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.

No-Purl Ribbed Scarf | Purl Soho

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

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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

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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

No-Purl Ribbed Scarf | Purl Soho

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, #PurlSohoBusyHands, and #PurlSohoNoPurlRibbedScarf. We can’t wait to see what you make!

Materials

No-Purl Ribbed Scarf | Purl Soho
  • 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.

No-Purl Ribbed Scarf | Purl Soho

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!