No-Purl Ribbed Scarf
It’s a purl-less rib! Yes, that’s right, a rib created without a single purl. It can’t be done, you say? Well, with a series of smartly placed slip stitches, indeed it can! I present to you a classic stitch pattern: the Cartridge Belt Rib.
Lots of knitters count the Cartridge Belt Rib among their favorite stitch patterns, and you can officially lump me in. This robust rib stitch produces prominent columns of elongated knit stitches separated by broad valleys of dense texture. The juxtaposition is not only fascinating; it’s beautiful too.
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!
I knit up this quick and easy No-Purl Ribbed Scarf in Purl Soho’s gorgeous Alpaca Pure. Outrageously cozy, nothing feels better on cold day! -Laura
Update: Now a Blanket Pattern!
September 14, 2018
With a simple 2-row repeat of knit and slip stitches, the No-Purl Ribbed Blanket pattern is made for momentum. We knit up our blanket in Season Alpaca, 100% baby alpaca classically plied into a sportweight. So, if lofty ribs are your cup of tea but purling isn’t, take it easy with this No-Purl Ribbed Scarf and our No-Purl Ribbed Blanket!
Update: Now also a Wrap!
March 27, 2019
Our beautiful No-Purl Ribbed Wrap uses four skeins of our gorgeous Line Weight yarn, a pure and simple single-ply merino wool lightweight enough to serve all three scarf seasons and cozy enough to feel good anytime!
UPDATE: NOW IN YONDER
SEPTEMBER 2024
We updated this classic pattern so you can knit it in Yonder, itself a classic, made with 50% highland wool and 50% alpaca. Worsted-weight Yonder’s lofty 3-ply spin is makes these plump mock-ribs pop. The bounce of highland wool is perfectly paired with alpaca’s supple softness for a hearty and satisfying knit! Cast on for a knitter’s classic with our No-Purl Ribbed Scarf in Yonder!
Designed by Purl Soho designer, Laura Ferguson.
Share your progress and connect with the community by tagging your pics with #PurlSoho. We can’t wait to see what you make!
Want to print this pattern? On desktop, find the “print” icon in the right margin, and on mobile, scroll to the end of the pattern for it. Use the on-screen instructions to remove anything you don’t want to print!
Materials
- 4 (5) skeins of Purl Soho’s Alpaca Pure, 100% alpaca. Each skein is 109 yards/ 100 grams; approximately 436 (545) yards required. We used the color Steel Blue.
- US 8 (5 mm) straight or circular needles
Gauge
22 stitches = 4 inches in stitch pattern
Size
8½ inches wide x 64 (80) inches long
Notes
Slip all slipped stitches purlwise.
This stitch pattern is worked over a multiple of 4 + 3 stitches.
Pattern
Cast on 47 stitches. We used a basic Long Tail Cast On.
Row 1: K3, *slip 1 wyif (with yarn in front), k3, repeat from * to end of row.
Row 2: K1, *slip 1 wyif, k3, repeat from * to last 2 stitches, slip 1 wyif, k1.
Repeat Rows 1 and 2 until piece measures 64 (80) inches from cast on edge or until desired length, ending with Row 2.
Bind off in a k3, p1 rib. Here’s how… K2, slip the first stitch over, k1, slip the first stitch over, *p1, slip the first stitch over, [k1, slip the first stitch over] 3 times, repeat from * to end of row.
Weave in ends and block as desired.
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!
PDF! Woo! You all are awesome. And this pattern is doubly awesome since I made the forever baby blanket and I love it 🙂
I do love me some cartridge belt rib 🙂 looks so lush and cozy. And that blue is gorgeous!
I think you may have a small error- under “Notes” you have “This stitch pattern is worked over a multiple of 4 + 1 stitches.” but I’m fairly certain it is actually worked over a multiple of 4 + 3.
Carolyn!
You are absolutely right. That is a typo on my end. As you have kindly pointed out it should (and now does) read 4 + 3!
Thank you so much for writing in.
Don’t know what we’d do without our commenters.
Thanks.
Laura
I am a UK follower of the site. I love this stitch and have used it many times, only my Mother and I always knew it as “False Rib stitch”
Well, we are British!
Is the scarf in the picture on the blog made from the Alpaca Pure you are promoting? It looks to have a blend of colours.
Thanks
And bes wishes
Kay Parry
Hi Kay.
I love how a stitch patterns have so many different names, specific to different places or eras.
I used just a single color of the Alpaca Pure. It is a beautiful yarn. The fiber takes color very well and results in richly colored yarn. The tight spin also make is so the yarn catches the light in a way that creates a lot of depth, sometimes making it as though it has several colors in it.
Thanks for writing in. Let me know if you have any other question!
Laura
“This stitch pattern is worked over a multiple of 4 + 1 stitches.”
47-1 = 46
46 ≠ a multiple of 4
clf. Hello.
Thanks for writing in. You are right 47 is not a multiple of 4 +1. That note (which has since been corrected) should read (and now does) 4 + 3 stitches.
Thank you again for writing in.
My apologies for the typo.
Best,
Laura
I haven’t tried this yet, but 47 isn’t a multiple of 4plus1.
Dear Lyn,
Thank you so much for pointing out our mistake! We’ve updated the stitch multiple which should have said 4 + 3.
732 Main Road
Not understanding Lyn’s question…so do I follow the pattern as written??
Thanks
Hi Margaret.
Sorry for the confusion. The pattern is correct. You can cast on and follow the patter as written!
Originally there was a typo in the NOTES section, but it has since been resolved.
Sorry again and thanks for checking in.
Best,
Laura
I love this…does anyone have a hat pattern to go with this…I would love to make one of those muffin top slouch hats go with this scarf!
This is a stitch that I haven’t come across before, but it looks so lush and cozy that I’m excited to give it a whirl!
Unless I’m mistaken, some of the pictures show a multicoloured version of the scarf. I adore the look of it. How would the multi yarn version be made?
Hi Emily.
Thanks for writing in.
Shockingly, there are no multi-colored versions shown here. The scarf photographed is the color Steel Blue in our Alpaca Pure yarn. I think the light is just catching the spin of the yarn and the stitch pattern in a way that shows immense depth and range of color value. It’s incredible, huh? I love this yarn.
Thanks again for writing in.
Laura
I cannot wait to knit this. Thanks so much for the pattern. Woo-hoo! I have something to do while hubby and the boys are watching football.
I can’t wait to try this..but I want to come and get the yarn you used! I have to have a reason to come see you guys! LOL!
Beautiful. Thank you!
Can I expect to have to carry a lint roller if I use the pure alpaca yarn?
Hey Kmbold,
I am so glad you asked that… No! You won’t have to carry a lint roller. One of the most fantastic things about Alpaca Pure is how it is spun. It is not the kind of alpaca, where when you knit it you are constantly pulling fiber from your lip gloss and coffee mug. For alpaca, it’s pretty light on the shedding spectrum.
It’s a wonderful yarn. I really encourage you try it!
Laura
Where’s the print button that used to be at the bottom of each pattern? Love the new website but please bring that button back!
Hi Jana,
Thanks for writing in.
We not longer have a print button… but NOW we are offering out new patterns (and hopefully over time, all of our favorite older patterns) as printable PDFs. If you look just under the PATTERN section you’ll find a note with a hyperlink that that will take you to the printable PDF!
Laura
Totally cute! Now please throw us crocheters a bone and make a pattern for us too!
Thanks!!
Hi! Want to get the 5 hanks of the Alpaca Pure in Steel Blue but do not see the color on the Alpaca pure page – did you get a total run on this color?
Please advise – thank you very kindly!
Hi Kristin-
We have sold out of the Steel Blue color for the moment but if you email customerservice AT purlsoho DOT com they can let you know when we are expecting more.
Thanks!
Molly
545 W 111th St Apt 3J
please let me know when the steel blue comes in should have bought it this morning but was busy at work…would like to purchase 4 skeins
does the soho store have it??
Hi Lucille.
I am so sorry we sold out online before you had a chance to get some.
For inventory of the Blue Steel at the NY store, please contact the shop at (212) 420-8796
Or to contact our e-commerce site, email customerservice AT purlsoho DOT com and they can let you know when we are expecting more.
Thanks for your interest in this pattern and yarn!
Best,
Laura
Can you give me your merino substitution for the Alpaca?
Mar
Hi Mar-
Our Worsted Twist yarn is 100% merino (and very soft!) and would work well for this pattern!
https://www.purlsoho.com/purl/products/item/9239-Purl-Soho-Worsted-Twist
Thanks so much for your question and please let us know if you need any more help!
Molly
Hi Molly 🙂
Switching to this Merino suggestion, would one still use the same amount of skeins as listed with the Alpaca version?
Hi Nicole,
Laura here. You’ll need fewer skeins if you’re using the Worsted Twist. Worsted Twist has 164 yards per skein while the Alpaca Pure has only 109. So, 3 skeins of the Worsted Twist would be comparable to using 4 1/2 skeins of the Alpaca Pure (the amount used in the sample scarf shown in the pictures).
Hope this helps!
Thanks for writing in.
Laura
Question: several of the photos appear to have a variegated pattern of blues–the yarn shown does not–is this a mix of colors? If so, can you provide a pattern? Thanks!
Hi Ellenm-
The scarf in these photos uses just one color of yarn. The peaks and valleys of the stitch pattern create shadows which makes it look more variegated than it is.
Thanks for your question!
Molly
This is lovely and the ribbing really accentuates the shades of blue. Great pattern. Thanks for making this a freebie.
Love this pattern! Can’t wait to make some gifts!!
Could you please offer a suggestion for which yarn to use for this pattern in cashmere? Would like to make one extra luxurious.
Many thanks,
LB
Hi LB-
What a lovely idea! Jade Sapphire 8 ply cashmere would work beautifully! You might want to buy an extra skein since it’s a little bit shorter than the Alpaca Pure.
Thanks so much for your question and please let us know if need any more help!
Molly
Thank you
Hi. Is there a video showing how to do this sticth?
