Our Two-Tone Mistake Rib Scarf uses single-row striping to add a whole new dimension to this super simple stitch!

Two-Tone Mistake Rib Scarf | Purl Soho

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!

Two-Tone Mistake Rib Scarf | Purl Soho

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?

Two-Tone Mistake Rib Scarf | Purl Soho

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

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  • Color A: 2 skeins of Purl Soho’s Cashmere Merino Bloom, 75% extra fine merino wool and 25% cashmere. Each skein is 218 yards/ 100 grams; approximately 436 yards required. We used Dove Gray.
  • Color B: 2 skeins of Cashmere Merino Bloom. Each skein 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…

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  • Color A: Heirloom White
  • Color B: Ballet Pink
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  • 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.

Two-Tone Mistake Rib Scarf | Purl Soho