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.]
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…)
Any problem with this scarf curling?
I made a washcloth with this pattern and it doesn’t curl.