Mistake Rib Scarf in Mulberry Merino
There are people and cultures all over the world that not only abide by mistakes in their handcrafts, they cherish them. We love that the Mistake Rib embraces this philosophy. By the simple “mistake” of casting on one stitch too few, a basic 2 x 2 rib takes on depth and complexity beyond our expectations.
To catch the magic of this stitch, we used Purl Soho’s new Mulberry Merino. A blend of mulberry silk and extra fine merino, this latest addition to the Purl Soho yarn collection is especially beautiful with its rich color and gentle luster. And in mistake rib, Mulberry Merino is classic and elegant, dense and cozy.
All this talk brings to mind the old adage, “If you don’t make a mistake, you don’t make anything!” Isn’t that a nice reminder? Cast on, give it a try and remember that some mistakes are meant to be!
If you love the yarn used in this project, you’ll love all of our other yarn, too! Explore our 35+ lovingly created yarn collections, in nearly every natural fiber and spectacular color you can imagine… Only available here at Purl Soho’s online yarn shop!
Update: New Yarn!
OCTOBER 2016
If your relationship with handcrafting is all about embracing imperfections, then the Mistake Rib may call your name. It certainly calls ours! We revisited this wonderfully textured scarf, this time with our Cashmere Merino Bloom! See the full range of colors and the additional photos here!
Share your progress and connect with the community by tagging your pics with #PurlSoho, #PurlSohoBusyHands, and #PurlSohoMistakeRibScarf. We can’t wait to see what you make!
Materials
- 3 (4) skeins of Purl Soho’s Mulberry Merino, 80% extra fine merino and 20% mulberry silk. Each skein is 247 yards/ 100 grams; approximately 740 (870) yards required.
- A US 6 (4 mm) straight or circular needles
Gauge
38 stitches = approximately 4 inches in stitch pattern, unstretched
Sizes
Short (Long)
Finished Dimensions: 7 inches x 60 (70) inches
Note
SLIPPED STITCHES
This pattern is worked over a multiple of 4 plus 3 stitches.
Pattern
Cast on 67 stitches. We used a basic Long Tail Cast On.
Row 1: Slip 1 knitwise with yarn in back, k1, *p2, k2, repeat from * to last stitch, p1.
Repeat Row 1 until piece measures 60 (70) inches from cast on edge, or until desired length.
Bind off in stitch pattern.
Weave in all ends and gently wet block.
Looking for more inspiration? Explore all of our free knitting patterns and knitting tutorials, buy one of our many knitting kits and yarn bundles, and shop for beautiful yarn. We have over 35 gorgeous natural fiber yarns in 100’s of magnificent colors, designed to bring integrity, beauty, and joy to your next knitting project and only available at Purl Soho!
this would have been AWESOME if done in crochet! I don’t knit ;(
I do both but currently am crocheting using single crochet, going longwise (120 chains with thicker yarn) in the back loop and it looks ribbed!
Mary Ann, there is a version of this stitch using a Half Double Crochet. The first row is ordinary HDC but in subsequent rows the hook is inserted into the bottom rather than the top of the chain. (If you look at a row of HDC, you can see a “chain” along the top of your work. You usually insert your hook into the loops farthest from you. If, on subsequent rows, you insert your hook in the loops closest to you, you will achieve the desired effect.) You will see the rib quite clearly after half a dozen rows. I’m sorry I don’t have a picture but you might find something if you google crocheted scarves.
Mary Ann, why not try Purl Soho’s Crochet Rib Cowl it should be easy if you crochet … go to this site’s Crochet tab at top and click on all projects.
This is a beautiful scarf…My knitting group made several for a Church auction and they were a big hit! Thank you for the pattern
I made a mistake rib hat recently, and this scarf will be great to wear with it. Thanks for the ideas you generously share.
Where did you get the hat pattern?
This is lovely! I don’t crochet so I really enjoy the knitted patterns.
I’m amazed at how a simple pattern can yield such a beautiful scarf! I’m definitely making a few for the holidays!
Just the right new poject – thank you so much for this pattern. Love especially the georgous colour
Why not make the Purl Bee’s Crochet Rib Cowl?
My daughters would love this in a cowl! Would it be hard to convert the pattern? The yarn is so beautiful and looks great in this stitch.
Hi Jenner!
We’re so happy that you are inspired by this project! Just keep in mind that you need a multiple of 4 stitches + 3 extra stitches. You could keep the width the same and make it a full, shorter scarf for your daughters, or you could subtract some stitches and make in narrower as well!
Happy knitting!
Thomas
You could just make this the width you want, a shorter length and seam the two ends. Or use a pattern for mistake rib in the round…
I have made an infinity scarf just by ribbing as meany sets as you want & make it as long as you want depending on how many time you want it to wrap around your neck. I then just sewed the two ends together. It is one of my fav go to scarfs in the winter.
My favorite stitch. Beautiful!
I’ve made and love the scarf… now can someone suggest how to do a hat on a circular needle (if I just do the sets of 4 plus 3 and keep knitting around, will it work the same)? Thanks! My needles are at the ready…
Hi Cecily!
The mistake rib pattern doesn’t quite work the same in the round – there is no way to write it as a 1-row pattern. For it to work in the round, you would have to cast-on a multiple of 4 stitches, (K2,P2) in round 1 and (K1,P2,K1) in the second round.
Happy Knitting!
-Thomas
Thanks– I’ll try and let you know!
Hi Cecily and Thomas,
I just finished making the scarf and have one skein of mulberry merino left over. I would love to make a matching hat and was wondering how the pattern worked out for you and how much yarn you needed. If you have any pattern info. (#of stitches! etc.)that would be great.
I’m trying to knit the Mistake Rib Scarf with the Mulberry Metino yarn I just got from you. I’m so confused on the pattern. If I follow it the way it is written I can’t see how there will be a rib since I’m not knitting the knits and pearling the pearls. I have started working the pattern pearling the pearls and knitting the knits. I want to do it the right way but I just am not sure it is written correctly. Can you help me ASAP?
Thank you so much!
Hi Terri-
If you have cast on the correct number of stitches and are following the pattern the rib will start to emerge soon! Just keep going for a few inches to see what’s really going on. If you continue to have problems you can send us a picture of your work with any questions to purlbee AT purlsoho DOT com.
Thanks and good luck!
Molly
Thank you once more for a lovely pattern! The simplicity of your designs and colorways are utterly refreshing. So in love with your yarns and website!
I have some single-ply alpaca yarn that I need to use. It’s the same gauge. The yarn has a lot of halo, so would it look ok with this pattern? I really want to use the yarn but it makes projects where the stitch definition is important look bad.
Hi Gwen-
It’s worth a try. You can knit a little swatch to see if you like it? This stitch has looked nice in every yarn we’ve knit it in so you might be surprised!
And if you don’t like the way it looks you may want to browse though all of our scarf patterns here: https://www.purlsoho.com/create/tag/scarves/
Thank you!
Molly
Hi! lovely works!
I’m starting with the Mistake Scarf using a stash yarn. Is the gauge of 38 stitiches =4 inches correct ? And also the final measure 7 inches x 70 inches?
Thank’s a lot from Italy!
Hi Simonetta-
Yes, you are correct about the gauge. It is 38 stitches= 4 inches in the Mistake Rib pattern when it is un-stretched. You are also correct about the final measurement.
Thanks for writing in!
Molly
I bought the Mulberry Merino yarn to make the Mistake Rib Scarf and I am in love with this yarn. It is so soft and the color of the yarn is deep and rich. It might cost a little more but is well worth it. I am buying more of this yarn to make other things with it. Thank you Purl Bee.
What weight class does this yarn fall under? Worsted?
Hi Kathleen-
This yarn gets 5-6 stitches per inch in stockinette so it’s more of a light worsted or DK weight.
