Sunday 21 February 2021

Free Mohair Scarf Knitting Pattern: The Winter's End Scarf

This weekend I completed the final rows of my Winter's End scarf and proceeded to block the scarf right after it came off the needles. The Winter's End scarf is knitted with fine 3 ply lightweight mohair yarn. As the pattern is straightforward and simple, this was my in-between, go-to project for the past four months. 

Free Mohair Scarf Knitting Pattern


Simple Mohair Knitting Pattern with a Technical Twist

The stitch pattern for the scarf is a simple 1x1 rib and to keep things interesting and achieve a unique look, this mohair scarf pattern incorporates a technical twist. In order to achieve the long chain of stitches and airy texture of the scarf, the project is knitted on needles of two different sizes, radically different sizes to be precise: 2mm and 8mm. 


Free Mohair Scarf Knitting Pattern
Free Mohair Scarf Knitting Pattern 

For this reason, and even though the project is perfectly suitable for beginner knitters, the challenge lies not so much in the stitch pattern, but in its execution; i.e. staying in charge of the fuzzy yarn, whilst working the pattern on odd needles and showing them who is boss.


Free Mohair Scarf Knitting Pattern
Free Mohair Scarf Knitting Pattern 


I enjoy working with superfine mohair and really appreciate the unique qualities of this type of yarn, but I am well aware that the fuzziness of the material can be a source of frustration. From my experience with mohair knits, the golden rule for working with this type of yarn is to cast on loosely and to ensure you do not knit tightly. (More information on this, is available here.) This advice holds true for all mohair knits, but is even more important when knitting with mohair on odd needles.  

For the Winter's End Scarf I used Yeoman's 3 ply Elsa ( 30% mohair 40% acrylic 30% nylon), which is a budget option when it comes to Mohair yarn. The pattern is equally suitable for similar yarns or more upmarket choices with a higher mohair component (such as Drops Kid Silk) or, if you are preferring the luxury option, those with an added silk component, i.e. Rowan Kid Silk Haze or Debbie Bliss Angel. 


Free Mohair Scarf Knitting Pattern
Free Mohair Scarf Knitting Pattern 


Gauge is not important for this project and my scarf is designed to be 35 cm wide and 135 cm long, thus producing a generous, versatile piece that can be worn in a variety of ways, either wrapped around the neck several times to keep chills away, as an accessory draped loosely around the shoulders to show off the knitting or as a protective layer for the head, shielding you from the elements, whilst simultaneously covering your entire head without destroying the hairstyle underneath. 

For a narrower scarf, simply cast on fewer stitches, ensuring you cast-on an odd number of stitches. The length of the scarf can be adapted by measuring the scarf as you knit.


Free Mohair Scarf Knitting Pattern
Free Mohair Scarf Knitting Pattern 


Sunday 14 February 2021

The Weekly Swatch: Staggered Eyelets

 

Staggered Eyelet Knit Stitch


Catching up with the posting of the weekly swatches today, next up is my swatch featuring simple staggered eyelets. It's worked over eight rows on a multiple of four plus three stitches, with the lace in- and decreases on rows three and seven.  

The Weekly Swatch: Chevron and Feather Knit Stitch

 

Chevron and Feather Lace Knit Stitch


A variation of the classic Feather Knit Stitch, the Feather and Chevron Knit Stitch is simple, yet impactful, as it creates a beautiful scalloped edge. This stitch can be memorised without problem. The stitch motif is created over two rows and the wrong side rows are purled throughout. 

Saturday 13 February 2021

The Weekly Swatch: Arrowhead Lace Knit Stitch

 

Arrowhead Lace Knit Stitch


The Arrowhead Lace Knit Stitch is a dainty lace knit stitch that results in vertical, arrow-shaped columns of lace, ideal for rectangular garments. It's knitted over four rows on a multiple of 10 plus 1 stitches. All the wrong side rows are purled throughout.

The Weekly Swatch: Hourglass Eyelets

 

Hourglass Eyelet Knitstitch


This week's swatch is the hourglass eyelet knitstitch, and whilst preparing my swatch sample, the stitch reminded me indeed of ladies' hips. 

It's a simple stitch pattern and the texture of the stitch motif is achieved through a combination of knit and purl stitches as well as standard in- and decreases. The stitch is worked over 8 rows on a multiple of 6 plus 1 stitches.