Knit the Mistake Rib Pattern

The mistake rib pattern is a knitting pattern that creates a dynamic design that is similar to ribbing, and is great for edging. The mistake rib pattern is relatively simple - it deals with knit and purl stitches only. The directions below will explain how it works - however, basic knitting knowledge is necessary.

Steps

  1. For the sake of example, start by presuming that we are knitting a simple scarf. Therefore the first step is to choose the number of cast on stitches. The mistake rib pattern requires the number of cast on stitches to be a multiple of 4, plus an extra 3 stitches.
  2. Cast on the number, for example, 23 st.
  3. Slip the first stitch knitwise, then knit one.
  4. After these two initial stitches, you will follow this pattern: purl 2, knit 2 (p2,k2) until you have three stitches left on your needle.
  5. Knit the first two stitches.
  6. Purl the last single stitch.
  7. Repeat exactly until the desired length is met. If this pattern seems to confuse you, and you find yourself saying "isn't that just a ribbing pattern?", read the Tips below.
  8. Finished.



Tips

  • A great thing about this pattern is that it is the same on both sides, and a great deal flatter than the rib stitch.
  • Because of the extra stitch on the end, what would have been a ribstitch is thrown off, hence the name.
  • If you look at the mistake rib pattern in vertical columns, this is what it looks like: 1 column of knit, 1 column of knit and purl (every other), 1 column of purl, 1 column of knit and purl, and repeat.

Things You'll Need

  • Two straight knitting needles, sized appropriately for chosen yarn.
  • Yarn.
  • Basic knitting knowledge: Knit stitch, purl stitch, slip stitch knitwise.

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