheting a ribbing first, then the rest of the piece from there. But what if you want to add a crochet ribbing at the end of a project?

Maybe you're finishing up a crochet sweater or hat and decided that it needs a ribbed cuff or brim for a polished look. How to crochet ribbing at the end of a project?

For example, I started off my Sugar Rush Leg Warmers with a cuff, but I need a second cuff on the other side of my crochet leg warmers so they don't fall off. While there are many methods that suggest crocheting a separate ribbing piece and sewing it on, sewing is not really my thing, and I try to avoid sewing whenever possible.

In this tutorial, I'll show you how to add a crochet ribbing directly to the edge of your project - no sewing required. This technique is perfect for adding ribbed cuffs to a sweater or finishing off a crochet hat with a ribbed brim.

Stitches & Abbreviations

• ch - chain
• sts - stitch/stitches
• sc - single crochet
• BLO - back loop only

Add a Ribbing to the End of a Crochet Project Without Sewing

Step 1: Starting from the last stitch of your project.

Step 2: Chain however wide you want your ribbing to be, plus one (+1) for your turning chain.

Step 3: Sc from the second chain from the hook and down the chain.

Step 4: Slst into the same st as the first st, and slst AGAIN into the next st on the main piece.

Step 5: Turn your work, skip the 2 slsts you just made, then sc into the BLO along the ribbing.

Step 6: Ch 1, turn your work and sc into BLO along the other side of the ribbing.

Step 7: Slst into the next 2 sts on the main piece as indicated by the red arrows.

Step 8: Turn your work, skip the 2 slsts that you just made as indicated by the orange arrows, and sc in the BLO into the next as indicated by the red arrow and across the rest of the sts along the ribbing

Step 9: Ch 1, turn, sc in the BLO down the other side of the ribbing and then keep repeating the steps in photos 5 to 9 until you finish your cuff!

Why Add Crochet Ribbing Without Sewing?

Now, some people might not care too much about it, but here are a few reasons why you will want to learn this method for adding ribbing to your crochet project:

• Seamless Finish: Eliminates the need for sewing, resulting in a cleaner, more professional look.
• Enhanced Fit: Provides elasticity, ensuring that cuffs and brims fit snugly and comfortably.
• Time-Efficient: Streamlines the process by allowing you to continue crocheting without interruption, saving time and effort.
• Versatility: Ideal for adding ribbed cuffs to sweaters or finishing off crochet hats that are worked top down (e.g. messy hat beanie) with a neat ribbed brim.

By mastering this technique, you can enhance both the functionality and aesthetics of your crochet projects. There are countless numbers of projects that this skill would be helpful with! Now go and change the world!

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Did you use this technique on your crochet project? I'd love to see it! Please share it with me on Instagram and/or use the #onceuponacheerio hashtag.

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This is an original crochet tutorial written by Juli Anne of Once Upon a Cheerio. Please do not claim this crochet tutorial as your own. If you wish to share this crochet tutorial, you may link to this blog post, but please do not reprint or steal my photos for your site. You may keep a copy for personal use, but please DO NOT sell or distribute this crochet tutorial.