Two-Tone Mistake Rib Scarf
Our Two-Tone Mistake Rib Scarf uses single-row striping to add a whole new dimension to this super simple stitch!
Mistake rib stitch is essentially a 2 x 2 rib over a specific number of cast on stitches. Already a fairly magical outcome for such easy knitting, but when you alternate colors each row, subtly perceptible shifts of tone seem to create a patina over the underlying ribbed fabric… And that’s when the real magic happens!
We used our softer-than-soft Cashmere Merino Bloom, whose downy halo cushions the variations in color and texture. Here, we alternated Dove Gray and Honey Pink, a combo that creates a sort of toasty haze that eludes definition. Sun on a pebbly beach from one angle and shadow on a sandy dune from another… Isn’t knitting amazing?
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!
Designed by Purl Soho designer, Jake Canton. Click here to see even more of Jake’s designs!
Share your progress and connect with the community by tagging your pics with #PurlSoho, #PurlSohoBusyHands, #PurlSohoTwoToneMistakeRibScarf, and #PurlSohoCashmereMerinoBloom. We can’t wait to see what you make!
Materials
- Color A: 2 skeins of Purl Soho’s Cashmere Merino Bloom, 75% extra fine merino wool and 25% cashmere. Each skein of this light worsted/DK yarn is 218 yards/ 100 grams; approximately 436 yards required. We used Dove Gray.
- Color B: 2 skeins of Cashmere Merino Bloom. Each skein of this light worsted/DK yarn is 218 yards/ 100 grams; approximately 436 yards required. We used Honey Pink.
- US 6 (4mm), 20- or 24-inch circular needles
We also knit up a couple of more color ideas for some extra inspiration…
- Color A: Heirloom White
- Color B: Ballet Pink
- Color A: Charcoal Onyx
- Color B: Tide Pool
Gauge
24 stitches and 33 rows = 4 inches in stitch pattern, blocked
Size
Finished Dimensions: Approximately 11 inches wide x 70 inches long
Notes
To make your scarf a different width, just cast on any multiple of 4 + 3 stitches.
Each row in this pattern starts with the instructions to either “Turn” or “Slide” the work:
“Turning the work” means to do what you would normally do when knitting rows with circular needles. That is to say, transfer the needle from your left hand into your right and the needle from your right hand into your left, and flip the work around so the opposite side is facing you.
“Sliding the work” means to keep the same side of the work facing you, pushing all the stitches to the right end of the circular needles. Without turning the work, start the new row as you normally would.
You will know that you’re doing this right if the yarn you need to complete the next row is magically there waiting for you!
Pattern
With Color A, using Long Tail Cast On, cast on 67 stitches.
Row 1 (right side): Turn work and with Color B, *k2, p2, repeat from * to last 3 stitches, k2, p1.
Row 2 (right side): Slide work and with Color A, k1, p2, *k2, p2, repeat from * to end of row.
Row 3 (wrong side): Turn work and with Color B, k1, p2, *k2, p2, repeat from * to end of row.
Row 4 (wrong side): Slide work and with Color A, *k2, p2, repeat from * to last 3 stitches, k2, p1.
Repeat Rows 1-4 until piece measures 69 1/2 inches long.
Repeat Rows 1-3.
Cut Color B.
With Color A, bind off knitwise.
Weave in the ends and block.
Learn About Cashmere Merino Bloom + All Our Beautiful Yarns
Soft, supple, and toasty warm, Cashmere Merino Bloom is an absolute knitting joy! A light worsted/DK-weight yarn, it is made with 25% of the most exquisite cashmere in the world and 75% extra fine merino wool and benefits from both fibers: cashmere for over-the-top softness and beautiful bloom and merino for resilience, durability, and even more softness. Cashmere Merino Bloom has an incredible hand feel with a gentle halo that illuminates your knitting… A gorgeous choice!
More Free Knitting Patterns
- Be sure to explore our collection of (mostly free!) Cashmere Merino Bloom patterns and cast on!
More Light Worsted/ DK Weight Yarns
- Shop our entire collection of light worsted/ DK-weight yarns
- If you want to use a different yarn, be sure to take the time to get the correct gauge. Need help? Check our All About Gauge Tutorial!
More Yarns With Similar Fiber
- Shop cashmere yarn
- Shop merino wool yarn
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!
