Rick Rack Scarf
I recently unearthed the first project I ever knit, a moth-eaten stockinette scarf. I made it over twenty years ago while I was spending a school year in rural France. My French “mother” was the town librarian and an amazing knitter. She opened her stash basket to me and walked me through every step of that crazy scarf.
Since then I’ve made dozens of scarves, and I wonder sometimes if I’ve run out of fresh ideas for the next one. After all, the criteria for a scarf pattern are rather stringent: something that lies flat, that looks good on both sides and that has a soft and beautiful drape. I was so happy to discover this Rick Rack Rib; it meets all of those standards and also happens to evoke one of my all time favorite things, rick rack! Thanks, Barbara Walker!
Yarn lovers, if you adore the yarn used in this project, you’ll love exploring all of our other yarn collections! Discover over 45 thoughtfully designed yarns in nearly every natural fiber and in every spectacular color you can imagine. Only available here at Purl Soho’s online yarn store, where every skein is created with care and your creativity in mind!
With the holiday season upon us, I made sure to use a super special yarn for the super special people on your list, including scarf-o-phobe men! Jade Sapphire’s softer-than-soft 8 Ply Mongolian Cashmere amazes everyone with its cloud-like loft and downy touch. This is definitely a far cry from that first wonky scarf! -Whitney
Update: New Yarn
February 2017
We knit up a new version of our Rick Rack Scarf in our very own 100% merino Worsted Twist. Still totally soft and beautiful, Worsted Twist makes a classic Rick Rack Scarf, and in the color Copper Penny, it also makes a rich and complex statement.
Designed by Purl Soho designer, Whitney Van Nes.
Share your progress and connect with the community by tagging your pics with #PurlSoho, #PurlSohoBusyHands, and #PurlSohoRickRackScarf. We can’t wait to see what you make!
Materials
- 4 (5) skeins of Jade Sapphire’s 8-Ply Cashmere, 100% Mongolian cashmere. Each skein is approximately 100 yards/ 55 grams; approximately 400 (500) total yards required. We used the color Sterling. (NOTE: We no longer offer 8-Ply Cashmere, but choose from one of our other worsted/aran weight yarns.)
- US 8 (5 mm) straight or circular needles
Shop our wonderful collection of aran + worsted-weight yarn to find a suitable substitute for this project, and remember that it’s always a good idea to check your gauge before you cast on… Our All About Gauge Tutorial shows you how!
GAUGE
26 stitches = 4 inches in Rick Rack Rib stitch
SIZES
Short (Long)
Finished Dimensions: Approximately 7 inches wide x 53 (66) inches long
NOTES
STITCH MULTIPLE
This pattern works over a multiple of 3 + 1 stitches.
How to Work Rick Rack Rib
Here is a video that shows how to work the Rick Rack Rib, followed by how-to photos explaining the same thing…
Row 1
To “knit into back loop of second stitch” bring the right needle to the back of the work and insert it into the back of the second stitch on the left needle and knit.
Then, leaving that stitch on the left needle, “knit into front of first stitch” by bringing the right needle around to the front of the work and knitting the first stitch through the front loop, just like you normally would.
Take both stitches off the left needle, bring the yarn to the front of the work and purl 1 stitch.
Row 2
To “purl into second stitch” bring the yarn to the front of the work and purl into the second stitch on the left needle, just like a normal purl stitch.
Then, leaving that stitch on the left needle, “purl into first stitch” by purling the first stitch through the front loop, like you normally would.
Take both stitches off the left needle, bring the yarn to the back of the work and knit 1 stitch.
Pattern
Cast on 46 stitches. We used a basic Long Tail Cast On.
Row 1 (right side): *P1, knit into back loop of second stitch (leaving stitch on left needle), knit into front of first stitch (removing both stitches from left needle), repeat from * to last stitch, p1.
Row 2 (wrong side): *K1, purl into second stitch (leaving stitch on left needle), purl into first stitch (removing both stitches from left needle), repeat from * to last stitch, k1.
Repeat Rows 1 and 2 until piece measures 53 (66) inches long, ending with Row 2.
Bind off in a (p1, k2) pattern. Here’s how…
Bind Off Row (right side): P1, *[k1, pass first stitch over] 2 times, p1, pass first stitch over, repeat from * to last 3 stitches, [k1, pass first stitch over] 2 times, p1.
Weave in all ends and gently wet block.
Looking for more inspiration? Explore all of our free knitting patterns and knitting tutorials, buy one of our many knitting kits and yarn bundles, and shop for beautiful yarn. We have over 35 gorgeous natural fiber yarns in 100’s of magnificent colors, designed to bring integrity, beauty, and joy to your next knitting project and only available at Purl Soho!
I bought a scarf that was this stitch! Thanks for posting this because I've been wanting to make a scarf based on it!
Thank you so much for the detailed instruction; the only thing I ever knit was a little bunny, and I was waiting to find a project that I liked, but looked suited to a beginning – and this tutorial is it! If I succeed (though I imagine it will take me well over a month to finish), I will come back to leave a link to the finished project. Thank you again!
Oh! That is just lovely. I love the texture, I can imagine it in a cardigan as well.
Thanks
Woow! Nice!
gorgeous as usual! I think a bunch of rick rack scarves may be in my future!
