Knitting

Free Patterns, Tutorials and Project Ideas

Have You Tried This? Ribbing with No Purling

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No Purl ribbed scarf from Purl Soho.There are a lot of knitters out there who dislike purling. It’s why knitting Stockinette Stitch in the round is so popular. Elizabeth Zimmermann basically built her career on her dislike of purling, and she’s not the only one who dislikes the interruption in the fluid rhythm of a project that’s caused by having to purl.

So I was intrigued when I saw a pattern on social media for a ribbed scarf made without purling.

The pattern is from Purl Soho, and the trick is a stitch pattern called Cartridge Belt Rib. It’s a 4 plus 3 stitch repeat worked by slipping the stitches that might otherwise be purled in a ribbing pattern. The only hitch is that they are slipped with the yarn in front, so there’s still some yarn manipulation that has to happen to pull off this fun rib-like texture, but once you get it down it probably is a little faster than a regular knit-purl rib.

The result is lovely in any case and would be fun to try (I’m thinking about doing this for my washcloth pattern this month).

What do you think? Have you ever tried this stitch pattern? Would you give it a go-to avoid purling? I’d love to hear your thoughts.

[Photo via Purl Soho.]

Looking for Ribbed scarf patterns? Check these out on Etsy.

Comments

  1. I’m working this up right now, using Three Irish Girls Springdale Worsted in Yucatan. I love this rib, it’s easy & fun & creates a lovely fabric, kind of half-way between ribbing & Brioche. (Tried to include a pic, but failed…)

Have you read?

Vintage Bed Socks Knitting Pattern – A Cozy Little Gift Project With Old-Fashioned Charm

There is something wonderfully nostalgic about a pair of handmade bed socks, isn’t there? They are practical, pretty, and just the sort of project that feels like it belongs beside a cup of tea, a good film, and a basket of wool that is pretending not to be overflowing.

This vintage Bed Socks knitting pattern is one of those sweet little patterns that still feels useful today. Originally from the Jaeger Hand-Knit Series No. 44, the design features a simple garter-stitch foot, a ribbed cuff, eyelet holes, a crochet chain tie, and little tassel-style pom-poms at the front. The original pattern even describes them as “a very acceptable present,” and honestly, I don’t think much has changed there.

These would make a lovely handmade gift for someone who is always cold, someone recovering or resting, or anyone who appreciates a bit of old-fashioned comfort. They would also be beautiful as a Mother’s Day gift, a winter birthday present, a Christmas stocking filler, or a “just because you deserve cozy feet” project.

The pattern itself is delightfully simple in construction. The socks are knitted flat, beginning at the lower edge, with the foot worked in garter stitch before moving into the ribbed upper section. The decorative eyelet row allows for a crochet chain cord to be threaded through, and the finishing tassels give the socks that charming vintage look. The top edge is finished with a row of double crochet, which adds a neat handmade touch.

The original measurements list the socks as approximately 10½ inches from the top to the lower edge of the heel, with a 9¾ inch foot length, and the pattern notes that the size can be adapted. As with many vintage knitting patterns, modern knitters will want to check gauge carefully and choose a soft yarn that feels comfortable against the skin. A cozy wool blend, soft acrylic, or washable yarn would all work depending on whether you are making these for everyday use or as a special gift.

I especially love that this pattern has that “giftable” quality without being a massive project. It is small enough to feel achievable, but still special enough that the finished pair looks thoughtful. And let’s be honest, handmade socks with pom-poms are always going to beat a last-minute candle from the supermarket.

The PDF version has been cleaned up and formatted for easier reading while keeping the original vintage design intact. It also includes a modern pink mockup image and the original vintage scan, so you get both the historical charm and a fresh idea of how the finished socks could look today.

If you enjoy vintage knitting patterns, cozy handmade gifts, or quick projects that feel useful rather than just decorative, this sweet little bed socks pattern is a lovely one to add to your collection.

You can find the Vintage Bed Socks Knitting Pattern PDF in the CraftGossip Etsy store.

For supplies, this is also a nice stash-friendly project. A soft yarn from Mary Maxim or Amazon would work well, and if you make pom-poms regularly, a small pom-pom maker is one of those inexpensive tools that saves a surprising amount of fiddling.