Thank you for the pattern. I love your site
Kathy Bowes
Hi Kathy,
That’s lovely to hear, thank you!
Kindly,
Anna
Thank you so much for this! I’m already doing your “regular” mistake rib and it is turning out so beautifully. My question – how many yards does this scarf call for – of each color?
Thank you…
Linda
Hi Linda,
Thanks for writing in! You will need approximately 436 yards of each color for this lovely scarf!
Happy knitting!
Cassy
Thank you!
Linda
Thank you..thank you..thank you..thank you…..this is one of the most beautiful things I’ve ever seen! Purl Soho is a national treasure!
Julie
Hi Julie,
Thank you so much for your kind words! They mean the world to us!
Best,
Cassy
Another gem!
Subtle and exciting at the same time.
Thank you for the inspiration.
I see this in my handspan alpaca-merino.
Yummy.
Absolutely love the scarf but i want to make it in “blue.” Do you have any opinion of how it would work up in tide pool with dove gray? are there any other yarns with a better blue, equally soft and luxurious, that would work at similar gauge to this? Thanks very much. It’s a beautiful pattern.
Hello Helene,
Thank you for writing in! I think that would be a beautiful combination. I would be on the subtle side, but I think those two colors would blend quite nicely. I would also check out Manos’s Silk Blend which has a similar gauge to Cashmere Merino Bloom as well as some beautiful shades of blue.
I hope this helps!
-Marilla
I truly LOVE this site…..you are so generous with Free Patterns and I relish to day when I can buy some of your yarn, being pensioner I have to spread my little treats. BUT for sure I will want some of the Cashmere blend. In the meantime I shall enjoy your future letters and patterns, of which are all saved in my Knitters Diary..
Can this pattern be made in line weight, love your patterns and wool
Hi Gayle,
This scarf is knit in a DK weight yarn so the finished fabric would be very different if you used line weight instead.
I hope this helps!
Carly
Thank you so much for your daily dose of beauty and so many wonderful and lovely projects always beautifully and imaginatively presented. I agree with Julie, Purl Soho is a national treasure!
Molly
Thank you so much for your kind words Molly!
Best,
Cassy
Hi,
This is probably a rookie kind of a question, but how do you get the scarf to stay flat and not to ‘accordion’ back together?
Thanks!
-Tessa
Hi Tessa,
Wet blocking will most likely fix this problem! When you’re done knitting be sure to wet block it and pin the scarf to shape.
Best,
Carly
How did I not know of this wet blocking?? Thank you, thank you, thank you!
Hi, I love the scarf, but am having trouble with the pattern. I am using light and dark color, but am not getting continuity of color from row to row. Instead the stitches that appear as knit stitches each row alternate in color and because different color is used each row, do not see how the stitches could be same color lengthwise through the rows.
Thanks, Karen
Hi Karen,
It sounds like you are following the pattern correctly! The columns of the knit stitches alternate color every row.
I hope this helps!
Carly
I am having the same problem. My color stripes are horizontal instead of vertical. In the pattern pictures, the peaks are color A and the valleys are color B. Mine is not coming out that way. 🙁
Hello Amanda,
Thank you for reaching out! It is always tricky to know exactly what could be going on with this particular pattern, because the can be drastically changed by the yarn you use, the colors you use and your tension. What kind of yarn are you using? Also, sometimes the pattern doesn’t start to look right until you are several inches into the scarf. All this being said, it is a challenge to know exactly what is happening without seeing the scarf. You can e-mail a photo to [email protected] and we can try to further assist you.
I hope I can help!
-Marilla
Absolutely love this scarf!! Is there a pattern for a hat to match?
HI Sarah,
Thanks for writing in and thank you for your kind words! We do not have a matching hat pattern for this lovely scarf but we will certianly keep your request in mind for the future!
Best,
Cassy
I’m a knitting newbie. Am I reading the instructions correctly that this can be done one straight OR circular needles?
Thanks!
Hi Gail,
Thanks for your question! The pattern recommends to use a 20″ circular or a 24″ circular. The piece is worked flat so if you have long enough straight needles that would work too!
When you work this pattern you are directed to “slide your work” to the other side of your circular needles. If you choose to use straight needles you would have to slip all of the stitches to the other needle in order to be on the correct side of the work when it says to slide your stitches.