Hi,
Can you suggest some alternate yarns at lower price points? And perhaps thicker gauges? I do better with big needles!
Thanks!
a handsome and manly scarf! I will try this with my pancake and lulu terra organic merino!
Perfect. I like scarves for things like Special Olympics and the Red Scarf Project and am always on the lookout for reversible ones that look good too. You hit the spot perfectly. Thank you for sharing!
HI Susan,
Sure! The Jade Sapphire 8 Ply is a worsted weight yarn, so some great slightly heavier alternatives would be:
Blue Sky's Worsted: https://www.purlsoho.com/purl/products/item/711-Blue-Sky-Worsted This is a super soft, totally gorgeous alpaca/merino blend with great stitch definition. I would maybe use a US #10 needle for this one, , depending on your tension and taste!
Swan's Island Bulky: https://www.purlsoho.com/purl/products/item/8384-Swans-Island-Bulky This spectacular hand dyed organic merino yarn would make a classically lovely scarf. Try a US #10 1/2 needle with this one!
Cascade's Eco+: https://www.purlsoho.com/purl/products/item/7768-Cascade-Yarns-Eco This would be a super affordable option (you only need one $21 skein!), but also very beautiful. A US #10 needle would probably be good.
For all of these yarns you should get between 400 and 500 yards.
Thank you so much for your question – I know the cashmere is quite a stretch for most people this holiday season! I'm happy to offer alternatives!
Whitney
Using some leftover Rowan wool in burgundy. Wonderful pattern. Makes a nice, dense fabric good for keeping the neck warm. Thanks again, Whit, for a great story and a great pattern. I've posted a picture of the scarf in progress at my own blog http://nonameknittingblog.blogspot.com
I really love the look of this scarf, and it looks so easy, but I am finding myself completely baffled. After knitting into the second stitch, I am finding it completely impossible to leave it on the needle, bring the needle to the front, and knit the first stitch. Is there something I'm missing? Are my cast-on stitches too tight? I'm not a beginner, per se, but I don't have many advanced techniques. Is there any way you could clarify this for me? Thanks!
i love the stitch, but just can't seem to understand hows its done. after you insert your right needle into the back of the second stitch on the left needle, it says to knit the stitch, but also keep it on the left needle. how would you complete the knit stitch without it going to the right needle?
thanks
Susan- wrap yarn around and pull through, putting st on right needle. You are completing the st so far as you have a new st on the right needle, but keep the worked st on the left needle.
Thank you so much for this pattern. I love to do scarves, in between other projects and for gifts. And I love having a new pattern to try. Can't wait.
Purl Bee/Purl Soho just can't be beat. I love everything you do! You are wonderful!!
Hi Kathy,
Do your cast on stitches slide easily up and down your needle? If not, your knitting may be a little tight, and you may want either to cast on more loosely or to knit the first row and start the pattern on the second row.
It should not be a struggle to bring the needle around to the front, so whatever you can do to loosen up the tension will probably help you – smaller needles might be a good place to start!
I hope this helps! Thanks for asking and good luck!
Whitney
Hi Susan K,
Sorry to hear about your confusion! Did you happen to read Jenn's response to your comment? I think she very helpfully addresses what may be the problem by clarifying that, yes, you do have a new stitch on your right needle, but you also left the old stitch on the left needle. So really, the stitch is half way complete.
The technique is a little out of the ordinary, but once you get the hang of it, it's easy, so hang in there! And thank you for your question!
Whitney
i think i understand now- thanks so much for the help and also special thanks to jen!
Thank you!
Hello again, I am having trouble starting this wonderful project for two reasons, and wanted to ask for help if that's ok:
1. When stitches fall off for whatever reason, is there a way to recover them with a stitch pattern like this (I am a beginning, and understand this concept only for regular stitches, not when the stitch is skipped, etc, as it is here).
2. My ric rac is not as nicely defined (more like a raised center area than a zig zag), so I wonder if this has to do with my bringing the yarn to the front/back along with the right needle?
So far, I've made it to about 6 inches a few times, and it looked great (albeit a bit different), but I keep having to start again because I eventually lose a stitch.
Thank you in advance for your time and help.
On the page for the Mongolian Cashmere, it states that the gauge for the yarn is 4.5 stitches to an inch and the pattern states it is 6.5 stitches to an inch, both using #8 knitting needles. Which one is correct? Thanks.
Hi Darcy-
They are both correct. The gauge given with the yarn is for stockinette stitch while the gauge given with this pattern is for the rick rack rib stitch.
Thank you for your question!- Molly
GORGEOUS! One question – how stretchy is the finished fabric when using this stitch? I am experimenting with different bulky/contemporary stitches to use for laptop sleeves, but one requirement is that they create a dense, not-too-stretchy fabric at the end. I can always knit up a swatch and test it out, but thought I'd ask as well!
Also, any experiments with knitting this stitch in the round?
Thanks in advance! 🙂
Happy Thanksgiving weekend!
I'm just writing again to say that I figured a few things out – there really is nothing like practice! – so please disregard my previous comment. I've learned about “frogging”!
(So, thank you again for an interesting but accessible enough pattern to motivate me to learn.)
