Cascorse (2×2 rib) royal blue

1x1 rib is a knit with vertical ridges where one knit stitch alternates with one purl stitch across each row. It is made on machines with two needle beds, cylinder and dial. The result has fine ribs visible on both sides, very high stretch across the width and good recovery.

Because the edges do not curl, 1x1 rib is easy to handle. It is used for fitted tops, collars and cuffs. The actual stretch depends on the yarn and on whether elastane is included.

1x1 rib alternates one knit stitch with one purl stitch, so the ribs are very fine and close. 2x2 rib alternates two knit stitches with two purl stitches, so the ribs are wider, more pronounced and the fabric looks more textured. With the same yarn, 2x2 usually stretches a little more and feels softer, while 1x1 looks finer and more uniform.

Both are used for cuffs and hems. The choice is mostly about appearance, so ask for a swatch of each to see how the rib really looks.

Cascorse is the term used in Romanian workshops for a fine ribbed knit, usually a light 1x1 rib, often with a little elastane, used for fitted tops, bodysuits and close-fitting pieces. The word comes from Turkish (kaşkorse) and has no standard definition, so suppliers may use it differently.

When ordering, do not rely on the name alone. Ask for a swatch and check the weight, composition, width and how far it stretches and recovers. That avoids confusion between cuff rib and cascorse.

Both are ribbed knits, but in practice rib (ribana) is the thicker, firmer fabric used for collars, cuffs and hems, while cascorse is thinner, stretchier and used as the main fabric for close-fitting pieces. Rib must hold its shape and recover after stretching, cascorse must be fine and soft on the skin.

The boundary is not official, and two suppliers may name the same fabric differently. Always check the structure (1x1 or 2x2), weight, width and composition instead of relying on the name.