Hi Irene.
Unfortunately, no, there is not currently a video for this stitch. Thank you for your request though. We’ll be sure to put it on the list of things to video. We appreciate your interest in the pattern.
Thanks for writing in.
Laura
Actually, YES, there is a video on YouTube.com. It is called The Cartridge Belt Stitch and is from New Stitch a Day. I just viewed it to make sure I was doing the stitch correctly, which I am.
Thanks again for this great, versatile pattern.
can you advise- do i need 4 or 5 skeins if using Alpaca pure?
thank you!
Hi Rebecca,
I used approximately 4 1/2 skeins of the Alpaca Pure to make the scarf pictured here. 4 skeins will result in a scarf that is 64 inches long. 5 skeins will get you 80 inches in length. Knitter’s choice!
Thanks for writing in.
Best,
Laura
Laura, thank you for your advice about the skeins. can you give me some guidance about the stitch gauge? is it 22 (or actually 23 stitches for the pattern) by 22 rows for the 4 inches? i would like to get the gauge to duplicate what is in the picture. Thank you!
Hi Rebecca,
The pattern is worked over a multiple of 4 + 3 stitches.
The gauge is 22 stitches = 4 inches.
To make a gauge of the swatch, you’ll need to cast on a multiple of 4 + 3 stitch. I think I probably made a 27 stitch swatch and then came to get my gauge of 22 stitches = 4 inches.
I hope this helps.
Please let me know if you have any questions.
Laura
Did a deep dive to find this comment, but this is very helpful! Thanks!
Thanks for this fab pattern! I’m going to purchase some of your yarn when I’m finished typing this message.
How would a Gal go about knitting this scarf on circular needles?
Hi Lilyellen,
Thanks for writing in.
You can work this scarf on straight or circular needles. If you are working on circular needles, simply turn your work once you reach the end of the row, just as you would if you were on straights.
Hope this helps.
Laura
would like instructions for making this on circular needles
Hi Kathleen.
Thank you for your interest in this pattern. Unfortunately at this time we do not offer this pattern for working it in the round. We do however have a ton of other fantastic cowl patterns. https://www.purlsoho.com/create/category/knit-accessories/knit-accessories-type-cowls/ Hopefully we have something that will catch your eye. The Fluted Cowl https://www.purlsoho.com/create/2012/11/11/super-soft-merino-fluted-cowl/ although worked up in a thicker yarn, is a very similar fabric to our No-Purl Ribbed Scarf.
Do let us know if you have any questions and thank you again for your request.
Best.
Laura
Hi!
I would love to knit this scarf in black – it is for a friend who wears only black/white. The dark loam looks like it might be a bit on the brownish side. Do you have a recommendation in another yarn that has a similar look/feel as your beautiful Alpaca Pure?
Thanks so much!
Hi littlespider-
You are right that the Dark Loam isn’t 100% black, it’s more of a soft black/ very deep brown.
For a deeper black you can try any heavy worsted weight yarn. Here are some suggestions that come in true black:
8 ply Cashmere: https://www.purlsoho.com/purl/products/item/819-Jade-Sapphire-8-ply-Cashmere
Cascade 220: https://www.purlsoho.com/purl/products/item/649-Cascade-Yarns-Cascade-220
The following yarns contain black but have a lot of variation, which might show off the texture of the scarf nicely.
Madeline Tosh (in Dirty Panther) https://www.purlsoho.com/purl/products/item/8234-Madelinetosh-Tosh-Merino
Eco Duo in Zebra: https://www.purlsoho.com/purl/products/item/6858-Cascade-Yarns-Eco-Duo
Thanks so much for your fun question!
Molly
Thanks for the suggestions Molly – I might give Dirty Panther a try. What an intriguing name for a yarn…
-littlespider
Hi! This pattern is simple and beautiful. I have already found it in European sites as Mistake Rib pattern. My needles are US size 13 and I have 3 skeins Bergere de France wool (100 gr – 76 yds). Should I give it a try? Does it worth it or my needles are too large for this pattern? Please advice!
Hi EvanthiaGreece.
I am unfamiliar with that yarn, but the nice thing about this pattern is that it can be done in any weight yarn with needles to match it. Is a US #13 suggested for this yarn you wrote of? If yes, then it’ll probably work out wonderfully. You may want to cast on fewer stitches to ensure that your scarf be long enough and not overly wide. I would suggest knitting up a swatch to get a better idea for the fabric your wool and needles create.
Please let me know if you have any questions.
Thanks for writing in.
Laura
Laura thank you for your response. I’ ll give it a try!
I am working on the pattern now, with a lovely wool blend of cream, white, gray . I love this pattern, it is so soft , classic, and
complements any outfit.
I am using this pattern to knit a scarf using Bernat Alpaca in Aqua. I haven’t knitted in over 40 years so please excuse my naivete. I was doing fine and then lost count of my rows. Figured it was OK to simply look at the last row knitted to determine how to start the next row (K3 vs. K1). Well that was a mistake, now my rows aren’t lining up. I can’t find anything on the internet about how to rip this pattern back. Should I give up and start over? Was I foolish to think that the next row can be determined by the previous row’s pattern? Thanks for any suggestions you can lend me.
Sandra… you are far from foolish. By the sounds of it, you know how to “read” your knitting and are confident and brave enough to try to figure things out when they go wrong. Far from foolish! Looking at the previous row to figure out the next row is a great plan. I would rip back to where the scarf looks correct and then give it another try, reading the row below to figure out the next row. Worst case, you try one way, see it’s wrong, rip back one row and do it right!
You can rip back one stitch at a time, which may help you study how each stitch and each row interacts with each other, or you can slip your needle our from your stitches and just pull with no abandon. Your choice!
Let me know how it goes and if you have any questions at all!
Thanks for writing in.
Laura
Hi Laura – I started over one more time and I’m so glad I did. This time I kept track of my rows on paper and because my tension became more consistent I can now easily see the design of each stitch. This is a wonderful pattern, perfect for a beginner or someone taking up knitting again such as myself. The alpaca fibers I’m working with are a little tricky plus I’m using a dark color. It’s important to have good lighting which I didn’t make use of at first. Thank you so much for posting this pattern. I’ll be trying the Colorblock Hand Warmers for my next project.
Sanda,
So glad to hear it’s going well!
You’re going to love Whitney’s Colorblock Hand Warmers!
Laura
Is there a method I can use to tink my mistakes, especially for the slipped stitch? I’ve had to rip out twice now because my efforts to reverse stitch by stitch have been unsuccessful. I can tink the knitted stitches but not the slipped stitch.
Hi again Sandra.
Just be sure the working yarn is coming out from behind the stitches as you go, otherwise you won’t be able to rip back, it’ll get all caught up. So just as you knit it moving the yarn from the near side of the fabric to the far (the front the to the back and back to front), you’ll need to do this as you rip out as well.
Let me know if this is unclear!
I’d love to get your back on track with this project.
Laura
Is the colour steel blue still available.
Hi Suzanne-
Yes but it is temporarily sold out. If you’d like to be informed when it comes back in stock please email customerservice AT purlsoho DOT com.
Thank you!
Molly
I may be doing something wrong, but when I’m doing Row 2 and get to the end … if I go according to the pattern the last few stitches end up being K3, slip1 wyif, slip1 wyif, k1 … is that correct? Thanks!
Hi Alexis.
For Row 2 you repeat (slip 1 wyif, k3) until 2 stitches remain, then you slip 1 wyif and k1.
So your last three stitches should be a k1, slip 1 wyif, k1.
Did you modify the cast on number?
It sounds like you may not be working across a multiple of 4 + 3.
Let me know if you have any questions.
Thanks.
Laura
Thanks so much for the quick reply Laura. I think I was missing a stitch early on. I think I have it now.
thank you so much for this pattern !! i did enjoy it so much, for a nice sweat soft scarf, and no pain with purls !!
Hello, I was wondering if it’s possible to do this in the round using circular needles. Do I still cast on in multiples of 4+3? Thanks!
Hey Laura.
Unfortunately at this time we do not have this exact pattern written for working it in the round. You may want to check out our Fluted Cowl project. It isn’t the exact same fabric, but similar: https://www.purlsoho.com/create/2012/11/11/super-soft-merino-fluted-cowl/
Thanks for your interest in the pattern and we’ll definitely keep your request in mind.
Laura
I’ve been working on this scarf and just now realized that I was supposed to be slipping all stitches purlwise. I’ve been slipping them knitwise. Did I totally screw up? Should I start over? Thanks for your help!
Hi Amanda-
If you like how it looks you should just keep going! The stitches will just be a bit twisted, but it’s probably still lovely if you’re just noticing now!
Best-
Molly
Thanks! Appreciate the quick response!
Hi, I am a quite beginner at knitting and love how this is turning out. I would love to knit a matching hat to go with this scarf. Would you have any patterns to follow?
p.s thank you so much, your tutorials have been a life saver!
Hi Tara-
We don’t have a hat in the no-purl pattern but we do have a lot of other great hat patterns. You can check them all out here: https://www.purlsoho.com/create/category/knit/projects-knit/accessories-projects-knit/hats-projects-knit/
Thanks so much for your kind words about our site and please let us know if you need any more help!
Best-
Molly
what is meant by wyif (with yarn in front) i am very nee to knitting, but know how to do basic knit stitch and sometimes purl, lol. The terminology for knitting is so different from crochet
Hi Donna-
“With yarn in front” means to pull the yarn to the front of your work, like you do when you are going to purl.
Thanks for getting in touch and please let us know if you have any more questions!
Best-
Molly
I’m excited to try this new stitch. In the Bind Off what does this mean:
“slip the first stitch over” in the context with the other stitches?
Thank you.
Hi Deb.
Thanks for writing in.
With a basic bind off, you work one stitch, then work a second stitch and then you slip that first stitch over the second stitch and off the right needle. So for this bind off, it’s no different. You’ll K2, slip the first stitch over, k1, slip the first stitch over, *p1, slip the first stitch over, [k1, slip the first stitch over] 3 times, repeat from * to end of row.