However, I did make some mistake in the stitch in that mine is not as ric rac, in that the loops do not ric rac as I see they do in the photo. But whatever I've done still looks zigzaggy enough, and I will post a photo when I'm done – if I haven't troubled you too much by then…
Thank you again!
HI Greta,
I'm so glad it worked out! By the way, it's possible your rick rack looks a little different from mine just because of differing tensions. But anyway, I'm happy you're happy and please do post a photo – we'd love to see it!
Thanks!
Whitney
Thank you so much for your response, Whitney!
Below is a photo of my scarf (as yet unfinished, but enough for you to see if the difference in appearance is due to more than a difference in tension).
http://somethingbyvirtueofnothing.blogspot.com/2011/11/nor-by-hard-endeavour-knit.html
Thanks again for your time!
I love this pattern. It's simple looking and it has a certain degree of “manliness” to it. Perfect knit for my boyfriend! I'm using a 100 percent organic cotton yarn which is making this pattern a little difficult because there is no give in the material at all. But I'm slowly working my way through it. I found the first row to be the hardest and decided to knit to rows in garter stitch before beginning the rick rack. So far it is coming along nicely! I will post a link to an image when I have it finished. Thanks so much for this wonderful patter! (Can't believe this was your first knit! I'm a fairly experienced knitter, and found it rather difficult in the beginning!)
Thank you so much for the suggestions!!! Really grateful!
Merry holidays,
Susan
First of all sorry that I sent the wrong question to you about a pattern that was not yours. I got the sites mixed up. Now that I have it straight I was wondering….is there by chance a youtube video of this stitch. I have read it several times and still seems a bit confusing to me even with the pictures. It would be great if I could see each step from beginning to end. I am particularly confused about Row 1 written instructions and Row 1 tutorial instructions. I want to make sure I can get this right before I start on expensive yarn. Thanks.
Hi Marien,
If you go back a few comments to my response to Mrs. Mouse, you'll find directions for knitting the Rick Rack Rib in the round. It's super easy!
Thanks for asking!
Whitney
Hi Charlie-
Unfortunately we don't have the capability to do a video of this stitch at the moment. It might be worth it to practice on some scrap yarn before you get started with the more expensive stuff.
Thank you so much for your question!
Molly
Beautiful pattern! Thank you for sharing.
I am planning on knitting this for my little sister and was thinking of using Madeline Tosh Tosh Merino. Would this yarn work as a substitute? Should I use a size 9 or 10 needle? Thanks so much for taking the time to post.
Megan
Love this pattern, but I knit left handed, and curious if the results would be the same. Or if I just reverse the right/wrong side instructions for the similar result – any insight here before I start this project! Thanks!
HI NEdmonds,
I'm not quite sure what you mean by “knitting left handed”. In my experience, most left handers knit continental style (as do many right handed knitters), and in such cases, there are no special instructions or changes to the pattern.
If, however, you mean that you actually knit from left to right, that would be a rarer thing. If you have learned to adjust patterns for your specific way of knitting by reversing the right and wrong side instructions, then you can go ahead and do that.
If you need more help and can tell me how exactly you knit, I would be happy to try to sort things out for you!
Thanks for you question!
Whitney
Hi Megan,
Yes! The Tosh Merino would be a great substitute. Exactly which needle you should use depends on how tightly or loosely you knit, and also on how you want the stitch to look. If you're an average knitter, my best guess would be a US #8 or #9 needle.
Sounds beautiful! Good luck!
Whitney
Goooorgeous!! Must knit this one! 😀
Thank you for this beautiful pattern.
One question though, does the finished scarf curl? This will be a third attempt of knitting a scarf for my husband this winter, and I've had a terrible luck picking patterns! I don't think the yarn can take any more ripping and re-doing and neither can I. 😉
Thanks!
Hi! Is it possible to knit this in the round so that the ribs are horizontal instead of vertical?
Hi Nyela-
Yes you could make the ribs horizontal by casting on the length of the scarf onto very long circular needles. If you're working with 4 skeins you could cast on 349 stitches and then just work the rib pattern as written in the patten.
Please let us know if you have any more questions. Thank you!
Molly
I knitted this scarf for my father-in-laws birthday present. He loves it and always wears it. My advice to people struggling with the pattern- hang in there! It was really tight for the first few rows but after that things loosened up and I got quite speedy at it. It doesn't knit up quickly but the end product is worth the effort. I used a 4ply 50% merino, 40% alcpaca 10% silk wool which was beautifully soft.
Hi, Im kinda having a problem with my stitches. So I knit in the back and then in the front, but then when i go to pull both stitches off at the same time, basically the second stitch that gets pulled off kinda creates a loop which stays there and which later turns into a bulge. I tried pulling gently to tighten or knitting tighter, looser, with bigger needles and its still there. I mean its not ruining the look of the scarf its not that bad, but like on your scarf you have space between the actual “ribs” but on mine the bulge fills that in so basically the second stitch bulge makes my scarf look kinda crowded and wonky. Any ideas?
And also, I made a swatch of ric rac, but when I cast off, the cast off edge was much longer than the width of scarf. Its hard to explain but I hope im making it clear enough. The only way I know how to explain it is that the cast off doubled the width off the edge of the scarf. Help me please! Thank you, and the site is lovely!!