Best,
Carly
This is just stunning. Would this work for your mistake rib cowl? I’m guessing you would do two rounds in color a and then two rounds in color b?
Thanks for your beautiful projects.
Hello Mary,
Thank you for writing us! To knit this pattern in the round you would still want to do single row striping. When you get to the end of your row you would simply begin knitting with your contrast color. We actually have a lovely mistake rib cowl pattern written up! https://www.purlsoho.com/create/2016/02/01/mistake-rib-cowl/ All you would need to do is add stripes.
Happy knitting!
-Marilla
I do not know if each column has only one color or if the two colors are mingled in both columns, that is the two colors are spread . I follow the directions and have no problem apparently. Thank you for your help
Hello Irene,
Thanks for writing in! I’m happy to hear it’s going well. The colors are mingling with the single row striping rather than creating columns. I hope this answers your question – please let me know if I can clarify anything.
Happy knitting!
-Marilla
Hello,
I have ordered the wool but I realized that the pattern is supposed to be for knitting with circular needles. I knit with straight needles.
How do I go by that?
Thanks for the help
Giovanna
Hello Giovanna,
Thanks for writing in! Unfortunately this particular pattern will only work with circular needles as you must knit from both ends of the scarf. If you would like to use straight needles you could make this scarf with two row stripes instead of single row stripes. This will create a deferent affect, but will still be lovely. I hope this helps!
Happy knitting,
Marilla
I’m a bit confused regarding your answer to Gail’s question. I assumed you had to use circulars due to the fact you slide the yarn to other end to pick up and knit with a different color on rows 2 & 4. Am I missing something here? How would you slide on long straight needles? Thanks for the help. I too love your patterns not to mention the Purl Soho yarns.
Priscilla
Hi Priscilla,
Thanks for your comment. If you wanted to use straight needles for this pattern you would have to slip all of your stitches to the other needle in order to be on the correct end of the scarf. I’ll be sure to specify in my comment to Gail.
Thanks!
Carly
Unfortunately I am unable to purchase your beautiful yarn at this time. Presently, I have Plymouth yarn baby alpaca Cherish. 50% baby alpaca and 50% acrylic, 50g – approx 136 yards. 22sts =4″ on US 6
Would I be able to knit this scarf with this yarn? Your help is very much appreciated ?
Hi Donna,
It sounds like your yarn should be able to achieve gauge for this pattern but I would recommend doing some gauge swatches before starting your final project.
Happy knitting!
Carly
I’d like a narrower scarf [maybe 8.5 inches], but can’t figure out what is meant by using a multiple of 3+4 for stitch cast on. Clearly NOT a multiple of 7 for your 67 stitch cast on.
I love your taste & design!
PS Do you cast on both colors together at the beginning?
Hello Dale,
thank you for reaching out! When we say a multiple of 4+3 we mean X x 4 + 3 = cast on number. So for example 3 x 4+ 3 = 15(cast on number) or 16 x 4 + 3 = 67. The cast on is with color A. I hope this clears things up please let me know if you have any further questions!
Warmly,
Marilla
I do not work with circular needles and I was confused when it came to “sliding” the work. In my case, with straight needles, the work is always turned. What do I do? Thanks
I realized you had already given me a reply. Thanks
What are you thoughts on matching the rose granite and lavender moon for this scarf? Or the lavender moon and dove grey?
Hi Teri,
Thanks for reaching out! I think both of the color combinations that you suggest will be lovely! The Rose Granite and Lavender Moon would have a bit more contrast!
I hope that this helps!
Cassy
I love your site! I have made numerous projects and have been thrilled with all of them. For some reason I’m having trouble with this pattern I’ve frogged it several times… Every once in awhile I am getting a horizontal stripe! I Can’t figure out what I’m doing wrong. I use a row counter and have marked the right side/wrong side with a marker. Thanks
Hello Emily,
Thank you for reaching out! This is very mysterious- how long are the stripes? Is it happening with just one of the colors or both of the colors? I hope I can help!
Warmly,
Marilla
Hi Marilla
The stripes run across horizontal, it seems like it was only one line, it happens randomly, and certainly more visible with the dark yarn! I agree it’s mysterious! I will attempt it again, but for now I’m off to concour my new project…the mini herringbone scarf with the lovely understory yarn!