Please let us know if you have any questions!
Laura
I’m trying this for the first time but I also used your knitting cast-on mod (knit through the back loop). How will this affect the way I bind off? Do I need to modify the bind-off at all?
Hi Kim.
Thanks for writing in. Forgive me, but I am not entirely sure what knitting cast on mod (knit through the back loop) you’re referring to. I used a long take cast on for this project and I bound off in a k3, p1 rib.
Please write us back. Hopefully I can be of more assistance.
Laura
This looks really luxurious, but, having started numerous patterns, i am not sure how this will look as a 2×2 rib stripe. I am using debbie bliss’s cashmerino Dk yarn and would appreciate any advice as to how this would work as a stripe. I have a strong feeling that wuth the slips on different stitches, the colours wouldnt work out in even stripes, giving a fully re ersible scarf. Many thanks.
Hi Maryerlene.
I have never tried this stitch pattern in combination with striping. I think you are correct though, due to all the yarn overs, it may not come out with that same luxurious, fluid feel that it has now. The textures of the stripes may interrupt the complexity of the rib pattern and be overly visually busy. I mean it’s definitely worth a try, but the pattern may involve some slight modifications for it to fully work.
Thanks for writing in.
Laura
Yes, you can do this in a stripe very easily. I am making a charity scarf right now with width-wise stripes of sage and dark brown.
Whenever you change a color you simply work a plain row all the way across.
If you are changing on the right side, knit across and then re-establish the pattern on the WS row.
If changing to work the new color on the WS, then purl all sts across and re-establish the pattern on the RS row.
It works beautifully. This is the same technique used in making stripes in regular rib fabric.
I love this pattern and am totally going to do the baby blanket as well. To bad when I started it I was reading the blanket pattern and ended up having to figure out the stitch pattern on my own. That’s what I get for starting something late at night when I should be sleeping. lol
I wish you would design a hat to match. I am almost done with the scarf and hat would make a great gift.
Please design a hat to match. It would make such a wonderful gift set. I am almost half done making a scarf for my Dad.
Hi Tamara,
Thanks for your request!
We will keep it in mind for sure. It’s a great stitch and a great idea.
Best,
Laura
Thank you for this stitch and pattern. I’m so surprised I haven’t come across this stitch befor. I have difficulty with the purl stitch due to tendonidis (spl?) So this is wonderful to find.
I love the No-Purl Rib Scarf, aka Cartridge Belt Stitch. I am going to share it with my church knitting group where we make scarves to give out at Christmas. I love the simplicity of the pattern, but I can foresee that some knitters will have a problem of where to put the yarn AFTER the slip stitch, especially if they have ever worked a brioche stitch where the YO and the slip st stay together.
Here is what I have added at the top of the pattern:
wyif = with yarn in front; yb = take yarn to back
Work Sl st: Slip 1 wyif, yb to k3.
I hope this will make it absolutely clear about how to handle the yarn at that point.
Thanks so much for sharing this with us all.
Knitted up beautifully
Thanks for great free patts
This is fantastic! a good pattern for watching basketball. I had a light blue wool worsted in my stash that will combine with a beautiful wool blue/cream skein my niece gave my daughter from an art festival. I did a provisional cast on of 31 sts so I can graft the opposite end to make an infinity scarf; using 10 1/2 needles and getting a lacy but still substantive look. The stitch is perfect for a larger needle if you want a drapier scarf. My 20-something daughter. will love this! Thank you thank you thank you!
I’m excited to try this pattern, but I’m having trouble understanding the explanation for the bind off. When describing the repeat, what exactly does the *p1, slip the first stitch over, [k1, slip the first stitch over] 3 times mean?
Is it *p1, slip the first stitch over (do this 3 times), then k1, slip the first stitch over, repeat from *
Thanks
Hi Susana.
I’m glad you wrote in.
The bind off directions say to… K2, slip the first stitch over, k1, slip the first stitch over, *p1, slip the first stitch over, [k1, slip the first stitch over] 3 times, repeat from * to end of row.
The part that you repeat 3 times, is what is inside of the brackets then you you repeat from the * at the p1. In other words it would be like saying “…*p1, slip the first stitch over, k1, slip the first stitch over, k1, slip the first stitch over, k1, slip the first stitch over, repeat from * to end of row.
I hope this helps! Please let me know if you have questions.
Laura
I just finished this scarf and I love it! It is the first completed object on my gift list for Christmas 2015! I used The Alpaca Pure in toasted Charcoal.
Hi!!
I just learned how to knit and I read somewhere that you don’t knit the first stitch at the beginning of the row, is that for all the patterns (including this) or is a matter of taste ??
Hi Sophie!
Welcome to the vast world of knitting and great question.
Slipping the first stitch of a row is dependent on the pattern and also the person. Sometimes yes, it is a matter of taste. Sometimes it can be an integral part of a design.
For our patterns here on this site, we will always let you know if we slipped the first stitch.
Thanks for writing in and please let us know if you have any questions at all!
Laura
I can’t find the print PDF link after the pattern. Can you help? Thanks. This pattern is going to be used for several Christmas gifts.
Hi Tommye1218.
Oh I am so sorry for the confusion. We used to have a link to a PDF under the section header “PATTERN”, but we eliminated it since we now have a print feature on our site that will make a PDF for you! If you’re on a desktop version of the site, you will find a “print†icon in the right column just below the date and tags. If you’re on a mobile version of the site, you will find a “print†icon below the pattern and above the comments.
Follow the easy on-screen instructions to delete whichever parts of the pattern you don’t want to print or save. For example, you may decide to shorten the pattern by omitting certain images or the list of materials.
Please let us know if you have any questions.
Happy Christmas-gift Knitting!!
Laura
How could I turn this pattern into a shorter cowl instead of a scarf?
Hi Francine.
Thanks for writing in. I’m afraid that at this time we do not have this exact pattern written for working it in the round. You may want to check out our Fluted Cowl project though. It isn’t the exact same fabric, but it is very similar: https://www.purlsoho.com/create/2012/11/11/super-soft-merino-fluted-cowl/ We also have a bunch of other cowls patterns: https://www.purlsoho.com/create/tag/cowls/
Thanks for your interest in the pattern and please let us know if you have any questions!
Laura
Hi!
I love this pattern and would like to make it as a shawl. I doubled the 47 to 94 but the pattern didn’t work out. What did I do wrong?
I love your site and look forward to seeing your store the next time I am in NYC!
Tamara Davis
Hi Tamara.
I’m really glad you wrote in. The cast on has to be a multiple of 4 + 3 stitches. In other words…
4 x 11 = 44. 44 + 3 = 47
So for a number around twice my cast on of 47, you could do 91 or 95 or 99 stitches!
4 x 22 = 88. 88 + 3 = 91
4 x 23 = 92. 92 + 3 = 95
4 x 24 = 96. 96 + 3 = 99
Thank you for writing in Tamara. We look forward to having you in the NYC shop!
Best,
Laura
Can this be done on circular needles?
Hello, Sheila!
Thank you so much for writing in! Sorry about the delayed response! You can totally knit this flat using circular needles. If you have further questions please let us know!
Best wishes,
Kumeko
Very nice pattern .Thank you .
Beautiful stitch. Is an actual purl stitch used on the bind off row?
I am confused.
Hello, Dolores!
Thank you for writing in! For the bind off row you’ll be binding off in a k3, p1 rib. To do this you will K2, slip the first stitch over, k1, slip the first stitch over, *p1, slip the first stitch over, [k1, slip the first stitch over] 3 times, repeat from * to end of row.
Does that help? Please let us know!
Best,
Kumeko
Helped me, thanks!
On the No-Purl Ribbed Scarf, when binding off, the part in brackets, ” [k1, slip the first stitch over] 3 times”, I am to do that sequence 3x, and after the 3rd time, I repeat from the *p1, and start that sequence, with the bracket part, over to the end of row. Is that correct? I have never done a bind-off like that, and want to make sure I understand!
Thank you!
Hi Mary,
You are correct. You’ll first P1 and then repeat the instructions in the brackets three times and then repeat from P1 again. Good luck and happy knitting!
-Adam
Hi! I just wanted to let everyone know, I recently made this scarf with worsted twist and it came out beautifully. I used 3 skeins to make a 72 inch scarf.
Thank you for this pattern!
Also, I should add, I casted on 43 stitches for the above scarf.
Is this brioche stitch?
Hi Linda,
Thanks for writing in! This stitch pattern is not achieved using brioche. In simplest terms, the brioche stitch involves knitting 2 together a various points in the stitch pattern whereas the stitch pattern in this scarf is a combination of knits, purls and slipped stitches. We do have a scarf that uses the brioche stitch if you would like to examine the pattern further. It is the Brioche Scarf.
Happy knitting!
Cassy
I’m wanting to make this scarf using the Mulberry Merino yarn…your thoughts? Would I need the same amount of skeins as if using the Alpaca Pure? Also, making for a man who does his own laundry, can you suggest a yarn/fiber more washing machine friendly? Thanks! ❤️
Hi Sandii,
Thanks for writing in and for your interest in this pattern! You could do this scarf in Mulberry Merino, but you’d have to adjust the cast on amount since Alpaca Pure is a thicker yarn. Also, Mulberry Merino is not machine washable — only by hand. I suggest you try looking at Anzula – For Better or Worsted. This yarn is worsted weight like Alpaca Pure and even better, it is machine washable! Happy hunting!
Best,
Adam
If I wanted to make this a bit narrower, would you suggest I size down on needles (to a US 6 or 7) or that I cast on 43 stitches instead??
Hi Judy,
Thanks for writing in! To make this scarf a bit narrower, all you will have to do is adjust the stitch count. I would not recommend changing the needle size as it will change the quality of the fabric. That said you could always do a gauge swatch to see if going down a needle size or two creates a fabric that you like. To adjust the cast-on you will need to cast-on a multiple of 4 + 3 stitches.
I hope that this helps and happy knitting!