Hi Nicholas…just wondering if you're remembering to purl one stitch after you've knitted into back and front and dropped stitch off?(Sorry if you're a good knitter and I've just insulted you) It does look a little bit bulgey until you do your next row then it all evens out. It took me a while to get the hang of this stitch but I ended up you tubing it which helped. Good luck!
This an awesome stitch, something different. I've figured out it's easier with a loose tension! It's much easier to separate the yarn if you aren't holding it to tight. Thank you for sharing your instructions!! Have you done anything else besides a scarf with this stitch? It seems that with the layering effect it would make for excellent dishcloths or a baby's blanket maybe. I've enjoyed checking out your other projects as well, I love the owl. Very cute.
Maria
Hi Maria-
Thanks for the nice comment. This is the only project done in this stitch (for now at least) on The Purl Bee but I will pass your suggestions on!
Thanks!
Molly
Hi Nicholas,
I'm sorry you're having trouble with the stitch – it does seem to be a bit tricky for people! I think both of your problems (the “bulge” and the wide cast off) are related to the same thing. I wonder if you're being very careful about having the yarn in front when you're purling and in back when you're knitting, especially when it comes time to make the one normal purl or knit stitch after the rick rack stitch. It seems like maybe you're making inadvertent yarn over's which would account for a much wider cast off.
Please let me know if this doesn't solve your problem and I'd be happy to troubleshoot with you some more! Thanks so much for asking your questions and good luck!
Whitney
lo puedes poner en español no se ingles gracias o como lo puedo traducir
I tried knitting this in the round with the suggestions you said earlier in the comments.
The result is not the same. It looks more like a small vauge cable – not as angular and crisp as it does when knitted flat.
Is there an important step/movement thats missing from Row 2 when you knit in the round? It seems as though you have to knit it back and forth to get the correct stitches slipped together.
I would love to know if there is a better way to knit this in the round. Row 1 alone does not seem to be right.
Thanks!
Hi Skipper,
Right you are! I just did a little test and it is more complicated than I had thought- sorry about that! So here's the correct way to work the Rick Rack Stitch in the round:
Cast on a multiple of 3, place a marker and join for working in the tound.
Round 1: *Skip first stitch, knit into back loop of second stitch (leaving stitch on left needle), knit into front of first stitch (removing both stitches from left needle), p1, repeat from * to end of round.
Round 2: *Knit into front of first stitch (leaving stitch on left needle), knit into back loop of second stitch (removing both stitches from left needle), p1, repeat from * to end of round.
Repeat Rounds 1 and 2 until piece is as long as you want.
Bind off in k2, p1 pattern.
Again, I'm sorry for the totally wrong information. Thank you for setting us all straight!
Whitney
For in the round – could you show how to “Knit into front of first stitch (leaving stitch on left needle), knit into back loop of second stitch (removing both stitches from left needle)?” Thanks!
Hi Amanda,
Is there a particular part of that instruction that is confusing you? I'd be happy to clarify!
Whitney
I just made this scarf with '100% Peruvian Highland Wool'. How would you suggest blocking it? It's laundry care symbols are hand wash, 30 degrees, no bleach, dry flat.
I am afraid of it felting!
This is a gorgeous pattern. Simple but classy. I love it. I'll keep it in a corner of my head for my futur works.
Thank you for this beautiful pattern. The only problem I am having is correcting errors I make when I knit past the time I am too sleepy to knit! I cannot figure out a way to unknit, so I can correct an error a couple of inches back on my needle. Any suggestions ? Thanks
Hi,
I am just want to say that the best pattern and helpful in all site
thanks you so much
i did it two time, really was very nice .
and i want to ask if any patterns like this to make for my new baby boy .
Could you use a lifeline? That would save you tinking, you could just take it off the needles and unwind it, knowing your stitches are all safely stored on waste yarn.
Hi Sunfish,
It is, of course, possible to unknit stitch by stitch, but I'm not sure it's possible to explain it in writing! One thing to look out for is that many of the stitches are out of order, meaning that the second stitch may be third on the needle (for example).
If this hurts your head and if you're not using a slippery yarn, you might be best off removing the stitches from the needle and unraveling your work to the row where you made the mistake.
Thanks so much for your question and please let us know if you have any more!
Whitney
I absolutely adore this pattern, and I have the perfect yarn to use, but I was wondering if there was any way to make the pattern reversible?
Thanks!
Lindo esse ponto. Mas no entendi como feito. Gostaria muito de fazer um cachecol com esse ponto. Poderia me explicar melhor? Ou existe algum vdeo?
HI Becca,
I haven't worked out a way to make this stitch reversible, but a reader named Dave did leave a comment last year with his idea about how it might work. He said,
"I was wondering if you tried knitting into the back of the second stitch, then knitting the first stitch, but instead of just purling the next two – use the pattern from the second row and purl into the second stitch, then into the first? That might create a reversible knit. I think that would show the pattern on both sides. I'll have to try that."
I agreed with him that, yes, he would have to try that! I hope that someone lets us know how it goes!
Thanks for your question and please let us know if you have more!
Whitney
I love this scarf! What cast on method did you use?
