Yes, a border of 3 to 5 stitches in garter or seed stitch should stop the curl. I am partial to the farrow rib for scarves myself, and it doesn't curl, even without a border.

Thanks, Donna... that was my second choice and may get bumped up to first :) I think I want a scarf that looks OK on both sides and the basket rib definitely looked like it had a wrong side.

See if you can find stitch pattern books in your local library. There are quite a few rib patterns which are reversible. Below is a link with reversible patterns from the Barbara Walker Treasuries (they are truly a knitter's treasure). Check out the cartridge-belt rib.

Here is a link that might be useful: Reversible stitch patterns

Whoops, should have posted a link to the pattern instead of just a picture. Scroll down and click on the "download free pattern" in the link below (PDF).

Here is a link that might be useful: cartridge rib scarf

Thanks -- I'd seen that stitch as well and it's really nice to see it worked up as a scarf -- it's definitely got a "man's scarf" feel and I love the texture. More decisions to make! :) Maybe I'll just have to make him more than one scarf :))