My first completed project - where did I go wrong?

Hello all, I finished this scarf yesterday (have yet to weave in the ends) and it is not as long as I thought it would be and the ribbing is not visible unless I stretch it. Is this a tension issue? I didn’t bother with a swatch as this was a learning project more than anything but maybe I should have. Something I realise now that I might have been doing is knitting with the tip of the right needle rather than the shaft. Would this be consistent with the results below? I’d be grateful for any feedback.

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It’s the nature of ribbing to pull in like this and be very elastic. Blocking is going to help stretch this lovely scarf out a bit. Check the ballband on the yarn you used for the best method. Careful steam blocking works wonders on acrylic, and washing and pinning out will help with wool. See what the manufacturer recommends for your yarn.
You’re right that you need to bring new sts to the full needle shaft. Knitting on the needle tips tightens the sts which eventually do have to slide onto the shaft where they become tight. The tips help you get into the loop on the needle but be sure to slide the new stitch to the wider shaft.
And congrats on finishing your project! It’s a great beginning.

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I’d be happy to wear this scarf, it looks really neat and cosy!

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Thank you both for your comments :slightly_smiling_face: I will definitely try blocking it once I get the ends weaved in. Can I ask how I should go about weaving in the ends as this is super chunky wool? Do I separate the ends into multiple strands that would fit in a yarn needle?

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Separating the strands into two and then weaving each in in separate directions is a good idea. This video shows one way to easily thread chunky yarn or any weight yarn onto a tapestry needle.

This method of weaving in works well with the back of stockinette in case you need it.

Beautiful knitting. Really, is this your first project? I believe you but it looks better than first. I think you already know from other replies that you did nothing wrong, this is what rib does and why it makes great cuffs to hug wrists. You’re off to a great start! What’s your plan for your next project?

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Thank you very much :blush: I’ve just finished knitting a hat, flat, so I need to learn how to stitch it together. I’m making a coaster at the minute too to practice using thinner needles. And I bought a sort of beginners starter pack which gives access to an online course where you make a hat, a pouch and a cardigan for a baby. So that’s up next :slightly_smiling_face:

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I’m pretty new too but I imagine blocking will definitely help. Congrats on your first completed project!! :partying_face: I’m also working on a scarf!

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Thank you, happy knitting :slightly_smiling_face:

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Well done on your first project! For me I consider it a tension win when my ribbing closes up like this :face_with_tongue: I also knit tight, like it that way, and it means the ribbing is nice and elastic, as it should be! But if you want them to show more on a next project, you can try wider ribs. This looks like a 2x2, try a 3x 3 or more on a swatch to see how you like it. You can also do uneven ratios.

Also if it’s not long enough, you can always pick up the stitches and knit more of it :person_tipping_hand:

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