Please let us know if you have any more questions!
Best-
Molly
Is the black green color sold out? Thanks
Hi Meg!
Unfortunately, the black green is indeed sold out. Feel free if you would like to be notified when we get more to email customerservice AT purlsoho DOT com.
We’re so glad you love the color!
Thomas
I lived the recommended yarn and the pattern
Hi, I have tons of beautiful purple cotton yarn, (100 GR, needle size 5mm), would this pattern work well with what I have? thanks!
Hi Jen-
It sounds like your yarn is a bit thicker than the yarn we used here, but the stitch pattern would still certainly work! Just use the 5mm (US #8) instead of the ones we have listed here. You may want to cast on fewer stitches, just make sure that you cast on a multiple of 4 + 3 stitches.
Thanks so much for your question!
Molly
Please help withbind off. My bo looks ragged the picture looks like the cast on smooth not wiggly what. I’ve tried bo in the stitch ripped it out tried regular bo. Still looks ripply. HELP
Hi Diana,
I’m sorry your bind off isn’t coming out prefect. Have you tried using a smaller needle if your bind off is coming out too loose? Also, edgings tend to look much better after they are blocked into place.
Happy Knitting!
Sophia
Thank you Sophia.
Ill try small needles.
I have made this scarf for my boyfriend but unfortunately it’s too much “scarf” for him so I am ripping it and reusing the yarn. He loves the rib pattern though, so I am considering knitting it again, this time in Line Weight. That way it would be thinner and more manageable for him. Do you have any tips for me as to how many to cast on. From what I can tell 2 skeins should be plenty, as there would be almost 1000 yards of yarn to work with.
Any help would be wonderful!
Thanks again!
Monique
Hi Monique-
You are correct that this should be enough yarn! As for the cast on number we recommend that you do a gauge swatch with the appropriately sized needles. From there you can see how many stitches you are getting per inch in the pattern. Then you simply multiply that number by your desired width and round to the nearest multiple of four + 3 to get your cast on number. For example, if you’re getting 7 stitches per inch and you want the finished scarf to be 7 inches wide that would be 7 X 7= 49 rounded down to 47 (which is a multiple of 4 plus 3.)
I hope this helps! Please let us know if you have any more questions!
Molly
Thank you so much for the quick answer!
Just finished this scarf for my son — we both absolutely love it – I loved knitting it and he loves wearing it! Your patterns and yarns are always so nice — thank you!!
I want to knit a shawl from the Mulberry silk scarf pattern. Any ideas or suggestions?
Hi Mary-
Sure! This pattern will work if you cast on any multiple of 4 + 3 stitches so you could make a very wide, shawl width version, with no problem, just cast on more stitches. To determine how many to cast on you should make sure to make a gauge swatch.
Please let us know if you need any more help and good luck with this project!
Best-
Molly
With the ‘mistake st.’ shawl, do I knit in the back of each knit or knit it as usual? The yarn came today and is lovely. Thanks for your help on this question!
Hello Mary,
No need to knit in the back of the stitches for this pattern, that would unnecessarily twist them! Knit them through the front of the stitch like normal. We’re delighted you love the yarn! Enjoy the pattern! -Alyson
Hello! I actually accidentally made a somewhat mistake rib scarf for my very first project back in December. I have ZERO clue how I managed to do it when the pattern I was knitting from was a regular ribbed pattern. All the senior knitters in my facebook knitting group were amazed and asked me how I did it and I couldn’t even explain how besides telling them I made a ton of mistakes Lolol…
Anywho, my question is I have about 4 skeins of Cascade Tangier skeins of 2 different self striped colors that I’d originally bought for a cowl. I know want to use them for this. I was thinking maybe 2 or 3 rows then switch to the opposite color skein over and over til the end. My thing is, is there a way to “hide” the other skeins from running up the side of the scarf? Would the slipping knitwise that the pattern calls for hide that string that’s going to come up the side as I’m switching back and forth from one skein to the other?
Hi Crystal-
Unfortunately there is no real way to hide the second color running up one side. But if you switch every 2 rows it won’t be very noticeable, especially with all the different colors of the yarns.
I hope this is helpful. Please let us know if you have any more questions!
Molly
Hi Crystal, you have probably already finished this scarf by this time. I am making a similar one. The pattern is 2 rows of color A and 2 rows of color B, when switching between colors, just bring the “new” color under the “old” color for the first stitch. That way you get a nice edge. Barbara
Just a quick question. I am getting ready to start this scarf, and was just wondering which type of cast on you used. Would a long-tail cast on work, or did you use another technique?
Also, I have both circular and straight needles, is there an advantage to using either?
Thank you, and I’m looking forward to getting started!
Hello Karen!
Unless otherwise specified, our knitters use Long Tail Cast on. It provides a neat and slightly stretchy edge that is ideal for most projects!
As for the needles, I prefer using circular for everything right now because they require less elbow room if I’m knitting on the busy subway! Either for this project would be fine. Thanks for writing in! -Alyson
Hi Karen,
Thanks for asking! We almost always use a long-tail cast on, and it would be perfect for this pattern. We find knitting on circulars to be more comfortable, but if you love your straights, there’s no reason not to use them. Hope this helps! Please let us know if you get any other questions!
Happy knitting!
Anna
Hello! I absolutely love this pattern – I have a question can this be made in merino script ? If what size so neddle.
Thank you for posting this pattern
Hello Maggie!
If you were to knit this pattern with Merino Script, the irregularity of the yarn may detract a little from the intricate stitch pattern, but it also could make it bold and graphic! I would try making a little swatch on US #9 needles and see what you think!
Best of luck! -Alyson
Meant to ask this question in my earlier comment. Am I supposed to knit the first stitch in the one I slipped onto the right needle?
Thanks for helping!
Barbara
Hello Barbara,
Are you talking about the first stitch of each row? You do not knit it, you simply slip it from left to right. This creates a more polished edging to the scarf! Hope this helps! -Alyson
Alyson,
Thanks for the reply! Am I correct that the stitch is indeed slipped knit wise, not purl wise? I know that’s what the pattern says, but just wanted to verify.
Thanks,
Barbara
Yes! Follow the pattern! I’m sorry if I mislead you. Keep up the good work! -Alyson
I loved knitting this pattern. It is incredibly simple to follow yet the finished scarf is exquisite. Thank you for posting this beautiful pattern.
Hello Selena!
We’re so glad you love it as much as we do! Keep up the lovely knitting! -Alyson
I have made many quick scarves using this pattern. Also, called man stitch.
Bulky yarns are great. Looks like brioche but easy peasy.
Does this yarn come in other colors?
Hello Patricia!
Yes it does! You can find the other colors for sale here: https://www.purlsoho.com/yarn/mulberry-merino.html
Thanks for asking and happy stitching! -Alyson
This was my mother’s favorite stitch when making scarves. All came out wonderful. She’d be proud that it was brought back by such a well known NYC store!
Beautiful! Thank you. I have several things on needles right now for Christmas gifts. I think I will start this. Keeps me from getting bored. Thanks again
Curious. Would this work with Tunisisn crochet? Can still k1 and p2 etc…
Hi, Cindy!
Thank you so much for writing in! This particualr pattern wouldn’t quite work with Tunisian crochet since it is a knit pattern and the stitches don’t translate over. Also, I think that Tunisian crochet would give you a differnt texture and density than the Mistake Rib. Tunisian crochet would give you a dense and squishy scarf (which would be lovely) whereas the Mistake Rib is a bit more structured or rigid (but still squishy!) scarf. I do believe that there are patterns out there that use Tunisian crochet to make a rib stitch, unfortunately we don’t have such a pattern. If you are more of a crocheter than a knitter we do have a lovely Crocheted Rib Cowl pattern here: https://www.purlsoho.com/create/2013/09/19/whits-knits-crocheted-rib-cowl/
Again, thank you for writing in! Happy crafting.