Hi Patricia B-
We used a long tail cast on.
Thank you!
Molly
What a lovely lovely scarf. But using 5 skeins of the yarn suggested would cost about $250. That's a lot for a scarf!
Hi Nik-
This scarf is made from a very special yarn so it is a bit of a splurge. However we are always happy to recommend less expensive (but still beautiful!) options! This project will work with any worsted weight yarn. Below are some ideas:
3 Skeins of Eco Cloud https://www.purlsoho.com/purl/products/item/8065-Cascade-Yarns-Eco-Cloud This yarn is soft and comes in great natural colors!
3 Skeins of Purlsoho's Worsted Twist https://www.purlsoho.com/purl/products/item/9239-Purl-Soho-Worsted-Twist Our exclusive 100% Merino is soft and smooth. The color "Sea Salt" would be a great substitution for the cashmere yarn we originally used.
2- 3 Skeins of For Better or Worsted https://www.purlsoho.com/purl/products/item/7913-Anzula-For-Better-or-Worsted This yarn is also very soft and comes in a beautiful rainbow of hand dyed colors.
Please let us know if you need any more help with this project and thanks for getting in touch!
Molly
The width of this pattern is 7 inches with 46 cast on stitches but I wanted to make it 10 inches. How many cast on stitches would I need then to make it 10 inches wide?
Hi Theresa-
Try casting on 64 stitches for an (approximately) 10-inch wide scarf. You will also probably need to buy more yarn than recommended to get the correct length.
Thanks!
Molly
What a beautiful scarf! I can’t wait to buy some yarn to start my own. Thank you for the pattern and tutorial. Another question though, the box with the beautiful roses? I’m so in love with it and would like to know what the roses are made out of please. Thanks again.
Hi Deidre-
Thanks! The plants in the background are actually succulents. We believe they are “Hen and Chicks” plants if you want to look for them on line or at a nursery.
Thanks for getting in touch!
Molly
This is beautiful! Can it be done on a loom?
Hi Tola-
We don’t have any experience with knitting looms so I’m afraid we can’t be of much help! But thank you so much for getting in touch!
Molly
Love this stitch and think it would look great for a hat, but not sure how to do the decreases. Any suggestions?
Thank you!
Hi Cheryl-
We’d be happy to walk you through the decreases. What instruction specifically are you having problems with?
Thanks for getting in touch!
Molly
I love this work! Can you explain in Spanish how can knit it?
Thank you so much!
Hi Alicia-
I’m afraid none of us speak Spanish well enough to translate a pattern. Perhaps you might find Google translate useful?
Sorry we can’t be of more help!
Molly
I am going to do this scarf now, but would like to make it into a cowl which my grandaughter would love, i do like this pattern. Here i go, thank you so much. X
Beautiful and easy to do….luv it!
the pattern was nice and easy.i am going to make a sweater for my daughter
bedankt, ga het zeker uitproberen heel mooie steek
Thanks, gonna definitely try this very beautiful stitch
I love this pattern. I wonder if this pattern can be done in two color.
Hi Usha,
Thank you for the comment! You could absolutely do this project with stripes or color blocks! If you want to work the stitch pattern in two colors (like a two color brioche) I would recommend trying it out! The only thing to keep in mind is to do the project on circular needles so you are able to access both sides of the project, which most two color stitch patterns require.
I hope this helps and I would love to hear about what you come up with!
Happy Knitting!
Jake
I (like others) loved this pattern but wanted a cheaper yarn to avoid spending $250 on one scarf. this was last winter, and I’m not 100% but I believe I ended up getting cascade 220 in a bright blue color, which my mother picked. after knitting the pattern for a few inches, I have to admit, I hate it! the combination of the bright blue color with the cheaper, scratchy looking yarn and the zig zags makes this scarf look like something a great grandma would knit. however, now I’m stuck with two skeins of this yarn and no idea what to knit with it. can anyone help me with a pattern that would work better with this cheaper type of yarn?
Hi Aurea,
We actually love Cascade 220, but you do want to pick the right project for it! We knit up our 70’s Ski Hat in bright colors of Cascade 220: https://www.purlsoho.com/create/2007/12/13/whits-knits-70s-ski-hat/
And here are a couple other projects that would work with Cascade 220 and would look awfully cute in bright blue…
Our Seed Stitch MItten and Hand Warmers: https://www.purlsoho.com/create/2014/02/14/whits-knits-seed-stitch-mittens-and-hand-warmers/
Or
Our Lovely Ribbed Cowl in Worsted Twist: https://www.purlsoho.com/create/2013/09/03/lovely-ribbed-cowl-in-worsted-twist/
Please let us know if you have any more questions along the way and thank you so much for this one!
Whitney
Hi,
I tried making a swatch but the individual purl (RS) and knit (WS) stitch always turn out with too much spacing in between.
Also, how do I knit this the round? Is it possible to knit this in the round so that the ribs are horizontal instead of vertical?
Hello Jasmin,
Very often knitters have different gauges when working purl and knitting stitches. Its possible that the difference you’re experiencing is because your purls are slightly looser or tighter than your knit stitches.
If you want to change the orientation of the ribs, I would recommend casting on the full length of your scarf and then knitting it that way instead of trying to translate the pattern to accommodate round knitting.