Cassy
Thanks! I’m excited to get started with this one.
Hi, I love this pattern and it was great fun making it! was wondering about blocking? Its already pretty long, does it actually need to be blocked? Thanks Lorna
Hi Lorna,
Thanks for the question! Blocking for this scarf is be personal preference. I find that blocking evens out my stitches and thus do it for every item that I knit. However, if your scarf looks great when you are finished, you may not need to block it. The beauty of knitting is that we get to make our own rules! You can certainly forgo blocking in this case so long as you love your scarf!
Happy knitting!
Cassy
Hi Cassy,
Thanks so much for your reply! Yes I’m super happy with the result and will give it to my boyfriend as a Sinterklaas present (Dutch holiday). Love all your patters! -L x
Can this be knit in the round?
Thanks.
Hi, Lisa!
Thank you for your interest in this pattern. Unfortunately at this time we do not offer this pattern for working it in the round. We do however have a ton of other fantastic cowl patterns. https://www.purlsoho.com/create/category/knit-accessories/knit-accessories-type-cowls/ Hopefully we have something that will catch your eye. The Fluted Cowl https://www.purlsoho.com/create/2012/11/11/super-soft-merino-fluted-cowl/ is worked up in a thicker yarn but it is a very similar fabric to our No-Purl Ribbed Scarf.
Please let us know if you have any further questions and thank you for writing in!
Best,
Kumeko
I was thinking of doing this or brioche in the new cashmere merino bloom. I would think you could make it long then sew ends together to make it a cowl. Like you do with the gradient cowl.
Hi Cheryl,
Thanks for writing in! You absolutely could turn the scarf into a cowl using the same technique as our gradient cowl. I think that the resulting cowl would be lovely!
Happy knitting!
Cassy
Hello,
could you let me know if the odd numbered rows are the RS? I am mirror knitting so I am always facing the RS, and therefore would like to know what’s RS and what’s WS. Also, what cast on do you suggest? Longtail?
Thank you 🙂
Hi Andrea,
Thanks for writing in! How cool! Mirror knitting is such a neat technique. This scarf is totally reversible so there is no wrong or right side. You can decide which side you would like to be the right versus the wrong side and it should come out beautifully. As far as a cast-on, unless otherwise noted, we always use the long tail cast-on. We think it makes a neat and stretchy beginning to this project and many more!
Happy knitting!
Cassy
I want to make a sweater using this method. I am using a picture as my pattern. There are increases on both sides of six rows of rib stitching. Can increases and decreases be done using this no purl rib method. I love the concept. Thank you for your help.
Hi Betty,
Thanks for writing in to us! I think it’s doable to increase and decrease in this stitch. Both the increases and decreases for this stitch will be a style element in the sweater because it’s a four stitch repeat. In other words, you’ll have a few rows when increasing/decreasing where the increase will not be at the four stitch repeat. Once you have increased/decreased four stitches, the pattern will normalize. Best of luck!
-Adam
I recently finished the no purl scarf using Juniper Moon Herriot on #8 needles. I have a lovely, soft scarf. I now have two skeins (200 yds each) of each of three colors. I would like to make another one of your scarves. Which of your patterns would you suggest I try.
Hi Sarah,
Thank you for writing in! We are delighted to hear that you enjoy your No-Purl Ribbed scarf! You could give our Color Tipped Scarf or our Fisherman’s Rib Cowl a try. Let us know what you think!
Best wishes,
Kumeko
Is there a way to produce a nicer selvage for this pattern?
Love all your patterns!!
Thanks,
Anne
Hi Anne,
I think that if you slip 1 purl-wise through the back loop, you’ll get the selvedge you are looking for.
Best,
Adam
Help! I just started this this evening and while I haven’t gotten very far the slipped stitches are proving to be much tighter than the ones I’m knitting, causing the scarf to curl up. I’ve never tried this technique so I’m not sure if I’m doing something wrong or if it will lay flat once it’s long enough. Any tips, or should I just start over? I’m trying to leave them loose but I can’t tell if it’s helping. Thanks!
Hi Amanda!
Thank you so much for writing in! As you noted, it sounds like your tension on the slipped stitch is on the tight side. Blocking the scarf once you’ve finished should help flatten out some that curl. Please keep us updated on your progress!
Best wishes,
Kumeko
I’m using 100% acrylic yarn for a scarf for my five year old granddaughter. Will this pattern work with this thicker yarn?
Hi Karen!
Thank you so much for writing in! You can totally use a chunkier yarn with this pattern! You will need to adjust the number of cast-on stitches, but we are happy to help you figure that out. The No-Purl Ribbed Scarf is worked over a multiple of 4 + 3 stitches. So, to determine your cast on number you would multiply the number of stitches you are getting per inch by how wide you would like the scarf. Then make sure that that number is a multiple of 4 + 3. Please let us know if you have further questions!
Best wishes,
Kumeko
Can I make this scarf using two colors, similar to the color dipped scarf? Thanks!!
Hi Lisa,
Thanks for writing us! Unfortunately this stitch pattern doesn’t work well with color work because it’s not a brioche or a fisherman’s rib. We do have a Color Dipped Scarf pattern though! Check it out!
-Adam
I would like to make this scarf using Cashmere Blum. Needle size and cast on?
Hi Sandy,
Thanks for writing in! I think that this scarf would be lovely in Cashmere Merino Bloom. To get a scarf of equal width, I would suggest casting on 59 stitches on US 6 needles.
I hope that this helps and happy knitting!
Cassy
Hi there,
I’ve just bought 4 skeins of the Purl Soho cashmere merino yarn and I was wondering how many stitches I would cast on and what size of needles I would use to do this scarf with it.
Thank you for your help,
Nicole
Hi Nicole,
Thanks for writing in! I think that this scarf would be lovely in Cashmere Merino Bloom. To get a scarf of equal width, I would suggest casting on 59 stitches on US 6 needles.
I hope that this helps and happy knitting!
Cassy
Thanks Cassy (I’m rubbish at doing that lol),
Just one more thing; I’ve noticed the Cashmere Merino Bloom is quite dense, with the above conversion that you provided will the scarf be “drapey” enough?
Cheers,
Nicole
Hi Nicole,
Thanks for writing back! This conversion does take the yarn into account and is based on how we knit our Mistake Rib scarf using Cashmere Merino Bloom!
Happy knitting!
Cassy
How many stitches to make slightly narrower please and thank you
Hi Lori,
Thank you for writing! This stitch pattern is worked over a multiple of 4 + 3 stitches. So to make a narrower version you could cast on 43 or 39 stitches instead of the 47 called for. You may choose any width so long as the number of stitches that you cast on is a multiple of 4 + 3 stitches.
I hope that this helps and happy knitting!
Cassy
Hello,
This is a lovely pattern (and yarn) but would like to make it a cowl which i understand would mean the ribbing would be in the other direction. what are your thoughts on how that would look?
Thank you,
Sandra
Hi Sandra,
I think that it would look quite nice! The ribbing would be vertical but you wouldn’t notice this much with the cowl being wrapped round and round. I think you should go for it!
-Adam
I love this pattern! I made it using bulky weight yaen and size 10 (US) needles. I cast on 31 sts and followed the pattern as written. (cast-on is multiple of 4…..plus 3) the result is lovely. Thanks for rhe pattern!
Do you have a video for this stitch?
Thank you.
Hi Micaela,
Thanks for writing us. We don’t currently have a video for this. Is there a question you have about the stitch? Let me know.
-Adam
Hi again Cassey,
Just one more thing; I’ve noticed the Cashmere Merino Bloom is quite dense, with the above conversion that you provided will the scarf be “drapey” enough or should I go up a needle size or so?
Cheers,
Nicole
Hi Nicole,
Thanks for writing back! This conversion does take into account the drape of the Cashmere Merino Bloom and is based on the needle size we used for the Mistake Rib Scarf in Cashmere Merino Bloom!
Best,
Cassy
Thank you for the No Purl Rib Scarf pattern. I’m making it now and wonder if there is a hat pattern to match.
Hi Susan,
Thanks for writing in! At present, there is not a matching hat pattern but we will certainly keep your request in mind for the future!
Best,
Cassy
Hi Cassy,
I’ve been looking for a matching hat too! This scarf pattern is wonderful. Thanks for sharing it!
I love this pattern! I too am looking for a matching hat. I was just going to do it on 16 inch circulars when I realized that wouldn’t work. It’s so soft and thick, it would make a lovely hat.
Hello! Thank you for this lovely pattern, I was wondering if I could make this patter using fingering or 4ply wool with 3.75mm needles?
Hi Teresa,
Thanks for writing in and for your kind words! The beauty of this scarf is that it can be knit with yarns of any gauge with a little bit of modification. This stitch pattern is worked over a multiple of 4 + 3 stitches. So to get your cast on number, you will knit a gauge swatch, measure the stitches that you are getting per inch and multiply that by the width of the scarf. Just be sure to cast on the nearest number of stitches that is a multiple of 4 + 3.
I hope that this helps!
Cassy
The pattern worked perfectly, thank you. I substituted another worsted weight super wash and it still turned out great. Its easy to get into a rhythm once used to the pattern.
Hi. I just finished the No-Purl Ribbed Scharf in Purl Soho’s Alpaca Pure,100% alpaca and it is beautiful. Earlier I have knitted one Cashmere Ombre Wrap in Jade Sapphire’s 4 Ply 100% Mongolian cashmere and it is beautiful too. Now I would like to knit a Mistake Rib Scarf in Cashmere Merino Bloom in the color Lavender Moon 1610 CMB, Solid. Is it possible to send me a sample of the yarn before I make an order?
Yours faithfullt
Annie Elmer
Hi Annie,
I’m so glad you’re loving our patterns! Unfortunately we cannot send a sample of the yarn, but I can assure you that the yarn and quality are beautiful. The cashmere content in the yarn gives it a softness, while the marino give the yarn a stability. While the yarn is fuzzy, there isn’t a ton of pilling. The color lavender moon is a light purple and has a hint of a gray tone to it. It’s very subtle. I hope this description helps you make your decision!