Best,
Kumeko
How nice of you to share! I absolutely love this. It makes an ‘Elegant Ribbbed fabric, has great ‘hand’ Thanks again.
What is meant by: Bind off in ‘stitch’ pattern ? Thank you 🙂
Hi, Lois!
Great question! For many knitting patterns when you bind off you do the usual knit 2 stitches then pass the first stitch over the second stitch and off the needle then repeat. This sort of bind off works great for several patterns, especially stockinette. However, this bind off can look a bit wonky on a pattern that uses a mix of knit and purl stitches like the Mistake Rib Scarf.
To bind off in the stitch pattern you would bind off as you normally would for the knit stitches but for the purl stitches rather than knitting the 2 stitches and passing the first stitch over the second you would purl them. Does that make sense?
Binding off in the stitch pattern blends in with the rib pattern better than a regular bind off.
If you have further question, please reach out again.
Thank you and happy knitting!
Best wishes,
Kumeko
Hi,
I want to make this scarf for my husband and am wondering if a 60″ version would be best. I know length is personal preference, but do most guys want a scarf longer than that? Just looking for an opinion. I want to surprise him.
Thanks a million,
Nancy
Hi, Nancy!
Thank you for your question! When making scarves for gentlemen I recommend making them the same length as the man’s height. With that being said, you know your husband and you know how he likes to wear scarves – some guys like to wrap it around their neck a few times and some like to wrap it once and tuck the ends into their coat. If your husband is like the latter, than I think 60-inches would be just fine, but if he prefers to wrap it a few times I’d make it a bit longer.
Again, thank you for writing in and happy knitting!
Best wishes,
Kumeko
I made this pattern several years ago and it was greatly received. I made several in different colors. Easy to make.
Hello Pam!
Thanks for your kind words! We’re so glad that you have enjoyed this pattern. Enjoy! -Alyson
I would like to use the merino script for my park ranger daughter in the Moody green to go with her uniform…it is not delicate as the mulberry yarn…or should I do the no purl scarf? want to order the yarn and needles right away. thank you jo
Hello, Jo!
Thank you so much for writing in! I am so sorry for the delay in responding to your comment! Have you already made your decision? If not, you could definatly use the Merino Script to make a Mistake Rib Scarf, however the scarf would have a different texture. The Merino Script is a think and thin yarn, so doing a mistake rib stitch with it would give the scarf a fun and funky texture. The Mulberry Merino is more sophisticated in apperance. Also, because the Merino Script has a different gauge than the Mulberry Merino I recommend doing a gauge swatch to make sure you don’t end up with a scarf that is too big (or too small!).
Again, thank you so much for writing in! Happy knitting.
Best,
Kumeko
I love how this scarf is turning out, but after I slip the first stitch and purl the last, I end up with a really ugly loop that won’t tighten up on the edge. Can anyone help and tell me what I’m doing wrong? Thanks!
Hi, Katie!
Thank you so much for your question! Sorry for the delayed response! I am stumped as to why you’re getting a loose loop at the edge, slipping the first stitch of each row should be giving you a neat, polished edge. Have you tried pulling the last purl stitch of each row a bit tighter? Perhaps someone in our knitting community can weigh in?
If you’re still having trouble with this, please let us know. Sorry I couldn’t be of more assistance.
Best,
Kumeko
I made a shorter scarf and have a ball of yarn left over. Can you suggest a hat pattern to make with the leftover yarn?
Hi Martin,
Thanks for writing in! Our Herringbone Hat would make a lovely accompaniment to the mistake rib scarf and is made using 1 skein of our Mulberry Merino.
Happy knitting!
-Cassy
I would like to knit this scarf in Sensations Angel Hair yarn, which is rather bulky. Would you recommend a needle larger than #8 for a softer feeling scarf. Also, I don’t want to make it as wide. Please give me the number of cast on stitches for a more narrow scarf, so the pattern turns out correctly.
Hi Pam,
Thanks for writing in and our apologies for the greatly delayed response. It looks like the Sensations Angel Hair calls for a US 11. I would recommend using the US 11 to get a fabric that is not too stiff. To yield a similar width scarf, I would recommend knitting a gauge swatch and multiplying the stitches per inch by 7 inches.
Mistake Rib is worked over a multiple of 4 + 3 stitches so the number of stitches that you cast on should be whatever number is closest to the 7 inch width while still being a multiple of 4 + 3.
I hope that this helps!
Cassy
How many stitches should I cast on when using chunky yarn?
Hi Bettie,
Thanks for writing in! The number of stitches that you will cast on will depend on the gauge that you are getting. Once you know the number of stitches that you are getting per inch, you will multiply that number by 7 inches (the finished width of the scarf). Mistake Rib pattern is worked over a multiple of 4 + 3 stitches. Cast on the number of stitches that work within this formula and get you closest to 7 inches. For example, if you are getting 3 stitches per inch, 3 sts x 7 inches = 21 stitches. The closest number of stitches that would work with the formula is 23 stitches (4 x 5 = 20 +3 = 23).
Happy knitting!
Cassy
Hi! I am wondering if there is a mistake when you say in this pattern, “Repeat row 1 until piece measures 70″ from cast on edge”. Shouldn’t that be 7″ from cast on edge? If the cast on is 67 sts, you are knitting the 70″ up from the cast on edge, right? So you would then be knitting the 7″ width, that is how it looks in the photo. Am I correct? I am knitting this scarf the other way, casting on 27 sts and knitting to an 80″ length using two different colors, color A for two rows, color B for two rows, carrying the yarn up the side when changing colors. Thanks also for this pattern in the round, I couldn’t figure that out!
Hello Barbara,
Thanks for your question. The cast on of 67 stitches makes the scarf 7″ wide. You will repeat row 1 until you have reached 70″ or however long you want to make the scarf. The pattern does not have you cast on the length of the scarf, rather the width. You can make stripes as you please and this will not affect the overall length of the scarf. Happy knitting!
Best,
Adam
So easy and so beautiful. It’s very sophisticated looking. Making one for my daughter. I’m almost done and so pleased with the scarf so far.
I love this pattern. I’m making a cowl on straight needles following this scarf pattern as suggested on the mistake rib cowl pattern page. My question is why do I get a messy loopy edge ? The knit slip stitch seems to be the culprit? What am I doing wrong? I’d be grateful for your advice on this. It’s not a big issue as the messy edge will disappear into the sewn seam at the end of the knitting stage, but I don’t get why the slip stitch is necessary? Many thanks.
Hi, Nicoloa de Val!
I’ve been thinking more about this, are you knitting the slip stitch? If so, you do not knit it, you simply slip it from left to right. This should create a more polished edging to the scarf. If you are slipping it correctly, then I am still stumped. But I will keep pondering this! Thank you!
Best,
Kumeko
I’ve just realised that Katie (above) has asked the same question as I have. I will try to pull the last purl stitch tighter as suggested in Kumeko’s reply but I’ve a feeling this won’t solve the problem. Not sure what else to do.
Hi, I’m slipping not knitting the slip stitch, but I have noticed an improvement by pulling the final purl stitch tight and holding it tight as I slip it at the start of the next row – as Kumeko advised. The edge is now looking great. Thank you!
Hi,
If I were to work on 2 colors for this design, do I alternate the color every other row? Thanks!
Hi Hui Li,
Thanks for writing us! You can certainly work two colors for this design. All you need to do is switch your colors every two rows. Hope this helps.
Best,
Adam
I absolutely love this pattern. I wanted to make a scarf with a pattern running lengthwise . Ribbing was my first choice but by it’s very nature tends to stretch excessively in width.
