In our experience, beauty has very little to do with complexity. Complex things can be very beautiful, of course, but when they are, it’s only a coincidence. It’s just as likely that a simple thing will be beautiful, and in the case of our Mistake Rib Cowl, it’s definite!

Mistake Rib Cowl | Purl Soho

The Mistake Rib stitch pattern is nearly as simple as knit 2, purl 2, but the finished fabric has a lovely loft and squishiness that regular 2 x 2 ribbing lacks. Purl Soho’s Mulberry Merino lends the pattern a particular depth with its gentle shine and richness. And in Dark Loam, our Mistake Rib Cowl is mysterious, lush, and simply beautiful! -Joelle

Mistake Rib Cowl | Purl Soho

Update: New Yarn

December 2017

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It turns out that Gentle Giant is just right for showing off the beautiful texture of this stitch and that our Mistake Rib Cowl in Gentle Giant is a new mistake rib favorite!

Update: Now In Cashmere!

September 2019

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To celebrate our very first 100% cashmere collection, we used our Cashmere Tend (no longer available) for a beautifully updated Mistake Rib Cowl! You’ll need just two skeins of Cashmere Tend, so whether you’re looking for a quick gift or a knitting treat, this Mistake Rib Cowl in Cashmere Tend covers both!

Update: Now In Two Colors!

September 2020

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Mistake Rib in one color is lovely, but add another, and you’re in the business off creating a herringbone textile so intricate looking you wouldn’t imagine that it’s a simple matter of knit 2, purl 2 and switching colors each round. Knit in two colors of our Season Alpaca, read all about this amazing knit here!

UPDATE: NOW IN SIMPLY YAK

FEBRUARY 2023

Mistake Rib Cowl | Purl Soho

There’s no mistaking the simple beauty of our Mistake Rib Cowl in Simply Yak! One hundred percent undyed yak, combed from the downy, very warm undercoat of majestic, free-roaming yaks, this yarn celebrates the immense goodness of this fiber, just as nature made it. It only takes three skeins of Simply Yak to make a Mistake Rib Cowl. Pick some up and cast on for your own happy accident!

Designed by Purl Soho founder and co-owner, Joelle Hoverson.

Share your progress and connect with the community by tagging your pics with #PurlSoho, #PurlSohoBusyHands, and #PurlSohoMistakeRibCowl. We can’t wait to see what you make!

Materials

Mistake Rib Cowl | Purl Soho
  • 2 skeins of Purl Soho’s Mulberry Merino,  80% extra fine merino and 20% mulberry silk. Each skein is 247 yards/ 100 grams; approximately 451 yards required. We used the color Dark Loam. (NOTE: We no longer offer Mulberry Merino, but choose from one of our other sport weight yarns.)
  • US 7 (4.5 mm), 24-inch circular needles

Gauge

20 stitches = 4 inches in stockinette stitch

32 stitches = approximately 4 inches in Mistake Rib, unstretched

Size

Finished Circumference: Approximately 18 inches, unstretched

Finished Height: 15 inches

Note

Mistake Rib in the round is worked over a multiple of 4 stitches.

Pattern

Cast on 144 stitches, place a marker, and join to work in the round, being careful to not twist the stitches. We used a basic Long Tail Cast On.

Round 1: *K2, p2, repeat from * to end of round.

Round 2: P1, *k2, p2, repeat from * to last 3 stitches, k2, p1.

Repeat Rounds 1 and 2 until piece measures 15 inches from cast-on edge or desired length.

Bind off loosely in stitch pattern.

Mistake Rib Cowl | Purl Soho