-Adam
I am particularly interested in the pattern if the finished scarf does not curl easily. Can you comment further on the lay of the scarf?
Hi Mary,
Thanks for writing in! This scarf sits flat once knit. As there is no stockinette, the scarf will not roll of it’s own accord!
I hope that this helps!
Cassy
Yes, thank you, Cassy!
Is this yarn a blended color ? When I look at the skein it looks to be a solid. When I look at the scarf it appears to be several colors , variegated in the same blue family.
Hi Carole,
Thanks for the question! The yarn used for this project is all one color and the variegation you are seeing is from the shadows during the photoshoot.
All the best,
Adam
I am knitting this scarf in Cartidge rib (no purl stitch) and I am finding that the 2nd stitch , which is a slip stitch pulls up all the way to the top (last row) that I am knitting. This is causing the entire piece of work to be skew at the bottom and puckers all the way up. This is happening on row 2 where you start with a k1 and then slip wyif. The rest of the slip stitches are just fine. I have tried to loosen my tension before and after the slip stitch and to loosen tension on the loop where the yarn goes in front, but it makes no difference. Any suggestions?
Hi Tiesa,
Thanks for writing in! I am sorry to hear that you are having difficulties. It sounds like perhaps your tension at the end and beginning of rows may be a bit tighter than for the rest of the row. I would suggest that in addition to loosening your tension for the particular stitch, you may want to try loosening up a bit for the stitches at the start and end of the row and see if that helps at all.
I hope that this helps!
Cassy
Thankyou for the freebie pattern. I love the idea of knitting a ribbed scarf without having to purl. I am so going to try this with a Caron cake for my father in ,as Christmas gift. Can you clarify if the slipped stitch is slipped purl wise or knitwise please?
Thanks
Hi Viv,
Thanks for writing in and for your kind words! For this pattern you will slip all slipped stitches purlwise.
I hope that this helps!
Cassy
Just wondering if one makes a mistake doing this pattern stitch is it difficult to correct with all the slipped stitches?
Hi Robin,
Thanks for writing in and for your question! It certainly is a bit more challenging to correct mistakes in this pattern than in a more basic rib. My advice would be to tink back, which allows you to undo each stitch correctly as you come to it. This is quite straight forward and no more challenging than tinking back a standard rib.
I hope that this helps!
Cassy
I am very new to knitting and am just learning the slip stitch. Could you advise: on a pattern for example that advises, K2, P1, etc. if you slip stitch the first stitch do you then proceed with K2 or is the first stitch already counted and you continue with K1, P2? When casting on your stitches do you allow for the additional stitch this is making if not? I really appreciate the clarification and hope I am not overthinking this …..thank you for your patience.
Hi Donna,
Thanks for writing in! When you slip the first stitch of the row, you will generally treat this as your first stitch. So if your pattern is k2, p1, you will slip 1, k1, p1.
I hope that this clears things up!
Cassy
I am almost done with this scarf, but I have a question about the bind off. The cast on edge is really stretchy and I was hoping you could tell me if you used a bigger needle size for the bind off to replicate the stretch of the cast on.
Thank you!
Hi Nicole,
Thanks for writing in! We did not go up a needle size here for the bind off. However, you certainly can if you feel your bind off it too tight. It is a trick that I frequently use if my bind off it not as loose as I would like!
Best,
Cassy
Reading through the comments for this scarf (recently posted in your newsletter), one writer spoke of knitting a matching hat. I would LOVE that. I am pretty bad at designing patterns … so it would be great if, one of these days, someone at Purl Soho could develop a pattern for a hat to match the “No Purl Ribbed Scarf”!
Hi Carel,
Thanks for writing in and for adding your voice to those requesting a matching hat! We will certainly keep it in mind for the future!
Best,
Cassy
I too would LOVE to see a hat to match this beautiful scarf! Even if the pattern for it would include some purling 🙂
I want to make this wider. I understand about needing the cast on stitches being a multiple of 4+3. My question is when doing a swatch to figure out how many stitches to the inch do I just create a swatch of stockinette or do I do a swatch in the cartridge rib pattern? Thank you!
Hi Julie,
Great question! You will want to knit your swatch in pattern. As cartridge rib (and all ribs) tend to pull in more, to get an accurate idea of the stitches per inch that you are getting, you will want your swatch to be made using the same pattern as you will use in your project!
Happy knitting!
Cassy
I would love to have a simple hat pattern in this stitch to wear with the scarf.
Hi Leslie,
Thanks for writing in! At present we do not have a matching hat pattern for this lovely scarf but we will certainly keep your request in mind for the future!
Best,
Cassy
It’s soft beautiful n easy
This is such a wonderful stitch, producing a terrific squishy ribbed fabric. Wouldn’t it work in place of any balanced knit-purl ribbing? Like on cuffs? Now that I’ve got this stitch in my hands, k1-p1 feels so inefficient!
Thanks!
Hi Julie,
Thanks for writing in and for your kind words! This pattern could certainly work in many places so long as the ribbing is knit flat! Knitting this pattern in the round would necessitate altering it to include purling! You will also want to be sure that the number of stitches fits a multiple of 4 + 3 stitches.
Happy knitting!
Cassy
Is there a way to easily print this pattern?
Hello Kathleen,
Thank you for reaching out! Yes! If you’re on a desktop version of the site, you will find a “print” icon in the right column just below the date and tags. If you’re on a mobile version of the site, you will find a “print” icon below the pattern and above the comments.
Follow the easy on-screen instructions to delete whichever parts of the pattern you don’t want to print or save. For example, you may decide to shorten the pattern by omitting certain images or the list of materials. To remove images, click the drop down next to the image icon and change from 100% to 0%.
I hope this helps!
-Marilla
I am very excited to try this pattern. Thank you for your well written instructions for binding off that particular bind off technique.
This pattern is nice.
I want to make the edges not curl and neat.
Can I slip the first stitch on every row? If yes, should be purlwise or knitwise?
Hi Christy,
Thanks for writing in! This stitch pattern does lay flat on its own so major modifications are not necessary, but you can slip the first stitch of each row purlwise through the back loop if you prefer a different selvage.
Best of luck and happy knitting!
Julianna
Love this pattern, super easy to knit, great project for tv watching or knitting at meetings when you don’t need careful concentration, yet it looks complex! I knit it in Alpaca Pure in Artemesia Green, a very pale grey/green and it is gorgeous! Warm yet light. I love it and if be n getting SO many compliments on it. Thanks for introducing me to this nice stitch and a beautiful scarf!
I was interested in making this lovely pattern into a cowl. Do you recommend making this as a scarf and knitting or sewing the ends together to make a cowl when finished or selecting another pattern?
Thanks.
Adriane
Hello Adriane,
Thank you for reaching out! This pattern could be sewn into a cowl so long as the ribbing is knit flat. Knitting this pattern in the round would necessitate altering it to include purling! You will also want to be sure that the number of stitches fits a multiple of 4 + 3 stitches.
I would also recommend checking out our Fluted Cowl which has a very similar look.
I hope this helps and let us know if you have any further questions!
Happy knitting!
-Marilla
Hi,
This a beautiful stitch .I’m trying it right now . I’m wondering if when you slip one stitch is done as if where to knit or purl . (from right to left or left to right) Does it matter to achieve the pattern?
Thanks,
DD
Hello Diane,
This is a great question! For this scarf you will slip all of your stitches purlwise.
I hope this helps and happy knitting!
-Marilla
Thanks Marilla for your response. My “hat” is looking great already with the beautiful and easy pattern. I’m a beginner knitter who knits for charity (e.g.KAS- South Africa) and I thought it was a great pattern for a fluffy hat. Bur, now I have to start shaping the crown in pattern and I’m stuck. Do you have any suggestions for how to shape a crown in pattern. Many Thanks in advance,
DD
Hello Diane,
Thank you for reaching out and sharing your knitting inspiration! There are many ways to do this and there is no one right way. I’m not sure what your gauge is, but I would recommend looking at our Lovely Ribbed hat as a guide to figure out your decreases.
I hope this gives you some insight and happy knitting!
-Marilla
Thanks Marilla. I’ll try that.
DD
Hello,
Thanks for such a beautiful pattern! I’m a beginner, so I have a question about the ends of the scarf. I’ve already knit quite a few rows, but I can see the ends starting to curl quite severely. Do you have any suggestions for what I can do to fix this? Should I start over before I get too far into it and cast the stitches on looser?
Hello Ayleen,
Thank you for reaching out and for your kind words! This stitch pattern will lay flat once you have blocked it.
I hope this helps and let us know how it goes!
-Marilla
Hi Just trying sample of the ‘No purl rib pattern’ Casted on 27 st’s (multiple of 4, plus 3). My sample just looks like a load of purl sts, no rib pattern appearing. Why is this?
Hello Judith,
Thank you for reaching out! It sounds like you might be slipping your yarn in back rather than in front which would create bars where you don’t want them. The other important thing is to remember to do the stitches on either side of the repeats because this will dictate how your stitches will line up row to row.
I hope this helps and let us know how it goes!
-Marilla
Love this pattern. Can this scarf be turned into a cowl by starting with provisional cast on and sewing together with Kitchener stitch? Thank you.
Hello Ceci,
This is a great question! You can absolutely do this, I think this pattern would be a beautiful cowl.
Happy knitting!
-Marilla
Hello,
I am frogging another of your scarf patterns because the sides roll so much despite heavy blocking. Can you tell me if this pattern will roll?
Love the look of this one purl rib pattern. Thanks so much for your reply and this lovely pattern.
Hello Chris,
Thank you for writing and I’m sorry to hear about the frogging! This scarf sits flat once knit. As there is no stockinette, the scarf will not roll of it’s own accord!
Happy knitting,
Marilla
Do you slip purl wise or knit wise???
Hello Justine,
Great question! For this project you will slip all slipped stitches purlwise.
Happy knitting!