Your pattern adds some stability to control this tendency. I did add 1 stitch to each edge. I slipped the first stitch and purled the last stitch of every row. It makes for a clean edge on the sides.
Thanks you for the pattern that is simplicity in itself and very relaxing to knit.
Gary
Hi Gary!
Thanks so much for the sweet comment! I’m so glad you like the pattern. Stay tuned for more great patterns in the future!
-Adam
Hi! I am wanting to start this project and noticed it said we needed 4 skeins of this. So we essentially need 1000 yards of fabric? That seems like a lot for this scarf. Am I calculating wrong? Thanks!
Hi Karley,
Thanks for writing us again. This is actually a typical yardage for a yarn this weight. With thinner weights you need even more yardage.
Best,
Adam
Thank you so much!! I am new to all of this 🙂
Hi Karely,
Great question! Scarves are deceptive! They seem small but they are, in fact, quite large and eat up a bunch of yarn. This scarf is 7 inches wide and 70 inches (almost 2 yards!). You will need somewhere are 3.5 skeins of the Mulberry Merino. Each skein works up into approximately 20 inches, so for a 60-inch scarf, you’d only need 3 skeins. Overall, with my back of the napkin math, the 70″ scarf will require 865 yards of Mulberry Merino. Your yardage may vary as differences in personal gauge can mean that you use more or less. I always like to give myself a 10% bumper to be sure that I have enough!
I hope that this helps and happy knitting!
Cassy
This helped a ton thank you!
How would I make this with Woolfolk?
Thx!
Hi Karley,
Thanks for writing us! This scarf takes approximately 988 yards of the Mulberry Merino. Hope this helps!
Happy knitting!
-Adam
Does this mean that the gauge is 4? Sorry still learning! I just noticed on this yarn the suggested gauge was 5 to 6 but from what I’m reading on the pattern it’s 4?
Hi Karely,
Great question! The gauge for this project is 24 stitches = 4 inches in stockinette. This equals 6 stitched per inch. The gauge in pattern is 38 stitches = approximately 4 inches, rib unstretched or 9.5 stitches per inch. You will lay a ruler over your swatch and count the number of stitches over 4 inches of fabric and that will tell you whether or not you are getting gauge. If you do not get gauge, you may need to change your needle size to get the correct number of stitches per inch.
I hope that this helps!
Cassy
The pattern goes: Row 1: Slip 1 knitwise, k1, p2, *k2, p2, repeat from * to last 3 stitches, k2, p1.
The last 3 stitches should be: k2, p1?
What is the 3rd stitch made of?
Yours Ruth
Hi Ruth,
Thanks for writing in! I think that I see the confusion. Another way to write k2, p1 would be k1, k1, p1. This encapsulates the last 3 stitches of the row.
I hope that this helps!
Cassy
Hi Cassy,
now it’s totaly clear.
Thanks a lot.
Ruth
Good morning. I am looking for a scarf pattern for my husband. Is this one you recommend, or do you have other suggestions?
Hi Joanne,
I think that this would make a great scarf for your husband! Other popular options for men include:
Cobblestone Scarf
Double Seed Stitch Scarf
Men’s Mini Herringbone Scarf
I think that any of these options would make a great scarf for your husband!
Happy knitting,
Cassy
Hi, what other yarn can be used other than this one please? I am in UK, and love this site.
Many thanks
Hi Trudy,
Great question! Our Mulberry Merino comes in at a Sport/DK weight. This would be some where between a 5 and an 8 ply in UK yarn weights.
I hope that this helps!
Cassy
Does anyone have any ideas how to do this pattern as a hat? I’ve don’t it as a scarf and love the stretchiness of it, it’s so beautiful!
Hi Katrina,
Great question! This scarf is done in a Sport/Dk weight. My best suggestion is to find a ribbed hat in that weight and use the stitch pattern to modify the pattern you find. To accomplish mistake rib in the round, the rounds will be as follows:
Round 1: *K2, p2, repeat from * to end of round.
Round 2: P1, *k2, p2, repeat from * to last 3 stitches, k2, p1.
Repeat round 1 and 2.
I hope that this helps and happy knitting!
Cassy
I think the confusion with the initial slip stitch comes because you say “slip as if to knit,” but do not specify whether to hold the yarn in the front or the back. Could you please be specific? I think this would help all patterns even though the rule is supposed to be in front unless otherwise specified.
Thank you,
Ann
Hi Ann,
Thanks for writing us! Sorry for the confusion on this! I would actually say that slipping knitwise with the yarn in back would be better for this because your last stitch on the previous row is a purl. Try both an let us know what you think!
Best of luck!
-Adam
Which cast-on method do you recommend for this scarf? Also, is there a particular one you would suggest when making a swatch
regardless of the pattern?
I am a beginning knitter and am very inspired by your site.
Sincerely,
Carmen
Hi Carmen,
Great question! Unless otherwise noted, we use the long tail cast-on. We think that it is very versatile and easy to accomplish a nice looking finished edge. On a swatch, I would suggest using the same cast-on that you plan on using on the project. This also gives you the opportunity to practice the cast-on before starting your project.
I hope that this helps and happy knitting!
Cassy
Have not tried the pattern yet but in looking at it, wondering if you have made it into an infinity scarf ? Would it work? I consider myself sort of an expert knitter and don’t see why it wouldn’t. Thanks!
Hi Reita,
Thanks for writing in to us! We actually do have a cowl pattern in this stitch called the Mistake Rib Cowl. It’s quite lovely!
-Adam
Can this be made with a larger needle and chunkier yarn? I have some lovely bulk Yarn that I think would look well in this pattern. I was thinking of using a size 11 needle. Love your patterns!
Hi Stephanie,
Great question! This lovely scarf can be knit in any weight yarn using the appropriate size needles for that yarn. The Mistake Rib is worked over a multiple of 4 + 3 stitches. To determine your cast on number, 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 and you should be good to go!
I hope that this helps!
Cassy
Hi. I am currently working on the mistake rib scarf using the peacock blue. It is quiet lovely and a pleasure to knit. I wasn’t sure at first how it was really going to turn out. I restarted the scarf 3 times, thinking I had misread the pattern. I finally just kept at it. And as I said, Lovely! I would definitely knit this again in another color.
I am just about to finish the first ball of yarn & I was wondering what method was used to join a new ball to the existing? Any help you could provide would be appreciated.
Happy Holidays!
Jennifer
Hi Jennifer,
Thanks for writing in! I am so glad to hear that the pattern is coming along nicely! To join a new ball of wool, at the beginning of a new row, you will stop knitting with the yarn that you have been knitting with and begin knitting with the new yarn. Be sure to leave a tail on the new yarn of at least 8 inches and be sure to pull the tail of the old yarn on the first few stitches and you will be good to go. When you are finished knitting the scarf, you will weave those loose ends in.
I hope that this helps and happy knitting!
Cassy
I’d like to knit this scarf a little wider, about 9 inches across. Could you tell me how many stitches to cast on?
Many thanks
Hi Catherine,
Thanks for writing in! This lovely pattern is worked over a multiple of 4 stiches plus 3 stitches. For a scarf about 9 inches wide, you should cast on 83 stitches. You will also need an additional skein of yarn to achieve this lovely scarf!
Happy knitting!
Cassy
Question: When finished..should this scarf be blocked or will it ruin the texture of the ribbing…and therefore should not be blocked?
Hello Lynne,
Thank you for your question! You can definitely block the Mistake Rib Scarf, we recommend the gentle hand blocking technique we discuss in our Blocking Tutorial. Please let us know if you have further questions. Again, thank you for writing in!
Best,
Kumeko
Question: I’d love to knit this scarf using US 8 size needles with the Worsted Twist yarn. I was just wondering how many skeins of Worsted Twist I would need in order to achieve the same size as shown here in the pattern? Thanks!
