Knit a Mosaic Scarf

I know I’ve said this before, but in case you missed it, I am a big cheerleader for mosaic knitting. I don’t feel like it’s ever had the popularity of some other knitting techniques, particularly other colorwork knitting options, but it’s such a great way to make simple geometric repeating patterns on the surface of a knitting project.

Mosaic knitting looks a lot more complicated than it is, but you’re only working with one color of yarn per row and the colorwork is achieved by strategically slipping stitches to make the pattern. Mosaic knitting patterns are worked from charts, but since the patterns are geometric and symmetrical, once you get the basics of reading and following the chart down it’s really easy to do.

If you’ve never tried mosaic knitting before, you should, and this scarf would be a good place to start.

The Rumi Scarf by Matthew Schrank uses two colors of worsted weight yarn and a simple diamond mosaic knitting pattern. This pattern makes a nice big scarf, measuring 17 inches, or 42.5 cm wide and 69 inches/ 172.5 cm long. You could adjust the size to make it smaller if you like, or use a lighter weight yarn to make it smaller with the same number of stitches the pattern calls for. Or just make a big scarf that will keep you cozy no matter what winter throws at you.

The pattern notes suggest carrying the yarn up the side consistently for a braid effect along the edge, which is a great idea since there’s not a border on the project. They also used stitch markers to keep track of the repeats, which you may find helpful, particularly if you are new to mosaic knitting.

You can find this pattern on Ravelry. I hope you’ll give it, or some other mosaic knitting project, a try. I think it’s a lot of fun and a cool effect.

[Photo: Matthew Schrank]

Mosaic Shawl Knitting Patterns

Knit a Cowl Using Simple Mosaic Designs

Mosaic Knitting Patterns

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When I first started knitting again after a long absence from the craft (which has now been almost 25 years ago!) I really didn’t like garter stitch that much. I found it super boring, somehow even more boring than knitting stockinette stitch in the round, even though it’s exactly the same thing.

Over the years I’ve softened my opinion, and even grown to like garter stitch. There’s nothing wrong with being plain, and actually the texture of garter stitch is more interesting than stockinette.

Also there are fun things you can do with garter stitch to make it more interesting if you want to, such as adding stripes, working on the bias, or doing fun effects to change the look.

That’s the way with the Bernat Twist My Way Garter Knit Blanket. Using combinations of casting on and binding off creates what they call a Swiss cheese effect along two sides of the blanket. This is a lot of fun in the self-striping ombre yarn they chose for the pattern, but it would also be fun in a solid color or making your own stripes.

Despite the dramatic effect, this pattern is rated easy. It’s worked from side to side (if you consider the “cheesy” edges the top and bottom) and has an eight-row repeat that involves binding off and then casting on again to make the holes. They’re kind of like giant buttonholes.

Once you get the hang of it it’s a pretty easy repeat to remember, and it will be smooth knitting as big as you want to make it.

You can download this pattern from the Yarnspirations website for free, or you can buy a kit direct from them that includes the yarn you need (and knitting needles if you need those, too). Bernat Sport Ombre Twist, which is what is used in the pattern, comes in 12 self patterning colors and is a DK weight acrylic yarn.

[Photo: Yarnspirations]

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