-Marilla
I love this stitch! And this pattern, thank you for sharing it. I can see a lot of making things using this stitch in the future.
Hello,
I am a beginner knitter, I think this pattern is absolutely beautiful however when I knitted a small sample as practice it had no ridges in it at all. My sample is completely flat as if I have just done a square of simple knit stitch, I can clearly see the difference in the stitches and see where the ridges should be but they remain flat and don’t have the deep groves that it is supposed to.
I can’t for the life of me work out why its not the same as I even followed a video tutorial and its still flat as a pancake!!
Does anyone know what I am doing wrong and how I can fix it?
Hi Lizy,
I’m so sorry to hear you’re having trouble with the stitch pattern! Is it possible that you are slipping the stitches with the yarn in back instead of with the yarn in front? You will need to bring your yarn to the front as if to purl before slipping stitches, and then return your yarn to the back of the work to knit. If that doesn’t solve your problem, please feel free to send us a picture of your work at [email protected] so we can take a look!
Best,
Julianna
Hello,
Thank you for the amazing pattern.
I am at the beginning of my scarf but I think that I am experiencing the same problem as Lizy. I have it all flat 🙁 Has there been any solution found to this? I am slipping yarn over and I also can’t understand what I’m doing wrong. (I’m also a beginner)
Thank you so much for your advice!
Best,
Hanane
Hi Hanane,
Thanks for reaching out! I am sorry to hear that you are having the same problem! I believe the problem for Lizy was that they were not slipping the stitches with the yarn in front causing the pattern to become flat! I would be extra sure that when you slip the stitch the yarn is in the front of the work and you bring it around the slipped stitch before knitting the next stitch. If this doesn’t help please email us a photo of your work to our email [email protected] and we can trouble shoot further from there!
I hope this helps!
Warmly,
Gianna
I’m encountering the exact same thing. I’m definitely slipping the stitches wyif, but it just looks like three stitches of garter, with a stockinette stitch, all laying more or less flat.
Maybe an issue with tension?
Hi Aaron,
Thanks for reaching out! That is a great question! It could be that your tension is not quite tight enough and so your knitting is coming out flat. If you would like, you can send in a clear picture of your and the information above to our customer service team at [email protected] and they can check out your work from there!
Warmly,
Gianna
I believe the problem is the slip stitch.. you should slip the stitch as if you were going to knit it. It twists it slightly and makes a difference believe it or not. I hope it helps
I had a similar issue with the pattern being flat but I discovered that it started to create ridges after a dozen or so rows. Since I used a different worsted weight yarn, I also went down a needle size which gave my stitches a denser texture and allowed the ridges to pop out more.
Absolutely amazing pattern and SUPER easy. I made this for my friend in a dark grey yarn and she loved it. Cannot express enough how much I enjoyed doing this scarf.
Absolutely love this site !
Hey – I’m trying to figure out how the color looks like two colors? You only used steel blue, but it kind of looks like there’s dark and light alternating
Hello Zissie,
Thank you for reaching out! You are correct, we knit scarf up with one color. I think what you might be seeing is just the shadow created by the stitch pattern.
I hope this helps and happy knitting!
-Marilla
Does the actual scarf have that shadowing, or just the pictures?
Hello,
Thank you for this question! Because this is a ribbed stitch it has ridges and valleys which will create shadow, as any textured stitch will. You will get a variation in the look of the shadow depending on the light.
I hope this helps and happy knitting!
-Marilla
Did you block the scarf? I’m using a yarn with the same gauge on 6s, and cast on 59 stitches, but it’s only measuring about 6.5 inches wide.
Hi and thanks for writing in! Although we did block the scarf, we didn’t stretch it very much, so I suspect that adding 12 stitches did not quite compensate for going down two needle sizes. Based on your gauge of 59 stitches to 6.5 inches, you should cast on 79 stitches for an eight and a half inch wide scarf.
Best,
Julianna
The bottom picture looks like more than one color, but the yarn doesn’t appear to be variegated. Is that a trick of the light?
Hi Heather,
Thanks for writing in! Yes, this is just an illusion from the shadows of the textured ridges in the scarf! We did use a solid colored yarn for our samples.
Best,
Julianna
How can I reduce the number of cast on stitches to make it more narrow. Pattern is a repeat of 4+3
Hello Lauren,
Thank you for reaching out! This will depend on how thin you would like your scarf to be. For example if you wanted to knit a scarf that is half the width you would cast on 23 stitches because 5 x 4 + 3 = 23.
I hope this helps and happy knitting!
-Marilla
Why multiply by 5? If I want it 2” less wide how do I calculate the stitches for cast on and keep the 4+3 pattern? Would cast on 31? Thanks for your quick reply
Hi Lauren,
Thanks for reaching out! If you already know the width you would like to make your scarf, you can multiply that measurement in inches by our gauge of 5.5 stitches per inch and then round to the nearest multiple of 4 plus 3. For your example of a 6.5 inch wide scarf, 6.5 by 5.5 equals 35.75. The next lowest multiple of 4 is 32, plus 3 is 35, so you will need to cast on 35 stitches.
I hope that clears things up!
Julianna
Thank you!
Hello!
I am a beginner knitter and I am struggling to finish this scarf because I am not sure what the instructions mean..
Binding off is clear to me, so I won’t be adding the ‘slip the first stitch over’ part.
Am I supposed to k3, p1, k3, p1 and so on or k3, p1, k1 and then repeat the ‘p1 k1’ part three times … Brackets confused me hahah
I’d be really happy to get a quick reply because I can’t wait to finish this scarf!
Hello Irena,
Thank you for reaching out! For this portion you will be purling one and knitting three, because you are repeating what is inside the brackets three time and then repeating from the *.
I hope this clears things up for you and happy knitting!
-Marilla
Hello,
I’m making the No Purl Ribbed scarf and my daughter would like an infinity scarf, if possible. I’m a beginner knitter and have already started the scarf. Is it possible to finish this scarf in such a way that I can make it infinity for her? If so, do you have any suggestions?
I love this pattern and am also planning to make it in a wrap and blanket sizes 🙂
Thank you!
Hello Julia,
Thank you for reaching out- I’m so happy to hear that you are enjoying knitting this up! Once you have finished your scarf you can simply seam the two ends together to create an infinity scarf.
I hope this helps and happy knitting!
-Marilla
I tried this pattern, I really did, for a scarf, and undid the whole lot after using up two 100g balls of yarn. Mistake Rib is better for a comfortable tension and a far better finished , comfortable product. Slipping every 4th row may save on yarn, but woe betide you if you make a mistake, which can easily happen trying to work around the tension caused by all those slipped purls . What’s wrong with purl anyway, it’s just a knit stitch back to front. I don’t knit too tightly.
Hi Ingrid,
I’m sorry to hear that this pattern gave you difficulties, but I’m glad that you were able to find another pattern that was more to your liking! While many knitters enjoy purl stitches just as much as knit stitches, others may not, and this pattern may be just what they’re looking for. Overall, we try to publish patterns that explore a wide range of knitting the techniques, so that every knitter might find a project that suits their personal crafting preferences!
All the best,
Lili
This is what confuses me. I get the slip one purl wise, wyif, but do you THEN put the yarn in back to knit 3? I know that sounds crazy but that’s how I’d do it. Is that correct?
Hi Jana,
Thanks for reaching out! Yes, that sounds like you have it! By slipping the first stitch with the yarn in front and then immediately moving the yarn in back for the knit stitches, it keeps the slipped selvage stitch very uniform along the edge of the scarf.
Happy knitting!
Julianna
Can you tell me if this scarf pattern rolls on the sides?
Hi Chris,
Great question! This lovely stitch pattern lays perfectly flat, so your scarf will not roll up.
Happy knitting!
Julianna
I love this stitch! Has anyone come up with a hat pattern to match?
Hi Lena,
Thanks for reaching out! We don’t have a hat in the No-Purl Rib pattern, but our Essential Hat is also written for the same weight yarn and would make a cozy accompaniment to the scarf. I will be sure to pass your request for a matching hat along to the design team!
Happy knitting!
Julianna
I will second the request for a matching hat. Please!
Hi Ivan,
Thanks for reaching out! I will be sure to pass your interest along to the rest of the team!
Warmly,
Gianna
Hi this is a really great pattern as I often suffer from massive slowdowns when patterns require frequent switching between knits and purls since I have small hand and haven’t mastered the right hand positions for doing so quickly. I was wondering how the pattern might change if one were trying to do this in the round? Cast on some amount of stitches divisible by 4 and just keep doing the row 1 pattern? I feel like ending a round on a slip stitch might be strange though…
Hi Megan,
Thanks for reaching out! Unfortunately we do not have instructions for working this stitch in the round, but it couldn’t be done without purling. Since the same side of the work is always facing you while knitting in the round, you would have to purl some stitches every other row to get the same look. Although you don’t want to purl, our Mistake Rib Cowl has a very similar texture and is worked in the round.
I hope that helps!
Julianna
Half way thru project and set aside for quite some time. Now ready to finish, but I cannot tell if I’m on row one or row two. Any advice?
Hi Betsy,
Thanks for writing in! The best way to determine which row you left on is by the last few stitches of the row. If you ended on row 1 the last 3 stitches should be knit. If you ended on row 2 then the last 2 stitches should b a slip 1 wyif, k1!
I hope this helps, happy knitting!
Gianna
Thank you! I’ve got it now!
Do you still carry Alpaca Pure. If not what substitution would you suggest.
Thank you
Hi Michele,
Thanks for writing in! Unfortunately Alpaca Pure has been discontinued – I am so sorry about that! A good alternate yarn would be Worsted Twist or Cashmere Tend.
I hope that helps, and happy knitting!
Julianna
How many skeins of Worsted Twist do I need for this pattern? Is it still size 8 needles?
Hi Borami,
Great questions! Worsted Twist has more yardage than the original yarn we used for this scarf, so you will need 3 (4) skeins. It is the same weight as Alpaca Pure, so you can use the same needle size and follow all the other pattern directions without making any changes!
