Mistake Rib Stitch

The Mistake Rib stitch pattern is a simple stitch pattern, perfect for projects like a one-row scarf. In this video, Jen Lucas demonstrates how to work this stitch pattern. She also shares her tips for being able to keep track of your work while knitting it.

MISTAKE RIB STITCH

The stitch pattern is worked over a multiple of 4 stitches plus 3 extra stitches. By having the three extra stitches in the stitch pattern, that’s where the “mistake” happens. As you are working along, you are knitting two stitches and purling two stitches. When you get to the end of the row, only three stitches remain, which makes it seem like a mistake. However, you work these last three stitches and then repeat the same instructions on the next row. This mistake isn’t a mistake at all – instead, it creates a beautiful texture within the ribbed stitch pattern.

Worked over a multiple of 4+3 stitches.

All rows: *K2, P2; repeat from * to last 3 stitches, K2, P1.

Repeat to desired length.

K: knit

P: purl

With every row being the same, it makes the stitch pattern completely reversible, perfect for projects like a one-row knit scarf or a cowl. If you’re having trouble keeping track of your place because it is reversible, you might find it helpful to mark one side of your work, especially if you are working a knitting project that switches to a different stitch pattern later in the project. If you set down your project in the middle of the row, Jen also shares how to find your place again. When working the pattern, the first stitch of the K2 will always fall over a column of knit stitches.

2 Responses to “Mistake Rib Stitch”

1. Lorraine Liggett January 1st, 2021

   What size of needle should I use for a men’s winter ski scarf? What weight of yarn. I am truly a newby.

   Reply

   • Customer Service January 8th, 2021

     Hello Lorraine,

     Thank you for contacting us.

     If you’re a newbie, I would use a worsted weight yarn and a size 8 needle. If you wanted to use this stitch pattern from the video, you will need a multiple of 4 plus 3 stitches on the needle. For a ski scarf, you’d probably want a wide scarf, maybe 10-inches. Worsted weight yarn is typically knit at about 4.5 stitches per inch. So you would want 43 stitches on the needle (10×4.5=45 stitches, but you need a multiple of 4 plus 3 stitches, so either go down to 43 stitches or up to 47 stitches). A general rule of thumb for scarf knitting is the scarf should be the height of the person wearing it. So around 72-inches (6 feet) for an adult man.

     If you have any additional questions, please email or contact Customer Service at 1-833-622-6523.

     Sincerely,

     Lindsay
     The Knitting Circle Video Membership

     Reply