Churchmouse Studio Alexandra’s Airplane Scarf in Rowan Kidsilk Mohair

Churchmouse Studio Alexandra's Airplane Scarf in Rowan Kidsilk Mohair

What Is Being Made

Alexandra's Airplane Scarf is a luxurious lace-weight mohair tube scarf designed for versatile styling and wear. This intermediate knitting project creates a sheer, elegant accessory measuring approximately 13 inches (33 centimeters) across when laid flat—26 inches (66 centimeters) in circumference—and 60 inches (152 centimeters) in length after blocking. The scarf can be worn as a traditional wrap, looped, or styled in multiple creative ways, making it an ideal travel companion or everyday luxury piece. Churchmouse Studio offers both a plain version and an optional beaded variation that adds subtle sparkle and dimension to the finished garment.

Yarn and Materials

This project uses 4 skeins of Rowan Kidsilk Haze, a premium lace-weight mohair yarn with 229 yards (210 meters) per skein, totaling approximately 916 yards (840 meters). The plain version shown is worked in Color 632, while the beaded version is displayed in Color 658. Equivalent lace-weight mohair yarns of similar yardage may be substituted. For the optional beaded version, the pattern calls for 156 size 8 seed beads, though crafters can adjust the quantity based on personal preference and desired bead density.

Needles and Notions

This scarf is knit in the round using US 8 (5mm) circular needles in a 16 to 24-inch (40 to 60-centimeter) length, or whatever size is needed to achieve the specified gauge. Additional notions include one stitch marker for tracking rounds, blocking wires and/or pins for finishing, and a darning needle for weaving in ends. Crafters choosing to add beads will also need a size 0.9mm steel crochet hook, which is used to place individual beads onto stitches using the special Place Bead & Knit technique.

Knitting Techniques and Stitches

Alexandra's Airplane Scarf employs fundamental circular knitting techniques suitable for intermediate-level knitters. The project is worked in stockinette stitch in the round, creating a smooth, refined fabric that showcases the lustrous qualities of mohair yarn. The scarf is constructed as a tube, which requires working continuously in circular rounds rather than flat rows. This construction method produces a seamless, reversible garment that can be worn and styled from either side.

The pattern establishes a gauge of approximately 18 stitches and 25 rows per 4 inches (10 centimeters) in stockinette stitch in the round after blocking. Proper gauge is essential for achieving the intended finished dimensions and drape of the scarf.

Beading Technique (Optional)

For crafters interested in adding embellishment, Churchmouse Studio provides detailed instructions for the Place Bead & Knit (PBK) special technique. This method involves using a size 0.9mm steel crochet hook to slip a bead onto the hook, then inserting the hook purlwise into the next stitch on the left needle, lifting the stitch off, and sliding the bead onto the stitch with fingertip tension before replacing the stitch on the left needle and knitting it. The knitting of the beaded stitch completes the PBK action, ensuring accurate stitch and bead counts throughout the project.

Bead placement is entirely customizable. The pattern suggests spacing beads as densely or sparsely as desired, with the flexibility to vary placement throughout the project. In the sample beaded version, approximately 6 beads were placed every 20 stitches within each 120-stitch round, with beads spaced approximately 4.5 inches (11 centimeters) apart in each direction. Beads were placed every 14 rounds, appearing twice in each 28-round repeat across the 13 repeats of the pattern.

Finishing and Blocking

Upon completion of the knitting, the scarf requires blocking to achieve its finished dimensions and to even out the stitches. Blocking wires and pins are used to shape and set the scarf to the specified measurements, enhancing the drape and appearance of the lace-weight mohair fabric. A darning needle is used to weave in any remaining yarn ends for a polished, professional finish.

Design Philosophy

This Churchmouse Studio design emphasizes simplicity and color as its primary design elements. The straightforward stockinette construction allows the natural beauty, sheen, and color of Rowan Kidsilk Haze mohair to take center stage. Whether crafted in