Churchmouse Studio Color Play Mohair Scarf & Wrap in Rowan Kidsilk Haze

Churchmouse Studio Color Play Mohair Scarf & Wrap in Rowan Kidsilk Haze

What Is Being Made

The Color Play Mohair Scarf & Wrap pattern from Churchmouse Studio offers two distinct knitted projects using the same fundamental techniques but with different finished dimensions and color approaches. The scarf measures 12 inches wide by approximately 57 inches long after blocking, while the wrap is wider at 18 inches and longer at approximately 76 inches after blocking. Both pieces showcase the beautiful qualities of mohair yarn through thoughtful color play and strategic yarn pairing.

Design Approach & Color Techniques

These projects are designed to be compulsively knitable, with the pleasure of watching color combinations emerge as you progress through the knitting. The scarf employs shaded color blocking by mixing four solid colors two at a time in a rotating sequence, creating distinct sections of blended hues. The wrap takes a different approach, playing with four softly self-striping colorways that are sometimes knitted with themselves and sometimes paired with each other, ensuring that no two finished wraps will ever be identical.

Stitches & Stitch Patterns

The primary stitch pattern used throughout both projects is stockinette stitch, which creates a smooth, classic fabric that allows the yarn's color and mohair halo to shine. The stockinette body is framed by 7-stitch seed-stitch borders on the center sections, adding textural interest and helping to define the edges of the pieces. Seed stitch, created by alternating knit and purl stitches in a checkerboard pattern, provides a subtle decorative frame that contrasts with the smooth stockinette body.

Knitting Techniques

This intermediate-level pattern requires knitters to manage color changes and yarn management as they work through multiple color sections. The scarf follows a specific color sequence progressing through four sections: Section 1 pairs colors A and B, Section 2 pairs B and C, Section 3 pairs C and D, and Section 4 pairs D and A. Knitters have the flexibility to change colors mid-row if desired, allowing for creative control over block placement. The wrap offers even more creative freedom by mixing variegated colorways in unexpected combinations.

Blocking is an essential finishing technique for these projects. The pattern recommends damp or wet blocking to give the fabric a beautiful finish and to bring forward the characteristic mohair halo. This process involves washing and spinning damp bath towels in the washing machine, then using them to block the finished pieces to their specified dimensions.

Materials & Yarn Specifications

Both projects are worked in lace-weight mohair yarn, specifically Rowan Kidsilk Haze, which provides the luxurious drape and ethereal quality characteristic of mohair fiber.

• Scarf yarn requirements: Approximately 229 yards (209 meters) each in 4 solid colors of Rowan Kidsilk Haze. The pattern shows multiple color combinations, including one featuring colors 641, 595, 627, and 579; another in colors 599, 660, 632, and 639; and a third in colors 651, 629, 597, and 666.
• Wrap yarn requirements: Approximately 460 yards (421 meters) each in 4 variegated colors of Rowan Kidsilk Haze Stripe. Example colorways shown include colors 361, 202, 203, and 201, as well as colors 359, 204, 358, and 200.

Needles & Notions

The projects are worked on US 7 (4.5mm) needles, or the size needed to obtain proper gauge. Additional notions include 2 stitch markers for tracking pattern sections and a blunt darning needle for finishing and weaving in ends.

Gauge

The target gauge is approximately 20 stitches over 4 inches (10 centimeters) in stockinette stitch, measured after blocking. Achieving proper gauge is essential for obtaining the finished dimensions specified in the pattern.

Skill Level

Rated as intermediate difficulty, these projects are suitable for knitters with foundational skills in stockinette and seed stitch who are ready to explore color work and manage multiple yarn colors within a single project. The straightforward stitch patterns combined with engaging color play make these pieces rewarding for developing knitters seeking to expand their techniques.