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. 

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 

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 

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 

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 

Winter's End Scarf 

Free Knitting Pattern

 

Measurements and Preliminary Remarks

The scarf in the images is 32 cm wide and 135 cm long. As mentioned above, I wanted to produce a versatile piece, which can be worn draped around the shoulders or wrapped around the head / neck several times to provide an effective protection from the elements. (Despite this being a lightweight piece, the insulating capabilities of mohair are amazing, making this an ideal accessory for all seasons.) For a narrower piece or wider scarf, cast-on fewer or additional stitches, always ensuring the total number of cast-on stitches is uneven. 

To recreate the look of the scarf, the piece has to be knitted on two different-sized needles and there should ideally be five to six sizes difference between each needle. If you decide to opt for a 2mm needle, your larger needle should be 7mm to 8mm. If you settle for a size 3mm needle, the larger needle should be around 8mm to 9mm.   

To create the scarf's a sleek, flat side edge, the first stitch of every row is slipped as if to purl and the last stitch of every row is purled. All of the knit stitches are knitted through the back loop (ktbl).

Materials and Tools

• just under 40g of 3 ply fine, fingering / lace weight Mohair Yarn (for this project I used Yeoman's 3 ply Elsa)
• 2 mm straight knitting needle
• 8 mm straight knitting needle
• fine darning needle (for sewing in yarn ends)
• blocking utensils

Instructions

Cast-On and Set-Up

• Cast-on 77 stitches in whichever method you like, ensuring the stitches are cast onto the 8mm needle
• all the right side rows are worked with the smaller (2mm needle) 
• all the wrong side rows are worked with the larger (8mm needle)

Working the Ribbing 

Row 1 (right side, worked with 2 mm needle): Sl1 (as if to purl), *p1, k1tbl, rep from * to last 2 

stitches, p2.

Row 2 (wrong side, worked with 8 mm needle): Sl1 (as if to purl), *k1tbl, p1, rep from * to last 2 

stitches, k1tbl, p1.

Continue in above pattern until the scarf has reached the desired length.

When the scarf has reached the desired length, bind off in pattern on a wrong side row, ensuring the bind-off is worked loosely with the 8 mm needle. 

Finishing 

Sew in yarn ends with a fine darning needle and proceed to block the scarf to ensure the stitches are opened-up. 

Free Mohair Scarf Knitting Pattern 

This pattern is for personal use only and may not be reproduced for commercial purposes without permission. Neither may you sell any items made from the directions in this pattern.

© 2021 Clarice Asquith. All rights reserved. http://makedoandmendnovice.blogspot.com