I finished a ribbed scarf in K2, P2 with size 8’s in caron simply soft. It looks cute but you can’t see the ribbing because it pulls in-all you see is the K’s. You have to actually stretch it to see the purls.
I’ve seen ribbing before on pro made items that looked like K2, P2 or K3, P3 and they lay flat where you can see the ribbing. How can I do this so it works for my next scarf?
TIA 
The beauty of k2p2 is that it’s very stretchy. It’s often used on hats and socks for that very reason. All ribbing pulls in somewhat, but if want a looser type rib try k3p3 or some variation of that. They don’t have to be even, but make sure the numbers come out right for your number of CO stitches.
There are so many gorgeous scarf patterns out there–many of them quite simple. There’s no reason to stick to ribbing. Ribbing, as Jan said, is designed to pull in.
Thanks so much Jan, I’ll try that!
Ingrid, I know what you mean. I guess I’m a bit chicken! lol I’m also making it for my dad and think ribbed patterns are the most manly
Or, if you want a scarf that shows ribbing, maybe putting a lot more purls in between the knit stitches might work. Like a 3 x 5 (knit by purl) ribbing?