Hello Emily,
I’m sorry this project is proving frustrating! Let us know how it goes and if you continue to have this issue feel free to e-mail us a photo of your scarf at [email protected]. From there we can further trouble what could be going wrong. In my experience sometimes it does help to take a break with a new project- perhaps the issue will be become clear when your Herringbone Scarf is finished.
Happy knitting!
-Marilla
I love this pattern and I love the yarn. Question: I used size 6 needles and knitted the pattern for 69 inches. I then wet blocked it, lying it flat. I did not stretch it. I am an experienced knitter and have wet blocked many, many garments. Holy cow. Finished dimensions are now 11 inches by 82. Have other knitters experienced this? Suggestions?
Hi Debra,
Thanks for reaching out! While I have not had this experience with this pattern, I have had it with others in the past. When wet blocking, I push the edges of the item to be the dimensions that I want it to be when finished. The weight of the water in the piece can stretch it significantly and I find that by gently massaging it into shape and size while wet, so long as it dries flat, it will maintain the dimensions and shape.
I hope that this helps!
Cassy
Thanks, Cassy. I’m just a little spooked about getting wet again. This is a gift for my 6’4″ son in law, so I think I’ll just leave it as is. That’s an extra 6 inches on each side. Not so bad.
Hello,
I mistakenly only ordered one skein of each color. I just ordered one more skein of each. The numbers listed after the color are the same as what I ordered before, are those dye lots numbers? Hoping so, I don’t think I saved the labels. Thanks! Beth
Hi Beth,
Thanks for writing in! I am happy to help! The numbers listed after the color are the color number and not the dyelot. One the label for your yarn, you will find the color number and a second number that is listed as the dyelot. If you call in when ordering additional yarn and provide the dyelot, we can always try to see if we have more of that dyelot available.
I hope that this helps!
Cassy
Hi – I love this scarf and am I pretty new knitter. I don’t understand how to start with color B. The first step is to cast on with color A and then the pattern says to turn and knit with B. How do I join color B? Slightly confused .. sorry.
Olivia
Hello Olivia,
Thank you for reaching out! To join color B you simply just start knitting onto your color A cast on with color B. I would recommend checking out our joining a new ball of yarn tutorial for some extra tips, though you will be adding your yarn at the beginning of the row rather than in the middle. I hope this clarifies things for you.
Happy knitting!
-Marilla
Help! I would love to make a scarf that looks like your picture but when I start knitting, following the pattern, I get sort of a tweedy effect. Not the beautiful straight lines of alternating color that your scarf shows. I looked at the projects posted on ravelry for this scarf and most of those knitters also ended up with the tweedy effect, one going so far as to comment “looks nothing like the picture.”
What is the secret do you think?
Hello Laura,
Thank you for reaching out! The look of this scarf changes drastically depending on the colors you are using. We used soft contrasting colors in our color ways which create the subtle shifts in color. As you can imagine if you are using high contrast colors the shift in color is going to look very different. Because the end result of this scarf is so dependent on color, I would say that swatching is important before jumping into this project.
I hope this helps and happy knitting!
-Marilla
This is such a lovely scarf! Could you please tell me if your “Understory.” Yarn might be appropriate to use? Have some of this at home and would like to use for a scarf. Thank you
Hi Bonnie,
Thanks for writing in and for the kind words! Understory would be an excellent yarn to substitute in this pattern! To make a scarf the same size as this one, you would need two skeins of each color.
Happy knitting!
Julianna
For all those, like me, who their scarf looks “tweedy” and not like the picture. I think I have found the answer by looking at photos on Ravelry. In photos from a distance you see what look like vertical rows of color. But blow up the pictures and you will see that the scarf is tweedy up close. To get the vertical color line effect, you have to finish the scarf and then stand back. That’s my guess. I’m going to work on it and see if I’m right but that’s what makes sense to me.
Hi! This is so beautiful! I would love to make this scarf, but would prefer a green color. What combo would you suggest?
Hello Lotte,
Thank you for reaching out! Did you see our new Frond Green Cashmere Merino Bloom colorway? I think it would be beautiful with Tide Pool or Pumpernickel Brown,
I hope this helps and happy knitting!