Feel free to write back with any other questions! Thanks! -Alyson
Is it possible to crochet this scarf?
I have tried knitting it but I’m not that good, got to the 8th row dropped a stitch and it unraveled…
Hello Eva,
If you ever are in the NYC area and need help troubleshooting your projects, stop by the shop and we can help you fix the dropped stitch!
You definitely can create a 3D ribbed pattern with crochet that would look similar to this stitch pattern, but it wouldn’t necessarily have the zig-zag effect like this pattern. A simple internet search for “crochet ribbed scarf” yields lots of options! Thanks for writing! -Alyson
thanks
Hi,
Do you know if it’s possible to do this in the round to make a cowl? I’m not sure what row 2 would be like. Maybe it’s not possible. What do you think??
☺️
Hello Dawn!
The stitch pattern would take quite a bit of re-working in order to knit the cowl in the round. I would recommend knitting the stitch pattern as written and then seam up the side with mattress stitch to avoid extra homework! Thanks so much for writing in and happy knitting! -Alyson
Thanks Alyson!!
:). love the pattern thanks for sharing (even though I do realize this is from a couple years ago. It’s new to me) 🙂
Hi, I was wondering if anyone know how to do this rib stitch using the loom?? Thanks.
Hello Jes!
I’ve done a little searching on the web and wasn’t able to find anything similar to this texture written for a loom. That certainly doesn’t mean it doesn’t exist! I would recommend consulting this wonderful resource: A Handweaver’s Pattern Book. You can check it out here: https://www.purlsoho.com/a-handweaver-s-pattern-book.html
I hope this helps you out a bit! -Alyson
I’m knitting this up in Blue Sky’s Suri Merino on #6’s, and it is turning out fantastic! Thank you for the amazing pattern!
I was wondering if anyone has any advice on joining in additional yarn. Side join? Middle join? Spit-splice? Not super confident on how to weave in ends on a pattern like this..
Also, a bit of advice from my own experience: at first, I had these strange loops that were showing up on the left side of the ribs on the front side of my work. I thought I was doing something wrong, so I kept tearing out and restarting. Finally I just went with it, and then the loops disappeared after a couple more rows. I was quite surprised. Hope that helps someone else out there who might be confused..
-Jess
Can you please tell me how many yards of yarn this takes?
Thank you!
Hi Monika,
Thanks for writing! For the 53 inch long scarf, we used 400 yards of Jade Sapphire’s 8 ply cashmere and for the 66 inch long scarf, we used 500 yards of the same yarn.
Happy knitting!
Cassy
I knitted your Rick Rack Scarf for my older son. It is wonderfully stretchy. Have you considered a hat in the round to match? Would love the pattern if there is one.
Hello Bettie,
Thanks so much for writing us! We haven’t had plans to make a hat in the round in this stitch, but will keep it in mind for the future! However, I think that this stitch has been modified to be worked in the round and there are some videos on YouTube explaining the process. Best of luck to you!
-Adam
I was wondering how many stitches I would use for a nice lap blanket?
Hi Nancy,
Thanks for writing in. I think that you’d need to cast on about 276 stitches to get a 42″ wide blanket in worsted yarn. In terms of how many skeins you’d need for a blanket roughly 50-60″ long depends on the yarn you choose. I hope this helps!
-Adam
Want to make this! But… how do you bind off with p1, k2 pattern?
Hi Ferris,
Thanks for writing us! When binding off in pattern you’ll want to knit/purl the stitches as you see them. For example, if you see a purl next up you’ll purl a stitch and then pass the first stitch over to bind off. If a knit is next, you’ll knit that stitch and then pass over. I hope this makes sense. Let me know if you have any questions!
-Adam
How can i do it if I am left handed?
Hello Celest,
Thanks for writing us! Whether you are left or right handed, you can do this stitch! Your yarn is always coming from your right-hand needle, so whether you wrap the yarn around the needle with your right or left hand doesn’t matter. Thanks again for writing in and let me know if you have any other questions!
-Adam
Can’t wait to try this patterm
How many grams of yarn will I need for this scarf pattern?
Hi Janet,
Thanks for the question! You’ll need 200-250g of worsted weight yarn. Thanks!
-Adam
Do you have this pattern in french please
Hi Lise,
Thank you for writing in! At present, our patterns are only available in English! Thank you for your request!
Best,
Cassy
Could this stitch be worked in the round? Would make really nice looking socks!
Hi Sally,
Since the rick rack stitch works on any multiple of 3 + 1 you could easily translate this to a sock pattern. You just need to make sure the cast on is a multiple of 3 + 1. For example 3 x 12 = 36, + 1 = 37 cast on stitches.
-Adam
I’m going to use this stitch and will reinforce in my brain that keeping the stitches loose is very important! Or, I’ll end up ripping it out and going back to boring feather and fan like I always seem to…..
Could this be made into a cowl? Gorgeous!
Hi Cindy,
Yes, this could definitely be made into a cowl. If you wanted to knit this in the round you can certainly find a tutorial on that on YouTube. I believe rick rack rib in the round takes any cast on multiple of 3. You can also start the scarf with a provisional cast on and graft the two ends together with a kitchener stitch at the end. Hope you’ll go for it!