Hi Tarajee,
Thanks for writing in! I think that this scarf would be lovely in Worsted Twist! To make this scarf the same size as the Mulberry Merino version, you will need 3 skeins on US 8 needles. To get your cast on number, I would suggest knitting a gauge swatch in pattern and measuring the number of stitches per inch that you are getting. Then multiply that number by 7 inches. Mistake Rib is worked over a multiple of 4 + 3 stitches. So make sure that the number that you are casting on works with this formula and you should be good to. For example, if you are getting 4.5 stitches per inch, 4.5 x 7 = 31.5 and 4 x 7 = 28 + 3 = 31, so your cast on will be 31 stitches!
I hope that this helps!
Cassy
I am ready to bind off. Confused on if I still slip the first stitch …. or knit it since it is a knit stitch? Thank you for your help.
Hi Jan,
Thanks for the question. You can knit this first stitch to bing off. No need to slip it! Best of luck!
-Adam
Hi there! I have some lovely worsted weight alpaca blend wool that I would love to use with this pattern. Do you have a suggestion for how I can modify the pattern so that the scarf won’t be waaaay too wide? And how much yardage might be required? I want to make sure I have enough.
Cheers,
Chanelle
Hi Chanelle,
Thanks for writing us! I’d do a small swatch to get your stitches per inch in the mistake rib stitch and then multiply that number by the width you desire. Usually a worsted weight scarf requires anywhere between 700-1000 yards of yarn, depending on the scarf pattern and how long/wide you want to make it. Let me know if you have any other questions!
-Adam
Would there need to be any changes to this pattern if I used flax down yarn instead?
Hi Kirsten,
Great question! Flax Down has a bit of a bulkier gauge than our Mulberry Merino. You will probably need to go up a needle size and you may need an additional skein. I would suggest knitting a gauge swatch and adjusting the cast on number accordingly. The pattern here is worked over a multiple of 4 + 3 stitches. So once you have your gauge, you can multiply the number of stitches you are getting per inch by 7 inches wide and pick a number that is closest to that number while still working with the multiple of 4 + 3 stitches.
I hope that this helps!
Cassy
I know this is maybe too simple and I am making it more difficult than it is. But is driving me cray cray. I am working with bulky yarn and I have done 48 stitches plus 3. It just does not seem to be working right. The first step is slip one stitch purlwise, knit 1, purl two. Are you knitting into the first stitch that you slipped? Or are you slipping it and then knitting then next stitch. On the back and forth the ribs don’t line up.
Hi Robin,
Thanks for writing in! I think that I can help! The row reads “Slip 1 knitwise, k1, p2, *k2, p2, repeat from * to last 3 stitches, k2, p1.” You will be slipping the first stitch and knitting into the second stitch of the row. The result will be that there will be lined up ribs with a texture between them. I would give the pattern a few rows to show up and if you are still having difficulties, please get back in touch!
Best,
Cassy
would this work well for a prayer shawl?
Hi Linda,
Thanks for writing us. I guess this would work well as a prayer shawl but I am no expert on prayer shawls. It seems, from my Google search, that prayer shawls are a bit wider and involve some lace work. Maybe you could widen this pattern and add some yo, k2tog details. Let us know if you have any other questions!
-Adam
I would like to work on this project! Can I ask about binding off??
What does ‘Binding off in stitch pattern’ mean??
Sorry, I am still learning how to knit by my self.
Hi Han,
Thanks for the question. To bind off you’ll use the normal passover bind off. When you bind off in pattern that means that you knit the knit stitches and purl the purl stitches as you bind off. This ensures a nice clean edge. I hope this explains your question! Let me know if you need more help!
-Adam
I understand~ Thank you for your kind explaination. I’m still learning knitting and also english~ Thank you!
I am new at knitting. I have read that you should do your gauge in stockinette, but the pattern says-in pattern, unstretched.
Hi Cindy,
Thanks for writing in! Gauge swatches can be worked in a large variety of ways. In the case of textured patterns such as this one, your gauge in stockinette and in pattern could vary quite a bit. Here we ask that you complete a gauge swatch in pattern as it will give you a better idea of how to alter your needle size to get gauge on this lovely project!
I hope that this helps!
Cassy
Yes it did. Thanks for clarifying that.
Can this be made with woolfolk? Would I need a different size needle? I believe woolfolk is 50gram.
Hi Carmen,
Thanks for writing in! You can certainly use most gauge yarns with this pattern by just changing the needles. If you would like to use Woolfolk Far, you can use the same needles and cast on number with 7 skeins of Far. If you would like to use any of the other Woolfolk yarns, modifications will need to be made to cast on number and needles. We’d be happy to help you would with numbers if you would like to use an alternate yarn.
Best,
Cassy
Thanks for replying Cassy. I have woolfolk sno yarn. I have tried doing a swatch with size 7 needles but it seems pretty loose. I would appreciate any help you can give with respect to modifications.
Hi Carmen,
Thanks for writing back! Woolfolk Sno is quite a bit smaller than the yarn called for here. You will need to use a US 3 or US 4 needle to get a pleasing fabric. I think that you will need roughly 4.5 skeins of Sno to get a 7 x 70 scarf. You will then need to knit a gauge swatch in pattern, measure how many stitches you are getting per inch and multiply that number by 7 inches. This pattern works over a multiple of 4 stitches plus 3. You will cast on the nearest number that matches this formula. For example, if you are getting 6 stitches per inch, 6 x 7 = 42. The nearest number to this that matches 42 is 43, so you would cast on 43 stitches.
I hope that this helps!
Cassy
Excellent! Thank you so much for the advice and help.
Oops… I am using size 6 needles.
Hi, I have your worsted weight yarn 100%merino wool… 164 yards/ 100 grams. I have 3 skeins of it. Can I make this scarf with this a yarn and just use the 3 skeins?
Thank you
Carolyn
Hello Carolyn,
Thanks for writing us! With three skeins of our Worsted Twist you most likely will not get the same length as you would with Mulberry Merino. If you want to do it with three skeins I would go up to a 7 or 8 needle (because it is a thicker yarn) and cast on a little less. These two things will give you more length. I hope this helps!
Warmly,
Marilla
Hi love this pattern. Is this the only line you repeat over and over
Hello Andrea,
Thank you for your kind words! You are correct you will repeat this line over and over until your scarf is the desired length.
Happy Knitting!
-Marilla
Would I be able to knit this scarf in Shibui Maii?
Gauge is 24 sts=4″ on US 6
Thank you for your help and all your beautiful patterns
Hi Donna,
Thanks for writing in! You certainly can! While I have not use Maii, it looks like it should knit up at a similar gauge to our Muleberry Merino. You will need 5 skeins of Maii to get an equal size scarf!
Best,
Cassy
would I be able to make this scarf in Shubi Maai. I only have 2 skeins at 175 yards each
Hi Donna,
I just saw this additional question! You would need 5 skeins to get a scarf of equal size. With 2 skeins, you would have to knit a scarf half as wide (3.5 inches) and a bit shorter. I would suggest getting a further 3 skeins!
Best,
Cassy
Thank you for this easy but beautiful pattern. I just finished the scarf! Do you recommend that I block it? If so, how would I do this? Thanks
Hi Dorothy,
I would recommend that you block it, blocking helps the yarn to maintain its shape and even out the fabric. What you want to do, is stretch the yarn horizontally, diagonally, vertically until the stitches look more evenly spaced. Lay your scarf on a towel flat, don’t stretch the stitches. You will then pin around the scarf making sure to keep its shape. Once that is done you will then spray the scarf with water and let it dry. After your scarf is dry unpin and it is ready to wear.