Happy knitting!
Julianna
Ok, wow! This is a substantial (and very lovely) scarf!
I’m knitting this for someone who is tiny, about 5’2″ and thin. I’m afraid the full 75″ may swamp her. For a smaller someone do you recommend the full length? Or something shorter?
thanks,
Susan
Hi Susan,
Thanks so much for the kind words! A good rule of thumb for choosing a scarf length is to make the scarf about equal to or a little longer than their height, which would be about 62 inches in this case. That should result in a scarf that’s long enough for a few wraps without trailing on the ground!
I hope that helps, and happy knitting!
Julianna
I’m thinking of knitting this in a sport weight yarn that has a suggested needle size of 3-5. Should I knit my gauge with a #8 or try one of the suggested sizes? I’m trying to figure out the number of cast on stitches using a different weight yarn. Thank you for your help!
Hi Anne,
Thanks for reaching out! This stitch pattern looks best when knit at a relatively tight gauge, so I would suggest choosing a needle that is on the smaller end of what is recommended for your yarn. After knitting a gauge swatch in pattern on a US 3 or 4 needle, you can then multiply your stitches per inch by 8.5 inches and round to the nearest multiple of 4 plus 3 stitches to determine how many stitches to cast on.
I hope that helps, and happy knitting!
Julianna
Thank you for your help! I had to take a break and now have time on my hands to get back to this! I’ve done a gauge sample in pattern but I’m really struggling to count stitches. Any hints?
Hi Anne,
It can indeed be quite tricky to measure your gauge in a textured pattern like this! If you have one, I would recommend using a hard ruler instead of a measuring tape, and keep in mind that if you get it correctly aligned parallel to a single row, the stitches immediately above the ruler should be groups of k2, p2. You can then count those groups of k2, p2 to see how many stitches you have in four inches.
I hope that helps!
Julianna
Thank you so much!
Thank you for this! It is a wonderful stitch! I am a relative beginner but want to keep expanding the base of stitches I use. I’ve been stuck on the Mistake Rib for a while, so this is just perfect. It’s a beautiful texture and makes for quick knitting.
Love it.
I can’t wait to swing by your shop the next time I’m in the city!
Many thanks again!
Your No-Purl Ribbed Scarf pattern is beautiful! I’m not sure how to convert the pattern to knitting it in the round. Any possibility that you’ll offer this beautiful stitch some day as a cowl pattern? Thank you!
Hi Lynda,
Thanks for reaching out! Unfortunately we do not have instructions for working this stitch in the round, but our Mistake Rib Cowl has a very similar texture and is worked in the round. I will certainly pass your request along to the design team!
I hope that helps!
Rather late to the party, but beautiful scarf. How many yards of a similar weight yarn is needed? Thanks.
Hi Jan,
Thank you so much for the kind words! We used 545 yards of yarn for our scarf.
Happy knitting!
Julianna
Hello!!
Beautiful pattern, I am in the process of knitting one up!!
Was wondering if you have a matching hat pattern for it or if you could suggest one.
Thanks!!
Tasha
Hi Tasha,
Thank you so much for the kind words and for reaching out! We don’t have a hat in the No-Purl Rib pattern, but our Essential Hat is also written for the same weight yarn and would make a cozy accompaniment to the scarf. I will be sure to pass your request for a matching hat along to the design team!
Best,
Julianna
I would also like to request a pattern for the matching no-purl hat please 🙂
Thanks for such a lovely pattern, it’s perfect for a beginner knitter like myself. I have made it for my husband and was just wondering if you could recommend a particular method to weave in the ends of the yarn. Apologies if this has been asked previously, I’ve checked the other comments but may have missed one or two. Many thanks, Stephanie.
Hi Stephanie,
Thank you so much for the kind words! We don’t have a particular method we recommend for this scarf, but I would try weaving in the “purl” columns using the Vertical method from our Weaving In Your Ends tutorial. The Duplicate Stitch method would also work well, but might be tricky to adapt to the no-purl-rib stitch pattern, so I would try the vertical method first!
I hope that helps!
Julianna
Thanks so much Julianna! That’s perfect.
Hi, I would love to try this but would like to add stripes of different colours. How can I do this neatly? Would I do a full row of knitting like with 2×2 ribbing to prevent the purl bumps?
Thanks
Hi Freya,
Thanks for writing in! You can certainly stripe this pattern, however it will have a distinct “front/right” side with a much clearer and more solid stripe than the back. To work stripes simply follow the pattern as above, switching colors after Row 2 (you can work stripes of 2, 4, 6, etc. rows). If you want to give it a try, I suggest working a small swatch first to see if you like it- Row 1 is your right side row, Row 2 is your wrong side!
I hope this helps, and happy knitting!
Gaby
Very good pattern thank you.
Hi there! I’ve just come across this pattern and love it but have already ordered 12ply yarn that I really want to use. I’m relatively new to knitting so am not sure how this is going to alter this pattern for me and would love if you could give me some advice 🙂 Thanks!
Hi Cian,
That’s a great question! I would recommend that you do a gauge swatch with your yarn to see how many stitches per inch you are getting. Then you will take this number and multiply it by the width you want your scarf. The original pattern is 8 1/2 inches wide. This will give you your cast on number, which you will need to adjust to be a multiple of 4 + 3 stitches.
I hope this helps!
Happy Knitting
Jessica
I am thinking about knitting this with a bulky yarn like misty alpaca. Is there a problem with that?
Thanks!
Hi Eden,
Thanks for writing in! You can easily modify this pattern to work with any weight of yarn! I would recommend knitting a gauge swatch in pattern using the needle size recommended on your yarn label. You can then multiply your stitches per inch by 8.5 inches and round to the nearest multiple of 4 plus 3 stitches to determine how many stitches to cast on!
Happy knitting!
Julianna
This pattern is fantastic! Thank you from the bottom of my heart! I love the stitch, how it looks, how easy it is and so easy to memorize and read the knitting… plus no purling. what more could a knitter ask for?
Dear P. Soho, thank you for your lovely patterns and beautiful website – I regularly dip into it, such a wonderful diversion and so beautiful!
I love the no-ribbed purl and would love to knit it in the round do you have any advice on how to achieve – i have tried a couple of times, doubling the number of stitches but have not been successful – i would love to hear your tips?!
Hi Gabrielle,
Thank you so much for the kind words! Unfortunately, we do not have instructions for working this stitch in the round, and it would no longer be a no-purl stitch pattern. Since the same side of the work is always facing you while knitting in the round, you would have to purl some stitches every other row to get the same look. You may want to consider our Mistake Rib Cowl, which has a very similar texture and is worked in the round!
I hope that helps!
Julianna
This is beautiful! Could you help me modify this for your Mulberry Merino yarn? I think that’s more of a sport weight.
I’d appreciate suggestions for number of cast-on stitches and needle size?
Thank you!
Hi Camilla,
Thanks for reaching out and for your kind words! I think this scarf would look lovely in the Mulberry Merino! Since it is a sport weight you will need to adjust the gauge and cast on more stitches than recommended, making sure you still keep the stitch pattern working over a multiple of 4 + 3 stitches. Our All About Gauge Tutorial is a great resource to use. As for needle size, we recommend a US 4 – 6 (3.5 – 4.25 mm) for Mulberry Merino.
I hope this helps, happy knitting!
Gianna
I’ve started this a few times and notice each time that once I get a few inches into the pattern, some of my slip stitches don’t make their ‘rib’ … I’m thinking I must be ‘spacing out’ and accidentally purling / fully knitting the stitch, rather than slipping… posting a comment in case anyone else had this happen or knows what I am doing wrong- thanks!
Hi Wendy,
Thanks for reaching out! What is likely happening is that when you slip the stitches you are not slipping them with the yarn in front but rather in the back which causes the stitch to not have a “purl”! Be extra sure that when you slip the stitch, the yarn is in front of the work and you wrap it around the front of the stitch before knitting the nest stitch!
I hope this helps!
Warmly,
Gianna
Ahhhh thank you, Gianna!!!
I apologize if this has been covered. I want to add another color vertically. It seems like you did this in a pattern above. Would love any input on this…Thank you!!!
Hi Mary,
Thanks for reaching out! It may take a bit of trial and error to add another color in vertically since we don’t have written instructions for this technique, but I think you could certainly do it!
Please let us know how this turns out!
Warmly,
Gianna
What a beautiful and relaxing knit! I made this in Linen Quill and was initially worried it would be too stiff, but it worked up perfectly and has just the right drape. I’ve been wearing my new scarf daily and have since ordered some Line Weight to make the wrap version next. Thanks for the lovely pattern!
Hi Colleen,
Thanks for reaching out and for your kind words! I am so glad to hear that you enjoyed this pattern and Linen Quill! It is such a beautiful yarn and works great for scarfs and wraps. I am sure you will also love Line Weight, it is scrumptious!
Please let us know how your wrap turns out!
Warmly,
Gianna
I’m a beginner knitter. Do you have a video tutorial for this scarf? Also, my needles are EU so 5mm. Thanks
Hi Cathy,
Thanks for reaching out! We do not have a tutorial for this scarf in particular, but you can find our full list of tutorials here: Tutorials!
Warmly,
Gianna
Hi!
3 years ago this was my very first project as a scarf and it turned out great. I’m much more experienced now and am making sweaters for my kids and myself. Now I thought I’d use this pattern to make my husband a sweater but I’m struggling with the sleeves. How to keep up with the amount of stitches if I’m adding two stitches every 8 rows for example. I’ve been thinking hard the whole day. Do you have any suggestions on how to do this?
Hi Jess,
Thanks for reaching out! Unfortunately this stitch pattern only works over a multiple of 4 + 3 stitches, so when increasing you will only be able to maintain the stitch if you are increasing within that multiple.
Warmly,
Gianna
I have a light worsted yarn that calls for a US 6-7 needle. I want to make this scarf for a tall man. I know he likes his scarves wide. Because of the texture of this scarf, even though I would use a smaller needle than the US8 in the pattern, if I make this wider than the 8.5″ will it be too bulky? He will probably fold it in half length wise and wrap it around his neck and pull the tails through. What is the widest you would suggest I go?
