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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I happen to live in the Northern Hemisphere, but I know we have a lot of Southern Hemisphere friends, too, who are heading into the cooler months as we are warming up. Whichever one of the seasons you’re in, you might want to stitch up this sweet little hood.

This pattern by saskie&co is called snug hood and it uses two colors of yarn to make a close-fitting pixie style hood (almost a balaclava but it doesn’t cover your face, though there is a neck covering portion to keep you a little warmer). You can use the fingering weight wool and mohair held together that are called for in the pattern, or use a single strand of DK weight yarn.

The neck portion and the edging around the face are worked in ribbing in a single color, while the body of the hat includes an allover colorwork flower pattern. The project is worked both flat and in the round and there is colorwork that is knit flat, which means you’ll have to purl in colorwork (which some people don’t like; also, you can’t see what you’re doing as well on the back of the work).

The pattern comes in one size and the colorwork is charted. Testers noted this is a quick and easy project and a great way to learn some new skills (chart reading, working stranded colorwork flat) if you’ve never tried those things before. They noted the hood is cute, comfortable and warm, and a few said it didn’t take as much yarn as the pattern suggests, so bear that in mind if you’re trying to use stash.

Speaking of the pattern notes, check out all the cute color variations in the projects on Ravelry. From pink and red to blue and white to gray and cream, there are lots of great options to think about.

You can buy this pattern on Ravelry.

[Photo: saskie&co]

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