-Adam
I knit using the continental method and am having a hard time with this pattern. Can you please explain how I can knit the scarf. Thanks!
Hi Andrea,
Thanks for the question. Whether knitting continental or english style the yarn is always coming from the right-hand needle. Holding the yarn in your right or left hand doesn’t change the fact that you are knitting into the back of the second stitch or the front of the first stitch.
All the best,
Adam
I am wanting to knit the Rick Rack Scarf and I am wanting to buy the Wheat Flour 1010WT Heather how many skeins would I need to buy for the scarf
Thanks
Elizabeth
Hi Elizabeth,
You’ll need 3-4 skeins depending on which size you want to make.
Thanks!
-Adam
I love knitting this rick rack stitch, but is there an easy way to take out the stitches when you find you need to tear out some stitches?
I used 19 stitches and about 16 inches to make a pretty head band which we passed out at our fiber fest this past weekend. The headbands were a big hit with the young girls that passed out knitting club. Thanks for the pattern.
Hi Helen,
Thanks for writing us! When you take your stitches off the needle you’ll notice that they untwist. This is normal and you should just restring your stitches in the order that they appear. Best of luck!
-Adam
Knitting this now in Sweer Georgia English ivy, love this pattern, thanks so much!!
Really neat stitches can’t wait to try it need nice stitches for nice scarves.
How do you think chunky yarn will work?
Hi Diane,
Thanks for writing in! So long as you choose a needle size that will work well with your yarn, this pattern should work well at any gauge. I would select a needle that is suggested for your yarn and knitting a gauge swatch in pattern. If you are happy with the look, go for it!
Happy knitting!
Cassy
May I make a suggestion for future videos tutorials ?
If is possible …
1) Can you zoom in closer to the work so I could see the stitches better and the mouvement of the feeding yarn ?
2) Can you make the videos tutorials in slow motion mouvements for the difficult parts, sections or steps ?
Thank you so much for your help.
Jenny
Hi Jenny,
Thanks for writing in! I find it helpful to sometimes open the video in YouTube so that I can make it full screen and see the fullness of the technique. You can even slow down the speed of the video! Here is the direct link to the video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d9GKNsC-6XE
I hope that this helps!
Cassy
Hi Cassy,
I have use the direct link video from You Tube. I was being able to open the video as full screen and to use the slow down feature. It was really helpful. Thank you so much.
However, I would like the video to be ZOOM IN CLOSER so I could see the small little stitches and where to place the knitting niddle. As I am a beginner that would be really appreciated and benefit my knitting journey. If that is possible for your store to record these feature. I would be grateful for your support.
Does the slip knot count as one stitche ? When I cast on 46 stitches. Is the slip knot include in the 46 stitches ? Can you give me an example ?
45 stitches + a slip knot = 46 stitches in total
Thank you so much for your help
Jenny
Hi Jenny,
Thanks for writing in! I am so glad that this information was helpful! At present we do not have the resources to make the video that you are requesting, however, we will certainly keep your request in mind for the future. If you are using a Mac, you can hit Command and + together to zoom into any web page and this may be of help for you to get a good view of what is going on! On a PC, you will hit Crtl and +.
The slip stitch does count as a stitch! Once you are done casting on, you will count all of the stitches on your needle including the slip stitch and you should have a total of 46 stitches!
I hope that this helps!
Cassy
Please teach me from start
From the very begining
Hi Vikram,
Thanks for writing in! In addition to the video on how to achieve this stitch, we do have many tutorials, some are videos and some are photos, on how to achieve a whole variety of techniques from casting on to how to magic loop! All of our tutorials can be found here: https://www.purlsoho.com/create/knit/tutorials/
Best,
Cassy
I just fell in love with this stitch a few years back but lost the pattern. Thank you so very much looking forward to more patterns God bless. Maria Leija.
Can the Rick Rack Row be knitted Continental style?
Hello Geraldine,
Thank you for reaching out- you can certainly knit this scarf Continental style!
Happy knitting!
-Marilla
How can I knit rick rack with two colors? Can you give me some instruction pls
Hi Marianna,
Thanks for reaching out! We have not seen this technique done in two colors! I did a quick search on Ravelry of those who have knit this project and see people who have color blocked the scarf (knitting a block in one color and another block in a different color). Knitting in 2 colors (alternating in columns) may take some trial and error to figure out how to achieve it and if you like the look. If you are up for the challenge, it could be a fun design challenge!
Best,
Cassy
I really like the rick rack pattern and would love to knit a hat using it. Can you tell me how to do the decrease at the top of the hat???? Thanks for your help. Your patterns are the best. Shirley.
Hi Shirley,
Thank you so much for the kind words! Unfortunately we do not have instructions for how to decrease in the Rick Rack stitch pattern. I would try to mimic the decreases used in our Dappled Hat and maintain the rick rack pattern between the columns of decreases.
I hope that helps!
Julianna
Would you be able to use this pattern for the cuff of a mitten
Hi Eileen,
Great question! Yes, I think you could use this stitch for a mitten cuff as it is quite stretchy – I would say it is just a bit less elastic than a regular 1×1 rib, but certainly much stretchier than stockinette.