-Marilla
Hello, I finished this lovely scarf and it looks fantastic, but I’m having trouble weaving in ends where I joined new yarn in the middle of the scarf (not at the edges). Do you have any suggestions for how to do this – I have 2 different colors, pink and white.
thank you,
Kathleen
Hello Kathleen,
Thank you for reaching out! This can always be a bit tricky, but I find it easiest to follow your stripes with its corresponding tail and then go up to the next stripe by going under the purl bump of the apposing color.
I hope this helps and happy knitting!
-Marilla
Hello,
Will this pattern work in the Worsted Twist yarn? Would I need to adjust the needle size and how many skeins of each color would I need?
Thank you,
Sarah
Hi Sarah,
Thanks for reaching out! Worsted Twist is quite a bit thicker than Cashmere Merino Bloom, so while it will make a lovely scarf, you will have to make a few pattern adjustments. I would suggest knitting a gauge swatch in pattern on US 8 or 9 needles and then multiplying your stitches per inch by 11 and rounding to the nearest multiple of 4 plus 3 to determine your cast on number. It’s hard to say exactly how much yarn you will need when changing the gauge, but three skeins of each color would be a safe bet! As long as you don’t wind the third skeins, you can return them for store credit if you don’t end up needing them.
Happy knitting!
Julianna
Hi there,
I am working this project, and I notice that when I get to the end of Rows 2 and 4, the strand of Color B is VERY loose and I have to tug at both strands to tighten up the last stitches in those rows. I think I must be doing something wrong. Do you have a suggestion or correction?
Thank you!
Martha
Hi Martha,
Thanks for reaching out! This actually sounds fairly normal for striped knitting – since the last stitch of each row is left on the needle attached to the loose working yarn, it’s not unusual for it to loosen up a bit, and it’s fairly easy to adjust the tension before beginning the next row since the working yarn is right there. I would just continue adjusting that last stitch as necessary!
Happy knitting!
Julianna
Hi PS,
I’d like to make this scarf with a comparable Purl Soho yarn that isn’t quite the expense of cashmere. (I love the cashmere but am on a limited budget.)
Can you suggest another yarn that might knit up similarly?
Many thanks!
Hello Carolyn,
Thank you for reaching out! I think this scarf would be beautiful in either Flax Down or Good Wool.
Happy knitting!
-Marilla
I am knitting the Mistake Rib scarf with 71 stitches. It is tweedy, not looking like yours. Am I doing something wrong?
Hi Liz,
Thanks for writing in! Your cast on number does fit the multiple for the stitch pattern, so I’m not sure what could be going wrong. Is it possible that you haven’t done very many rows yet so the color pattern isn’t standing out yet? It is a bit difficult to diagnose the issue without seeing your work, so you can always send us a picture of your scarf to [email protected] and we will be happy to take a look!
Best,
Julianna
Thank you!! It looks like a lovely pattern!!
I’ve been testing this before starting a larger project and I’m having difficulty understanding the pattern – is it saying that rows 2-4 should be completed “left handed”? Meaning, stitching from the right needle to the left needle?
Here’s what I’m doing:
1. Cast on
2. Row 1: stitch from left needle to right needle
3. Slide? The stitches are already on the right needle?
4. Row 2: left handed stitch from right to left needle
5. Turn: stitches are on the right hand now. Begin Row 3 – right to left
6. Slide: Begin Row 4 – right to left
Thanks!!!
Hi Toni,
Thanks for reaching out! To work this technique, you have to have your scarf on a circular or double pointed needle. You will always be knitting in your usual method, from right to left, but you will either be turning as you normally would when knitting flat by switching which needle is in each hand, or by sliding all the stitches to the opposite end of the circular needle. You can tell if you have done it correctly because the correct color of yarn will be available when you either turn or slide. It can be quite confusing to visualize this step, but I think it will make a lot of sense if you try it out!
I hope that helps!
Julianna
Would it be possible for you to give the gauge in terms of stitches/inch or per 10cm worked in stockinette?
I find it difficult to get a reading in the rib pattern — too much stretch. I realise that it’s not absolutely crucial to get the right gauge for a scarf, but yours looks so fantastic, that I want to give myself the best chance of imitating your work.
Many thanks!
