Mistake stitch is a one row or two row repeat that creates texture like raised rib. Its name is inspired by the fact that its pattern is knit like regular ribbing with a "mistake" - the second row is off by one stitch - or other odd number - that creates the texture. Many of the patterns are free. Updated 1/24/23
To get the knitting patterns, scroll down the page to the individual pattern you want and click on the link to that pattern.
These patterns are not my designs but links to other designers who have generously shared their patterns. If you have questions about how to knit a specific pattern, please contact the designer directly.
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Free Patterns
Arbor Scarf
Easy scarf with optional pockets knit with a 2 row repeat version of mistake rib stitch. Quick knit in Super Bulky weight yarn. Web version is free. PDF is for purchase. Designed by Stephanie Jessica Lau for All About Ami Website. A kit is also available
Sam Sweater
Long-sleeved pullover with yoke of 2 round mistake rib. Sizes children’s 2, 4, 6, 8, 10 and 12. Chest – 23(25-27½-30-32-34)". Bulky weight yarn. Designed by Amy Christoffers for Berroco.
Mistaken Shawl
Reversible heart-shaped shawl knit with an 8 row repeat with a variation of the mistake rib stitch. Rated easy by Ravelrers. Quick knit in super bulky weight yarn. Designed by Kourtney Robinson.
Mistake Stitch Scarf & Headband Set
Matching headband and scarf knit in mistake rib stitch either as 1 row repeat (scarf) or 2 row repeat (headband). Quick knit in super bulky weight yarn. Designed by Audrey Knight.
Mistakes - I've made a few Cowl
Easy cowl knit in a 2 row repeat mistake rib stitch. Super Bulky weight yarn. Designed by Susan Ashcroft. Projects by designer and avelinux
Hubbard Sweater
Long sleeved pullover sweater knit in a 1 row repeat mistake stitch. Sizes Bust 38(42-46-50-54-58)". Bulky weight yarn. Designed by Amanda Keep Williams for Berroco.
Wrap It Up Cardigan
Easy shawl collar cardigan sweater knit in a 1 row repeat mistake rib stitch. Sizes Bust 28 inches to 62 inches. Bulky weight yarn. Designed by Yarnspirations.
More Free Patterns
Rustic Ribbed Hat and Scarf
Beanie hat and scarf knit in 2 row mistake rib stitch. Bulky weight yarn. Designed by Lion Brand.
Two-Color Mistake Rib Cowl
Easy cowl knit in 2 round mistake rib stitch. Sport weight yarn. Designed by Purl Soho.
Lucky Sweater
Long-sleeved pullover with 1 row mistake rib. Sizes Chest: 40 [44, 48, 52, 56] inches. Aran weight yarn. Designed by Elizabeth Morrison for Knitty. Pictured project by catherinescott
- Get the free knitting pattern - note the designer photo is different than the project pic above
- See the Ravelry page with projects including the one pictured
- Consider supporting Knitty on Patreon
Top Down Tee
Versatile cap-sleeve tee that can be worn alone or as a vest with 2 row mistake stitch rib, stockinette, and ribbing. Because it is worked from the top down with raglan-style shoulder shaping, there are no stitches to pick up, no piecing, and no seams to be sewn, making this a wonderful project for those who dislike “finishing” and love seamless projects. Aran weight yarn. Designed by Rebecca Airmet.
Boyfriend Set
Matching hat and scarf set knit in mistake rib stitch which is a one row repeat knit flat, two row repeat in the round. Rated easy by Ravelrers. Worsted weight yarn. Designed by Stephanie Boomsma.
Flattering Striped Poncho
Easy poncho knit in a 2 row repeat mistake stitch rib. Rated easy by the designer. Worsted weight yarn. Designed by Heather Lodinsky for Lion Brand.
Mistake Stitch Rib Sweater
Long-sleeved unisex pullover sweater knit with a 2 row repeat mistake rib. Sizes 2 years, 4 years, 6 years, 8 years, 10 years. DK weight yarn. Designed by Patons.
One Row Baby Blanket
It doesn’t get any easier than this baby blanket from Red Heart by Nancy J. Thomas. You just knit one row over and over to make a beautiful blanket. Great with multi-color yarn!
Bliss Baby Blanket
The blanket is knit in entrelac with a twist - the rectangles are knit with mistake rib. Aran weight yarn. Designed by Melissa J. Goodale Pictured project by jpo.
Patterns for Purchase
Cozy Scarves To Gift
These nine beginner-level scarves by Margret Willson are quick and easy to knit. Classic rib knit patterns: Cartridge Rib Scarf, Mistake Rib Scarf, Waffle Stitch Scarf, 2 x 2 Rib Scarf, Beaded Rib Scarf,Textured Rib Scarf, Twin Rib Scarf, Wavy Rib Scarf, and Knit and Rib Scarf. Designed by Margret Willson.
Brambling Cowl
Infinity scarf cowl knit in mistake rib. Bulky weight yarn. Designed by Cecily Glowik MacDonald
Wnuczek Sweater
Cozy pullover worked from the top down, with mistake rib around the yoke and slipped-stitch cables along the raglan lines. The mistake rib is carried down the sleeves and center front, while the cables travel down the body’s sides. Sizes: 12m (18m, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10). Wnuczek (pronounced vNOO-chek, roughly)is Polish for grandson. DK weight yarn. Designed by Kristen Jancuk
Dziadzi Sweater
Cozy pullover decorated with simple mistake rib and slipped-stitch cables, finished off with a button placket henley neckline. Styles for men and women included. Sizes 31 1/2 (36, 40 1/2, 44, 48 1/2) {52, 55 1/2, 60, 64 1/2, 68}”/80 (91.5, 103, 112, 123) {132, 141, 152.5, 164, 172.5} cm finished chest circumference. Dziadzi—roughly pronounced JA-jee—is Polish for grandpa. Worsted weight yarn. Designed by Kristen Jancuk
Wilshire Boulevard Wrap
Reversible rectangular shawl combines a simple mistake ribbing filler stitch pattern, right- and left-hand rope cables, and a central Celtic knot panel. Cables knit in ribbing to make the wrap reversible. DK weight yarn. Designed by Carla Cuadros
