1 x 1 rib question

[WitchyEditor]

Hi!

My pattern says: "Cast on 45 stitches
Work in 1 x 1 rib stitch for 1 inch.

I thought 1 x 1 rib stitch only worked with an even number of cast on stitches. I've started it and it doesn't look like rib. Any insight? Should I just cast on again with 44 or 46?

Thanks!
~Witchyeditor

[Plantgoddess+]

It will work with an odd #. If you start with a K stitch you will end with a K stitch. When you turn your work and knit back you will start with a Purl stitch and end with a Purl stitch. The following row will start with a Knit stitch and end with a Knit stitch and so on. If you look at your work you will be knitting the knits and purling the purls.

[suzeeq]

You can use odd numbers, you just can't start all rows with k1, p1. If you end the row with a knit, start the next one with a purl; if you end a row with a purl, start with a knit. Learn what the sts look like and knit the ones that look like knits and purl the sts that look like purls.