Hi Michele,
Thanks for reaching out! Cashmere Merino Bloom in stockinette stitch on US 6 needles should turn out to a gauge of 22 stitches and 32 rows to four inches, but it will still be more accurate to knit a swatch in pattern if you can. If you haven’t used it before, Mistake Rib is less stretchy than a regular ribbing, so you should have an easier time measuring it!
I hope that helps, and happy knitting!
Julianna
So, is this brioche?
Hi Stephanie,
Thanks for reaching out! While the loftiness of Mistake Rib is a bit reminiscent of brioche, this stitch is quite different – and much easier! Unlike two-color brioche, this stitch looks exactly the same on both sides and the fabric is not as thick. Also, although it’s hard to see in the low-contrast colors we selected, the two colors in the Mistake Rib Scarf are striped across both the knit and garter stitch columns, while two-color brioche has only one color per column.
I hope that clears things up!
Julianna
Hi.
I have a friend whose favorite color is purple. I would like to knit this scarf for her in ‘heather’….or another yarn if you have a recommendation. What contrasting color would you recommend?
Also, I am just finishing your Jasmine scarf in the dark green. It’s gorgeous. Beautiful stitch. My husband requested this be for him…so there’s that 😉
Best,
Hi Deborah,
Thanks for reaching out! We actually just came out with new shades of Cashmere Merino Bloom! For a purple lover, I would recommend Lilac Quartz + Fresh Fig or Crocus Bud + Blue Rust!
All the best,
Gianna
Ian a newbie but I thought ribbing meant knitting knits and purling the purls?
When I follow the pattern, I am not getting that ribbing pattern. What am I doing wrong?
Hi Laurie,
Thanks for reaching out! You are not doing anything wrong! Since this is a “Mistake Rib” pattern and not a classic rib pattern you are knitting each row so that the rib is slightly off put to get the unique look of the mistake rib (as you can see in the photos!) If you were to just knit the knit stitches and purl the purl stitches you would get a simple rib pattern instead.
I hope this clarifies things, happy knitting!
Gianna
yes thank you!
Hello,
I absolutely love this pattern. It has a mathematic elegance to it that restores my faith that order and beauty exist in the world. Thank you for that.
I’ve been avoiding going into stores during the pandemic and am down to four skeins of the same yarn, each of a different color. Do you have any suggestions about approaching this pattern with this four colors? I don’t want to end up with a “wrong side” and a “right side.” Is there a way to incorporate more colors into the pattern or switch relatively seamlessly?
Thank you for any advice you might have.
Hi Mira,
Thanks for reaching out! If you have 4 skeins of different colors you could easily split the scarf in two sections! I would recommend labeling the colors as A, B, C and D and pairing A and B for the first half of the scarf and then C and D for the 2nd half. Or you can work in quarters for example: A + B, B + C, C + D, D + A! You can still follow the pattern as written and you can place a removable stitch marker on the right side of the fabric to keep you oriented!
I hope this helps, happy knitting!
Gianna
Can I use worsted twist?
Hi Christine,
You could definitely use Worsted Twist for this pattern! You might need to adjust your needle size and the number of stitches you cast on to account for the slightly thicker gauge of the Worsted Twist, but that should be a pretty simple change. To make your scarf a different width, just cast on any multiple of 4 + 3 stitches!
I hope this helps, and please let me know if you have any other questions!
Happy Knitting,
Kelsey
Hi
I may be having a senior moment but I cannot ‘get’ the first row 1 to work. I just don’t understand the turning instructions for that row, when I do it with circular needles I have needle with cast on stitches in my right hand and empty needle on left. Your assistance would be appreciated.
Hi Susan,
Thanks for reaching out! Once you have cast on with color A, you will turn your work and orient it so that the cast-on stitches are in your left hand, empty needle in right. From there you will work row 1 using color B as written!
I hope this clears things up!
Gianna
Hi ~ I am starting this scarf and wondering how many stitches I would cast on to make the scart 8 to9 inches wide in place of 11 inches.
I am using US sz 6 needles and dk yarn – color A eggplant; color B grey speckled with eggplant and navy. I can’t wait to see it worked up.
Hi Leslye,
Thanks for reaching out! 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 that you would like (8 or 9 inches) and cast on the nearest multiple of 4 + 3. Then you can follow the pattern as written!