I hope that helps!
Julianna
j’aimerais avoir la traduction en français pour les explications des points de tricot des abréviations employées
Hi Jacqueline,
Thanks for writing in! At present, our patterns are only available in English; however, you may be able to use our Knitting Terms and Abbreviations page with a translation program. We certainly appreciate the request!
Best,
Julianna
is dit patroon ook geschikt om een vest te maken
vg rita
Hello Rita,
Thank you for reaching out! You could certainly use this stitch for a cardigan, but I would recommend using a pattern that is knit flat rather than in the round.
I hope this helps and happy knitting!
-Marilla
hartelijk dank
dat wou ik ook doen
groetjes rita
ps wat een geweldige steek prachtig
I’ve seen so many knit stitches that require knitting in the back of the stitch. I already do that with all my knit stitches because I do Eastern European knitting. Therefore, I’d have to reverse the knit stitch ti knitting in the front of the stitch. I’ve tried doing that but it’s so awkward, so I just stick with patterns not requiring knitting through the back of the stitch. I can’t seem to find enough patterns that utilize Eastern European style knitting or even Portuguese style.
O vídeo não permitiu aumentar a tela e eu não consegui ver a realização do ponto…achobele muito lindo
Hello Ana,
Thank you for reaching out and the kind words! This link might work for you .
I hope this helps and happy knitting!
-Marilla
Muy bello punto y fácil de realizar. La explicación muy entendible.
Gracias por compartir.
un grand merci pour ce point qui en faite est joli est assez simple lorsque vous le faite doucement,par contre pour reveir esceque il faut tricotter les mailles envers??merci de m’aider
bien cordialement
hava
Hi Evelyne,
Thanks for writing in and for your kind words! Our Rick Rack Rib tutorial should help explain the knit/purl stitches!
All the best,
Gianna
muy bonito, pero me gustaría que estuviera en español, gracias
Hi Damarys,
Thanks for reaching out! Unfortunately, our patterns are only available in english but thank you for expressing your interest and I will be sure to pass this along to the rest of the team!
All the best,
Gianna
Mi piace moltissimo ci è punto é possibile utilizzando per una giacca?
Grazie Marilena
Hi Marilena,
Thanks for reaching out! I am sure that this stitch pattern could be adapted to use in a jacket!
If you do, please let us know how it turns out!
Happy knitting!
Gianna
Es muy practico
Hello, beautiful stitch.
Is it possible to knit it in the round.?
Thanks
Hi Ines,
Thanks for reaching out! That is a great questions, I haven’t heard of anyone working this stitch in the round but I think it could certainly be possible!
If you try this out please let us know how it turns out!
Happy knitting!
Gianna
I’ve tried this in the round and it works just fine. CO multiples of 3 (not 3 + 1!) and only work row 1. 🙂
Kann ich dieses Muster auch Socken verwenden, wie geht das?
Hi Brigitte,
Thanks for reaching out! That is a great questions, I haven’t heard of anyone working this stitch in the round or using it for socks, but I think it could certainly be possible and I think this stitch would be adorable on a pair of socks!
If you try this please let us know how it turns out!
Happy knitting!
Gianna
Do you accommodate knitting left handed. I get so tired of having to reverse patterns
Hi Margaret,
Thanks for reaching out! At this time we don’t have different variations of our patterns, but thank you so much for expressing your interest! I will be sure to pass this along to the rest of the team!
Happy knitting!
Gianna
bonjour merci et gratitudes pour vos explication de ce point très joli bonne journée et bien a vous au plaisir
You are very welcome!
All the best,
Margaret
I live in Ontario in Canada where can I purchase this yarn?
Hi Aria,
Thanks for reaching out! We don’t have any stockists in Canada, but we do ship internationally. I recommend going through our shipping page for more details on pricing and average delivery times.
Please do not hesitate to let us know if you have any other questions or concerns, as we are always happy to help our global community of makers!
All the best,
Lili
Hallo,
vielen Dank für die tolle Anleitung.
Ich habe dieses Muster für die Jackenblende verwendet, die ich an die Vorderteile und dem hinteren Halsausschnitt annähen möchte. Jetzt suche ich eine elastische Abkettmethode, die zwar dehnbar ist, aber gleichzeitig die Rippen nicht spreizt. Wie könnte ich es also am besten machen?
Vielen Dank
Waltraut
Hi Waltraut,
Thanks for writing in! I’m afraid that I don’t know of an especially stretchy bind-off technique for 2 x 1 ribbing, but I think that you’ll get a good result by binding off in pattern, as in the instructions. With blocking, you should be able to get the bind-off and cast-on edges to look pretty similar!
All the best,
Lili
I’m one skein into this scarf and it’s so so beautiful already! As it gets heavier I’m finding that the edges are curling in more. Will this come out with wet blocking?
Hi Arianna,
Thanks for writing in! Blocking will indeed help keep those edges from curling! I would also recommend pinning a few additional sections as it dries to give the best result and help the fabric dry in shape. An additional thing you could try is blocking the part of your scarf you have completed by putting it on a length of scrap yarn and blocking it in the fashion you would the finished piece! I hope this helps but please let me know if you have any other questions!
Happy knitting,
Gavriella