Hi Sloyka,
Thanks for reaching out! I think you could easily make this scarf wider than 8.5″ but I wouldn’t suggest going bigger than 10-12″ judging by the style he would likely wear the scarf! I would also recommend checking your gauge prior to beginning to ensure you are consistent with the pattern.
I hope this helps, happy knitting!
Gianna
I don’t know if this helps anyone, but I just made this out of the new Partridge yarn. I used size 9 needles and cast on 39 stitches. Using 3 entire skeins of Partridge, it ended up being about 8” wide and 62” long. Partridge is super soft with not a hint of itchiness.
Hi Kathleen,
Thanks for writing in and sharing your suggestion! I am sure others will find this information very helpful. Partridge is such a lovely yarn, and I am happy to hear that it worked out for this pattern!
Happy knitting!
Gianna
I have been following the instructions but for some reason I do not see the pattern. With 47 stitches cast on:
So I knit 3; *slip1 with yarn in front, purlwise. Then knit 3
slip 1 with yarn in front, purlwise, Then knit 3 to end
On row 2. I knit 1, slip 1 (as above) knit 3. Until last 2 stitches where I slip 1wyif..knit 1
No pattern formed or lined up.
Am I misreading something? I have 12 rows completed.
Thank you very much ,
Jean
Hi Jean,
Thanks for reaching out. I sounds like you might be repeating the entire line of Row 2, instead of just the instructions within the asterisks! On Row 2, after you knit the first stitch, you’ll repeat just the following steps (slip 1 wyif, k3) until the final two stitches. Then, you’ll slip 1 wyif and then knit the final stitch.
If you’re still having trouble, I’d recommend sending a photo of your work to us at [email protected]. That way we can visualize better what’s going on!
All the best,
Lili
I would like to use Super Bulky (6) yarn to make this scarf? What size needles should I use and how many stitches to cast on?
Hi Bea,
Thanks for reaching out with your question! Depending on what super bulky yarn you want to use, the recommended needle size is usually between a US 11- 17.
I’d recommend experimenting by knitting a few swatches on different needles to decide on the fabric density you like best. Once you decide on a needle, you can measure how many stitches per inch you are getting in that swatch. We have a tutorial here, All About Gauge, that might be helpful for your project!
You can then multiply your stitches per inch by the width you’d like the scarf to turn out in inches (our sample is 8.5″). The stitch pattern is worked over a multiple of 4 + 3 stitches, so you can round your number to the nearest multiple of 4, then add 3 to get your cast-on number.
I hope this helps, and please feel free to send any other questions our way!
All the best,
Carly
I am confused by the 64 (80) final length note?
Hi Sara,
Thanks for reaching out. We designed this scarf in two different lengths! One is 64 inches long and requires 436 yards of yarn, and the other is 80 inches long and requires 545 yards. Hope this helps clarify things!
All the best,
Lili
ah ok! Thank you!
Wow thank you for such a beautiful pattern. I am making it in Lemon Tree Partridge yarn. It is turning out great. Just wanted to say thank you for your spectacular yarns and wonderful free patterns.
Hi! Not sure if you check this anymore. I just started the scarf and this is potentially a silly question. But I feel like on each row. I’m kind of ending at a different place. It’s not feeling like it’s ending mathematically as it should. I keep seeing people say as a 4+3 pattern, I don’t know if that something to do with being with the number of stitches 47 being divisible by that? Clearly, it’s not, so I’m wondering if it’s just supposed to be random how it ends each time. Or maybe I’m just not counting properly. This is my first time using a smaller yarn with more stitches. I’m just not wanting to get too far along . Haha thank you!
Hi Crystal,
Thanks for writing in! Could you provide some more information on how your fabric is looking and let me know if you’re ending each Row 1 with “*slip 1 wyif (with yarn in front), k3, repeat from *” and each Row 2 with “slip 1 wyif, k1” for the last two stitches? Also, in case it’s helpful, only the instructions inside the asterisks are repeated whereas the instructions not in the asterisks are not and done only once, so if you’re repeating each row as a whole, that might be throwing off the stitch pattern as well. Please feel free to email us at [email protected] if you’d like to send us any photos of your work and chat more in-depth there regarding your project! We’re always happy to help!
All the best,
Cat
Hello,
I’m not getting a uniform look on the edge ending in slip 1 wyif, k1.
Next row starts knit 3. Any suggestions for achieving a smoother look for edge?
Many thanks for your assistance.
Hi Joan,
Thanks for writing in, although I’m sorry to hear that your edges aren’t coming out as expected! This is likely a result of uneven tension at the edge, so I’d recommend keeping an eye on that as you turn your work and begin each next row. Tugging on your working yarn a bit at this point often helps tighten up the tension so that it’s all the same!
I hope this helps, but if you’re still unhappy with how the edge looks, I’d recommend sending a photo of your work so far to [email protected]. That way, we can visualize exactly what’s going on!
All the best,
Lili
Lili, Thanks for quick reply. I will watch tension as I complete row and start the next row.
Regards, Joan M.
Ok I found this pattern expecting not to hve to purl, check name of pattern, However the instruction say to purl. Thats very deceptive in general. Im so disappointed. Bummed.
Hi Hope,
Thank you for reaching out about this, although we’re so sorry there was any sighting of a purl stitch in this pattern and see what you mean now!
We hope that doesn’t deter you from giving this scarf a try and wanted to assure you the only time you’ll need to perform any sort of purl stitch is in the bind-off towards the very end of the project. Their inclusion is beneficial to the shape of the scarf since they allow the bind-off to maintain the high and low ridges of the ribbing, but you can certainly omit these purls if you’d like! We think that they give the end of the scarf a more satisfying look that’s a closer match to the cast-on edge, but completely understand if you’d like to avoid them altogether.
We hope that helps provide some context into why it’s written into the instructions and thank you again for sharing your thoughts. We really appreciate your feedback and take it very much to heart!
All the best,
Lili
I plan to knit this for my brother. I saw that you recommend any of your worsted for the scarf. He spends lots of time in very cold weather so I want to pick yarn thats nice and warm but definitely not itchy. Which of your worsteds aren’t itchy?
Also, I saw a comment on one of the posts that it’s recommended to have the length be about the person’s height. It that true for a male that will probably be wearing it while he’s skiing or otherwise enjoying the snow.
Hi Mary,
Thanks for reaching out! I would recommend using Plenty or Partridge for this pattern. Both of these yarns are made from 100% merino wool, which is a very soft type of wool that does not scratch at all!
And that is a good way to estimate the length of a scarf for anyone of any gender! Alternatively, if he has a favorite scarf he already likes to wear while skiing, you could measure that. That way you’ll have a reference of a scarf that’s already the perfect length!
All the best,
Lili
This is super cute and a very fast knit! Remembering to slip the stitch not purl it took like 2 inches of knitting though XDXD
Please could you tell me if this could be knitted in the round? and if so, do you have a pattern?
I’ve knitted several scarves in this lovely pattern of yours, but would now like to try an cowl instead.
Best wishes,
Ros Pearl
Hi Ros,
Unfortunately we do not have instructions for working this stitch in the round, and I also want to let you know that it couldn’t be done without purling. Since the same side of the work is always facing you while knitting in the round, you would have to purl some stitches every other row to get the same look. If you’re interested in a different pattern though, our Mistake Rib Cowl has a very similar texture and is worked in the round!
All the best,
Lili
I am confused one of the patterns says to cast on 47 and the other says 147. Help
Hi Shelia!
That is a great catch! The No-Purl scarf (blue sample) is a separate pattern from the No-Purl wrap (beige sample) and they indeed have different stitch counts. The scarf is much thinner in width and is written for an intended gauge of 22 stitches = 4 inches while the wrap is written with an intended gauge of 44 stitches and 60 rows = 4 inches. This is due to the different weights of yarn and allows the knitter to choose which option they want to make. I hope this helps!
Happy knitting,
Gavriella
No-Purl Ribbed Scarf from 2014. I want to change colors, so I can make stripes. Can you tell me how to do this? I have tried knitting the row and then continuing the pattern, but i get dashes. Thanks for the help 🙂
Hi JD,
Unfortunately you won’t be able to stripe this scarf without the purl bumps showing through to the opposite side. When you create a knit stitch, it creates a purl on the other side leading to the little dashes you see in your stripes.
All the best,
Gavriella
Hello,
I would like to knit this “No-Purl Ribbed Scarf” in color work.
Would you please tell me how to do this?
Can you suggest me a knitting hat pattern for men that goes well with this pattern?
Thank you so much,
Jenny
Hi Jenny,
Sounds like a fun idea! Can you give me a little more information on what type of colorwork you’re hoping to do? Since the no-purl ribbing pattern is made up of knit stitches and slipped stitches and creates a textured fabric, it’s not a great match for a technique like stranded colorwork. But I think that something like stripes or color blocks would look fantastic!
In answer to your other question, I think the Soft + Cushy Hat would look great with this scarf!
All the best,
Lili
Hello! Forgive me if my question is redundant but I read through quite a few comments and didn’t see it so here goes – I’m knitting the No-Purl Ribbed Scarf in Plenty yarn and it’s beautiful. Can you recommend the best technique for weaving in ends with this pattern? It doesn’t seem to lend itself to a normal ribbing type technique. What do you think looks best?
Hi Kris,
No worries, that’s a great question! I would recommend using essentially duplicate stitch to weave in your ends. What that entails is following the pathway of the stitches on one row of the pattern, and using a tapestry needle to bring the tail along that same path, which doubles the yarn on that row. It’s a super secure way of weaving in ends! We show how it’s done in stockinette and garter stitch in our Weaving In Your Ends tutorial, and it’s the same idea for this stitch, just the pathway of the stitches is slightly different.
I hope this helps, and please let me know if you have any other questions!
All the best,
Lili
Great! Thank you so much Lili. I appreciate your help.