All the best,
Lili
Hi, I don’t have circular needles and I generally knit in dpns when circular needles are mentioned. So I was doing it and after 16 rows I find the stripes horizontal not vertical. If sliding is the issue then what can I do cause I think I can slide on the other point of my dpn . And when it’s said the particular color I have that on the end where it should be , yet the outcome is horizontal stripes instead of vertical .
Hi Ranjan,
Thanks for reaching out. The stripes of different colors in this pattern are indeed horizontal, and not vertical! The vertical columns are created by the interlocking stitch pattern of knits and purls, but each vertical column contains both colors of yarn (since the horizontal stripes are intersecting them).
It sounds like your work is looking as it should, but if you’re still concerned, I’d recommend sending us a photo of your scarf at [email protected]. That way, we can visualize what’s going on!
All the best,
Lili
Thanks for such a prompt reply and I’m relieved that I’m not wrong . Self taught male knitters like me are always scared of doing something wrong or make mistakes. Thanks again also for these lovely free patters in details with pictures.
Hello, I’d like to knit this scarf using crocus bud as one color. What contrasting color would you recommend? I was thinking either hydrangea blossom (but wasn’t sure if that would be enough of a contrast), and wasn’t sure if the heirloom white or either reed or dove gray would work better? Thank you!
Hi Sarah,
I love the idea of pairing the two purple shades together! That’ll create a really subtle two-tone effect, which I think would be beautiful. If you’d prefer a greater contrast though, then either Heirloom White or Reed Gray (or Wheat Flour!) would be my suggestions. Heirloom White would give you the greatest contrast, while Reed Gray and Wheat Flour would be slightly less of a contrast.
All the best,
Lili
Hi there,
I recently started this scarf in two contrasting colors and I love how it looks; I’m about six inches in. However, I am not too happy about how my edges look. Is there a trick I might be missing to make the edge look neater? Maybe like slipping the first stitch purl wise of each row? I thought about casting on a sample and trying the slip first stitch method to see how that would look, but then I thought I would ask you first.
PS I love your store! xoxo
Hi Leann,
Thanks for reaching out! This pattern was designed with a garter stitch edge, so the edges will look naturally bumpy. If you prefer a smoother edge, then I’d recommend casting on two additional stitches and slipping them on every other row!
All the best,
Lili
PPS Could the brioche stitch selvedge work with this pattern?
Hmmm, I’m not sure what you mean, since brioche stitch can have different types of selvedges, depending on the pattern. But it would definitely be something to try out on a swatch!
All the best,
Lili
As a relative beginner, I tend to knit tightly. I know that it is not always the best method but I find that I like the look of a tighter stitch in the finished piece. The downside is that I am always having trouble with my edges. This project has been no different. Alternating rows of 2 different yarns has discombobulated me – the sides of the scarf, so far, are hard and not as stretchy like the rest of the scarf. In fact, it even draws in a little bit. I also have to really watch what I am doing as well since I have also managed to inadvertantly add an extra stitch at the side on occasion. Have you done any videos of how you handle the edges when you slide and turn the work? The scarf I am making is currently about 4.5 inches long and 11 inches wide. I am using an aubergine-colored worsted yarn and 2 strands of a single ply variegated yarn with colors that complement the aubergine. Grateful for any assistance you can provide.
Hi Traci,
I’m afraid we don’t have a video on this technique at the moment but it sound like you are right on track. This pattern was designed with a garter stitch edge, so the edges will look naturally bumpy. If you prefer a smoother edge, then I’d recommend casting on two additional stitches and slipping them on every other row!
All the best,
Gavriella
Hello- I would like to knit this scarf using Night blue” as one of the colors, what would be options for the other color
Thanks
Hi Ann,
Thanks for writing in! Here are some colors that I think go really well with Cashmere Merino Bloom in Night Blue: Warm Honey, Heirloom White, Icicle Blue. Let me know what you think of these combos!
All the best,
Lili
Hello–I saw the. comment regarding using dove gray and tide pool for this project. And it was mentioned that this would be a subtle contrast. What color would you recommend for a bit more of a contrast to be used with dove gray (I have 2 in my stash). Perhaps Ash blue? Please let me know what you think.
Thank you,
Donna
Hi Donna,
Ash Blue would be a lovely color to pair with Dove Gray! That’s honestly exactly the color I’d recommend for slightly more contrast!
All the best,
Lili