I hope this helps,
Melissa
Beautiful scarf! Want to knit for myself and my husband. The pattern looks unisex (hopefully that’s true). If I wanted to make it in chunky wool, how much would you recommend (and would you recommend using chunky wool or the pattern would not show off so well)? For myself, I would probably make it 80″ and for my (very picky) husband, 60″ or 70″ would be comfortable length for him but for him, it needs to be at least 10″ wide (he is a big man).
So to convert it to chunky wool,
1. how many skeins for each of us?
2. How many CO sts for 10″ width?
Thanks in advance,
~ Priya.
Hello Priya,
Thank you for reaching out! I would recommend knitting up a gauge swatch in pattern with your desired needle size to determine how many stitches per inch you are getting. Once you have this number you will be able to determine your cast on number to achieve 10″. I think this would be lovely in our Super Soft Merino and I would estimate that you will need about four skeins to get your desired dimensions.
I hope this helps and let me know if you have any further questions!
Happy knitting,
Marilla
Hello,
As I am a beginner in knitting. May I ask you to clarify the pattern ?
In order words the pattern can be written as follows.
Row 1:
sl1k, k1, p1, p1, * k1, k1, p1, p1, repeat from * to last 3 stitches, k1, k1, p1.
Thank you so much
Jenny
==============================
The original pattern is:
Row 1:
Slip 1 knitwise, k1, p2, *k2, p2, repeat from * to last 3 stitches, k2, p1.
==============================
Hi Jenny,
Thanks for writing in! You got it all correct! When you have a k3 or p4, that will translate to knit 3 stitches (k1, k1, k1) or purl 4 stitches (p1, p1, p1, p1).
I hope that this helps and happy knitting!
Cassy
Hello,
When I finish to knit one row, I would like to check if I knit correctly. I mean from Row 1 until the last Row of the project.
How can I verified that I did not do any mistakes ?
How many stitches I should have once I complete one row ?
Thank you,
Jenny
Hi Jenny,
Thanks for writing in! Learning to read your knitting can be a bit of a challenge but I find that it is immeasurably helpful! It helps to look at your stitches on a stockinette swatch to get used the look of a knit versus a purl stitch! For this lovely pattern, you will always have the same number of stitches (67) at the end of each row as there are no increases or decreases. In textured patterns, it can be harder to catch your mistakes right away, you tend to see them a few rows on. While I am getting in the hang of a pattern, I will say the stitches out loud as I complete them as I find that it helps keep things tidy!
Best,
Cassy
Hello, sort of beginning knitter and trying the mistake rib scarf. Can you explain the purpose of first stitch being a slip 1 knitwise and not just a knit stitch? Trying to understand the purpose.
Thank you
Gail
Hi Gail,
Thanks for writing in! Great question! We slip the first stitch here to create a neat and tidy border! The slipped stitch creates a bit of an elongates stitch on the edge that makes the edge look flat and orderly!
Best,
Cassy
Hi! Thank you so much for a great website! I am new to this, and was wondering how it would work if I wanted to knit this with a circular needle. As I understand it from the description, it’s possible, but how would I do it?
Sorry for a perhaps very basic question, but I don’t want to mess anything up.
Hi Frida,
Thanks so much for writing in! When you are knitting flat on circular needles you need to make sure you don’t join the first stitch and last stitch together. When you cast on all your stitches just turn your work so that you are knitting the wrong side of the piece.
I hope this helps!
Carly
I would like to make this scarf into a cowl (the ribs going the long way) and would love your expert opinion. Can I start with a provisional cast on and once I knit to my length, I would use kitchner stitch to seam it together. I have made other wrap/crowls this way, but wasn’t sure how the seam would look.
Thanks in advance
Hello Julie,
Thank you for reaching out! I think this is a great idea- you will, of course, have a seam but I don’t think it will be to noticeable. I say go for it!
Happy knitting,
Marilla
I am a leftie and I’m trying to knit the Mistake Rib Scarf on a circular needle. I am at the end of the first row. There are no more stitches left on my right needle. Where do I go from here. I love the pattern.
Hello Thelma,
Thank you for reaching out! To knit your second row you will need to turn your work so you can knit back across your scarf with your working yarn. This means your current right needle will become your left needle will become your right needle. I hope this makes sense and please let me know if I can clarify anything.
Happy knitting!
-Marilla
Hi! I’m planning on making this scarf using Mulberry Merino yarn, however I would like to make it a bit wider, maybe 10 or 12 inches. If I’m calculating right I think that would mean casting on 95 or 114 stitches. How many skeins of yarn would I need for a scarf of the same length (70 inches)? 4 or 5 maybe? Thank you!
Hello Olivia,
Thank you for reaching out! You are correct- I would cast on 95 or 115 stitches to achieve a wider scarf and I would recommend using 4 skeins. I hope this helps and happy knitting!
-Marilla
I found this pattern, for another PSH scarf, called the Easy Mistake Stitch Rib Scarf. It showed a men’s green scarf. It said to cast on 39 stitches. The pattern was identical to this one except, in the other pattern, it does not start the row with Slip 1. It just says K2…. Would it be better to do it with the first stitch being slipped? I’ve already started the other scarf, but have wondered about doing over again or just continuing. Thanks.
Hello Jeanine,
Thank you for reaching out- this is a great question! Though slipping your first stitch is optional, it will give you a nice clean edge on your scarf, so I would recommend slipping your first stitch!
I hope this helps and happy knitting!
-Marilla
Hoping you can help me correct my errors in this pattern correctly. Sometimes I get in a zone doing a row and knit instead of purl and vice versa. When I try to undo the error and reverse my actions, the loops get twisted. When I rework the row correctly, you can see the error very clearly because it’s a horizontal mistake in a vertical pattern. I’m obviously doing something wrong.
Hi Eileen,
Thanks for reaching out! It does sound like you are twisting your stitches when you place them back on the needle after taking out the incorrect row. If you google “tinking ribbing,” you should be able to find several videos demonstrating how to correctly tink, or un-knit, your stitches so that they do not end up twisted. However, if some stitches should end up twisted anyway, before knitting them, you can simply use your needle tips to turn them around so that your next row turns out correctly.
I hope that helps!
Julianna
Do reckon this pattern would suit well if made with a thicker yarn to make it slightly more chunky? What would the conversions be like to get a similar length and width?
Hello Esther,
Thank you for reaching out! You can certainly knit this pattern with a thicker yarn. The first thing you will need to do, to figure out your cast on will be to knit u a little gauge swatch. Depending on your yarn and needle size, you will just multiply the number of stitches per inch you are getting by your desired width. You will just want to be sure that your cast on number is an odd number to folow this pattern.
I hope this helps and happy knitting!
-Marilla
Hi, Can I use size 7 needles instead? I don’t have size 6. Thank you ?
Hi Kimberly,
Thanks for reaching out! I would suggest knitting a small swatch to make sure you are happy with the fabric on US 7 needles, but since this is a scarf and not a garment, you could switch to US 7 needles if you wish! Your scarf might turn out a bit wider and shorter than ours, but otherwise should be fine.
Happy knitting!
Julianna
How many skeins of cashmere merino bloom should I purchase for the single color mistake rib scarf?
Hello Leah,
Thank you for reaching out! We used 3 skeins of Cashmere Merino Bloom for our Cashmere Mistake Rib scarf.
Happy knitting!
-Marilla
Is the gauge for the mulberry before or after washing? I just hand washed and air dried (no pinning or stretching) and I can’t get anything near gauge.
