Three by Three Rib

Three by three rib simply widens the classic rib to columns three stitches across: work three knits, then three purls, all the way along, over a multiple of six stitches, and on the following rows knit the knits and purl the purls so the columns stack into deep vertical ribs. The wider bands make a bolder, more relaxed rib than one by one or two by two, with a chunky look that suits heavier yarns, and it still pulls in and springs back, so it is a good, comfortable choice for cowls, slouchy hat brims, cuffs, and thick cardigan bands. Because the knit and purl blocks are wider, the fabric has slightly less gripping power than a narrow rib but drapes a little more softly, which is often what you want on a big cosy piece. It is as easy as any rib once you can read the fabric, and the only counting is groups of three. Its horizontal stretch means it blocks out wider than it looks on the needle.