38 stitches = approximately 4 inches, in pattern, unstretched
my swatch is 39 stitches and I knit really tight so I did it on a 7 and an 8 and both are much wider. The 7 is 5.25 (a whole 1.25 inches too wide) and the 8 is almost 5.75. So even if I went down to a 6, I’d probably be around 4.5. Any ideas? I bought the yarn a long while ago and I can’t get more of the charcoal color and I can’t keep making swatches or my husband’s scarf will be too short. 🙂
Hello Dawn,
Thank you for reaching out! We got 4 inches, unstretched, on a US6 needle, so you are not so far off! I would go down to a US5. Blocking your scarf shouldn’t change your gauge to much, so no need to block your swatch for this specific pattern.
I hope this helps and let us know if you have any further questions!
Happy knitting!
-Marilla
I am wondering how to use this pattern to make a matching hat? How would I decrease the crown of the hat following the pattern.
Thank you so much for any assistance. I love Purl Soho!
Hi Sue,
Thanks for writing in! Unfortunately we do not have a hat pattern using the Mistake Rib; however, you might be able to adapt the decrease method used for our Boyfriend Hat to work with this stitch! As long as you can read your stitches to determine which stitches to knit and purl between the markers, it should be fairly easy to work the decreases as long as you use markers to indicate where the decreases should go.
Best of luck, and I hope that helps!
Julianna
How may I buy this done?
Thanks
Hi Luis,
Thanks for writing in! I’m sorry, we don’t sell these already made, but we do have all of the materials and instructions for you to make one of your own! Thanks for getting in touch!
Best,
Julianna
This scarf looks so beautiful! I wanted to make a scarf for a friend for Christmas, but I wonder if this would be warm enough for winter since the yarn description says its a 3-season yarn? On the other hand, would it be too bulky if I used worsted weight yarn instead of DK weight? I like the way that this one drapes in the pictures.
Hi Kelly,
Great question! We do find that this scarf is plenty warm for a chilly winter, especially since it’s quite long so can be worn wrapped around ones neck a few times. If you would like something a bit warmer, however, you could make our Cashmere Merino Bloom version! Cashmere is a better insulator than silk so this might be a good choice for very cold conditions. Worsted weight is also an option, and you can get an idea of how it will turn out by looking at our Mistake Rib Cowl in Cashmere Tend, which is a worsted to aran weight yarn. It is still quite drapey but extra cozy!
I hope that helps, and happy knitting!
Julianna
Thanks for the quick reply! I took a look at the Cashmere Merino Bloom and that yarn sounds lovely, but the color I like most (green) is out of stock and I really love the black-green color of this merino silk yarn, so I think I’ll go with that.
However, one last concern is the softness of the yarn, because the last (and only other) time that I knit with merino wool yarn, it felt itchy against my neck. That was 100% pure merino wool, which did feel soft when not against my neck, and it wasn’t a cheap brand (Filatura di Crosa, Zara). Does this merino-silk blend also feel a little itchy or is it very comfortable against the neck? Do you have any recommendations for making yarn less itchy?
Hi Kelly,
I’m not familiar with Zara, but I can say from experience that all of our merino yarns are wonderfully soft! Mulberry Merino knits up with a lovely soft halo and is really quite pleasant to wear. If you have an actual wool allergy, however, you may find that you can’t tolerate any wool, no matter how soft it is, so hopefully that is not the case! Blocking the finished scarf in a wool wash like Soak will help soften the fibers, so you may want to try that on your already completed scarf to see if it makes a difference. If it does turn out that you have a sensitivity to wool, you may be able to wear alpaca, as it comes from a different animal, and our Season Alpaca would also be a great yarn to use for this scarf!
Best,
Julianna
Hi! I want to make this scarf using Cashmere Merino Bloom, but can’t find the pattern. I can only find the pattern for the Mulberry Merino and the Two Tone version. Can you help me?
Thanks! Frances
Hi Frances,
Thanks for reaching out! You can find the Cashmere Merino Bloom version by clicking right here!
Best,
Julianna
Hello, I have just started knitting this pattern for a scarf, but several points appeared confusing as I go on. Firstly, when I am knitting on the wrong side, is it correct to be knitting the purl stitches and purling the knit stitches? Or do I actually have to reflect the right side pattern when knitting on the wrong side? Secondly, as I follow the pattern to slip the first stitch, the count of stitches on my needle decreases one by each row I do. Is this normal? Do you think I made some mistakes there?
Many Thanks,
Kendy
Hi Kendy,
Thanks for reaching out! On the wrong side, your knits and purls should not line up perfectly. When you are knitting Mistake Rib correctly, every third stitch will line up with the previous knit or purl, but the rest will not. Your stitch count should also stay the same throughout the scarf. To slip a stitch knitwise, you will insert your right hand needle into the first stitch as if to knit it, then move it over to the right hand needle without knitting it. Although you won’t be knitting the stitch, it will stay on the right hand needle so you don’t lose a stitch.
I hope that clears things up!
Julianna
Hi!
I’m about 2 inches into this Scarf and am noticing my edges are really loopy/open looking rather than the tidy edges on the photos. I’ve been following the pattern correctly, as far as I can tell…. any idea why this might be happening?? Is there some trick to slipping the first stitch knit wise that’s different than usual?
Hi Julie,
Thanks for reaching out! It’s hard to say what might be happening without seeing your work. We didn’t do anything out of the ordinary for the first stitch – we simply inserted the needle into the first stitch as if to knit it, then moved it over to the right hand needle. It might be helpful to give the yarn a tug to tighten up that first stitch as you knit the second stitch. If you are still having problems with your edging, please send us a picture of your work at [email protected], and we will be happy to try to troubleshoot this for you!
Best,
Julianna
Hello!
I’m a beginner knitter, and I love this pattern! I just started and have completed about 3 1/2 inches of the scarf with the mulberry merino, and I feel like my ribbing isn’t “bunching” enough. Looking at my scarf, the V’s between the ribs look very shallow, vs the pictures which look very deep. Since I am new and this is my first time doing any kind of ribbing, I’m not sure if there is a specific technique I am missing that is causing it not to bunch properly. Does it bunch further as more of the scarf is complete? Can I correct this during blocking? Any pointers would be appreciated!
Thanks,
Ciera
Hi Ciera,
Thanks for writing in! It’s certainly possible that you just need to knit more to see the stitch pattern fully emerge, as the stitches on the needle could be making the scarf spread out more than it will when your knitting is a bit longer, but I would also suggest measuring your stitches per inch to see if you are matching our gauge of 38 stitches to 4 inches. If your gauge is looser than ours, the ribbing won’t be as apparent. Either way, however, you should probably continue until your scarf is at least five inches long before measuring and deciding if a smaller needle would help!
Best,
Julianna
Can I use Understory for this pattern? What size needles would I need and how many stitches would I cast on?
Hello
I was wondering how this pattern would look with burnish yarn? I know it’s a different weight yarn but like that it’s not wool. Would appreciate your thoughts!
Anjali
Hi Anjali,
Thanks for reaching out! I think the Mistake Rib pattern would look very pretty and unique in Burnish! And luckily, this is a very easy pattern to adjust! I would recommend starting off by working a gauge swatch on an appropriate size needle (we recommend a US 2-4 for Burnish) to calculate your cast on, keeping in mind that the Mistake Rib is worked over a multiple of 4 + 3 stitches! I also recommend checking out our tutorial All About Gauge, it is an excellent resource to use!
I hope this helps and please let me know if you have any more questions!
Warmly,
Gianna
Hi!
I’d like to make this scarf in Line Weight on size 3 needles & I’m wondering if I should purchase 3 or 4 skeins to get a similar sized scarf? I’ve tried to compare this pattern to the Brioche scarf in line weight and see that one only requires 2 skeins on size 2 needles.
Hi Alexandra,
Thanks for writing in! 2 skeins of Line Weight should actually be plenty for your to complete this scarf on a size 3 needle!
Happy knitting!
Gianna
I just wanted to confirm the number of stitches to cast on using Cashmere Merino Bloom (I have 3 skeins) – is it 67 stitches (with a gauge swatch of 27 stitches for 4 inches?) Thanks in advance for your help. The yarn was a most generous gift.
Hi Rachelle!
Thank you for your question! Yes, the cast-on amount for the Cashmere Merino Bloom version is also 67 stitches. The Cashmere Merino Bloom is slightly thicker, so you will have a wider scarf than the Mulberry Merino version, but who doesn’t love a big, cozy scarf?
If you would like to adjust your cast-on amount for a 7″ thick scarf, you can cast on 48 stitches.
I hope this helps, and happy knitting!
All the best,
Margaret
Hi! If I’m using the Cashmere Merino Wool on size 3 needles, about how many skeins will I need? 2 or 3? Thank you!
Hi Grace!
Thank you for your question. We actually have a version of this scarf in Cashmere Merino Bloom that uses 3 skeins on a size US 6 (4mm) needle, which you can find right here! If you are using a smaller needle at the same gauge, you will need 3 skeins, however if you are using a smaller needle at a tighter gauge, you may need more yarn than the 3 skeins, so I suggest making a gauge swatch to be sure! You can always return any unused skeins in their original condition for store credit as well.
I hope this helps!
All the best,
Margaret
Hi there
Id love to make this pattern
I’d like to use Debbie Bliss Baby Cashmerino for this pattern
Would I still cast on 67 stitches and use 3.25mm needles?
Thank you so much !
Hi Neeta,
Thanks for reaching out. It looks like the yarn you’re planning on using is also a sportweight yarn, like Mulberry Merino! That means that it should be very easy to get the same gauge as the pattern, but to be sure, I’d recommend swatching beforehand. You may need to size up or down your needles in order to get the correct gauge! If you would like to learn more about this, we have a handy tutorial called All About Gauge. Once you’ve matched your gauge to that of the pattern, you can follow it as written!
All the best,
Lili
Happy New year Lili! Super thank you so much! I’ll definitely check that out!
Lili another quick question do I need to block the scarf after it’s completed?
Thank you so much!
Neeta
Hi Neeta,
You can definitely block this scarf if you want to, but I’d say that it’s not absolutely necessary for this pattern! Blocking will help even out the stitches and dimensions though!
All the best,
Lili
Thank you so much!
Neeta
Hi!
Happy New Year! I love the pattern of this scarf and made it with the Mulberry Marino wool. I have 4 skeins of the super soft merino and would like to make it with that. Do you think it will come out as nice as the mulberry Marino and will I just follow the same pattern?
Thanks so much!
Hi Patricia,
Thanks for reaching out. You can absolutely use Super Soft Merino for this pattern, but because that yarn is significantly thicker than Mulberry Merino was, you’ll need to change the number of stitches you cast on so that the scarf comes to the correct dimensions.
To figure out your cast-on number, you will want to first knit a gauge swatch in pattern (if this is daunting, we have a wonderful tutorial called All About Gauge). Once you know how many stitches you are getting per inch, you can multiply that number by the width of the scarf (7 inches) and cast on the nearest multiple of 4 + 3. Then you can follow the pattern as written until the scarf is as long as you’d like!
All the best,
Lili
Thanks Lili! Yes, it’s daunting to figure out the number of stitches to cast on. Even after reviewing the tutorial. Lol. Would I use the same size needles? Size 6?
Hi Patricia,
Since Super Soft Merino is a whole lot thicker than Mulberry Merino I would not recommend using size 6 needles! We recommend using sizes US 11 or US 13 for Super Soft Merino. Once you knit up a gauge swatch with these larger needles, I’d be happy to help calculate your cast-on number for you! Just let me know how many stitches per inch you’re getting with Super Soft Merino on the larger needles.
All the best,
Lili
Wondering if there is a hat pattern to match this scarf?
Hi Denise,
Thanks for writing in, although I’m sorry to say that we have not designed a hat in the mistake rib stitch yet. I’ll pass that idea along to our design team though!
All the best,
Lili
What do you mean in the last line of the pattern, “bind off in stitch pattern”? It’s a long time since I have knit anything, so nothing is intuitive at this point.
Hi Bonnie,
Thanks for reaching out! “Bind off in stitch pattern” means to work the stitches in the current row of the stitch pattern while also binding them off as you go. In this pattern, you’re just repeating Row 1 for every row, so for the bind-off row, you work the stitches in Row 1 as you have been doing, but you also pass the second stitch on the right needle over the first after each stitch, which binds them off. Hope this helps clarify things!
All the best,
Lili
Could I make this scarf using pure cashmere wool?
Hi Elizabeth,
Thanks for reaching out. Yes, you can absolutely make this scarf using a cashmere yarn!
As always, we recommend knitting a gauge swatch before casting on your project, especially when you are substituting yarns. You may need to size up or down your needles in order to get the correct gauge! If you would like to learn more about this, we have a handy tutorial called All About Gauge, which you can find right here.
All the best,
Lili
Hi,
I started this project 3 years ago but put it aside during multiple life changes, moves ,etc. I recently found it and am rediscovering the joy of knitting. Unfortunately , I realized that one half of it was narrower. It looks like I’m now knitting over 57 stitches vs 67. I don’t see any dropped stitches however I see some change I mistakenly made over a few rows and thinking that’s how I decreased.
Anyway wondering how I can correct this without pulling it all out. It would still look fine with the middle of the scarf not being as wide as the ends. C
Any suggestions? Thank you for any help.
Elizabeth
Hi Elizabeth,
I’m sorry to hear that your stitch count has changed so drastically! I would recommend putting in a lifeline just before the point where you notice the change in width. That way, you can pull out just the narrower section without the risk of dropping stitches! Then, you can continue knitting with the correct stitch count.
All the best,
Lili
I would like to make this rib pattern scarf in a wider width. I have 7 skeins of Flax Down in the luscious purple colour. Would this be a good yarn for the pattern? And can you suggest the number of stitches and the size needles for a wider scarf of the same length?
Hi Susan,
Flax Down will make such a lovely Mistake Rib Scarf! We recommend using size US 6, 7, or 8 needles for Flax Down, so any of those would work, depending on how dense you want the knit fabric to be.
To figure out your cast-on number, you will want to first knit a gauge swatch in pattern. Once you know how many stitches you are getting per inch, you can multiply that number by the width that you would like and cast on the nearest multiple of 3 + 4 stitches. Then you can follow the pattern as written until the scarf is as long as you’d like!
All the best,
Lili
I would like to make this scarf only a bit slimmer as I dont think I have enough wool……how many stitches should I cast on. I love this pattern. Thank you.
Hi Joan,
That sounds like a wonderful idea! This pattern is worked over a stitch multiple of 4 + 3! So you will want to start by knitting up a gauge swatch and then once you know how many stitches you have per inch, you can multiply that number by the desired width. Once you have that number in mind, you can adjust your cast on number up or down to make sure it is a multiple of 4 + 3!
I hope that helps but please let me know if you have any questions!
Happy knitting,
Gavriella
Hello,
I’d like to knit this scarf for my twin brother’s birthday. Would it work in your Wool-Alpaca Yonder or should I stay with the Mulberry merino? I’d like it to be thick and soft, not too rustic.
Thanks for your advice.
Randy
Hi Randy,
Thank you for writing in! That sounds like such a nice gift for your brother! You can definitely use Yonder for this project with just a few adjustments to the needle size and gauge. To modify this pattern you will want to start with a gauge swatch. You will then measure your stitches per inch and multiply that number by the desired width of your scarf and that will give you your cast on number. One thing to keep in mind is that this scarf pattern is worked over a multiple of 4 + 3 stitches. I hope this helps but please let us know if you have any other questions!
Happy knitting,
Gavriella