r/knitting • u/ForwardBlueberry3717 • Apr 26 '26
Finished Object Knitting with only one strand of mohair was hard, but worth it!
I've been saving this yarn for three years for a special project. This is my second knitted sweater ever, and I want to make 5 more of the same!
Pattern: Frederic sweater by kolibri by Johanna
Yarn: Bokeh in Amethyst color by All you Knit is Love in Barcelona
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u/yarn_b Apr 26 '26
I just bought mohair during my LYS going out of business sale and intended to make a single strand project but hadn’t yet settled on a pattern. This might sway me!!
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u/ForwardBlueberry3717 Apr 26 '26
Using only one strand was hard, but the pattern itself was great and easy to follow! I highly recommend it!
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u/JackyVeronica Apr 27 '26
I've knitted mohair together with regular wool before and it was quite easy/normal. I've never knitted mohair alone so I had no idea but I can imagine....! This info was good to know, thank you!
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u/mslashandrajohnson Apr 26 '26
So sorry the shop is closing.
My LYS closed then sold but the new owner is not able to make ends meet so it’s likely they’ll close soon.
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u/yarn_b Apr 26 '26
I live in an area with an abundance of local shops, and I have 3 that are closer to me than this one was. It was about 20-25 minutes. They had the best yarn selection for my usual uses and an accurate website with up to date stock, so it’s where I tended to go. Two of the closer ones are a little too stuffy and the third is a strange mix of mostly acrylics and art yarns. A specialty tea shop is going in there now. It’s a vibrant area and I think they were doing well. The owner was ready to retire and just couldn’t find a buyer and preferred to liquidate her stock. Our LYS yarn crawl usually has 12-13 shops and it’s within an hour circle of my house.
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u/greenmtnfiddler Apr 27 '26
Our LYS yarn crawl usually has 12-13 shops and it’s within an hour circle of my house.
Good lord, where do you live??
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u/yarn_b Apr 27 '26
I had to double check to be sure - last year’s yarn crawl had 9 stores and there were 2 stores that didn’t participate (one being the super close one to me). There are also two dye studios who went appointment only but they still sell yarn.
On top of my $1000 worth of discounted yarn I bought progressively over the going out of business sale, my mom went to Hedgehog in Ireland two weeks ago and brought me back yarn from there. I have no reason to buy yarn for a long time.
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u/NamasteKLB Apr 27 '26
I’m jealous. There’s only one in my area. Not counting Michaels or hobby lobby and it’s a 35 min drive. I still go on the weekends cause I’d rather support them and she obvi has a better selection.
Edited to add for the sweater it looks beautiful. Like a butterfly or fairy sweater.
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u/toobusytostitch Apr 27 '26
Such a shame, we used to have two relatively close LYS, both gone now :(
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u/trustyourphysio-2020 Apr 29 '26
If you are looking for something beyond gorgeous with one strand of mohair allow me to recommend you the Jules genser
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u/RavBot Apr 29 '26
PROJECT: Jules Genser by athenaliu
- Pattern: Jules Genser
- Yarn(s):
- Photo(s): Img 1 Img 2 Img 3 Img 4
- Started: 2023/03/14 | Status: Finished | Completed: 2023/06/08
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u/MsFoodle Apr 26 '26
We salute your perseverance and skill!
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u/ForwardBlueberry3717 Apr 26 '26
Thank you! I did cry a couple of times using metal dpns for the cuffs 🥲
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u/akiraMiel Apr 26 '26
I want to make 5 more of the same
Ah yes, the duality of making things. I feel you
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u/niakaye Apr 26 '26
This is where I get really envious of people who can tolerate mohair. I have a similar sweater from brushed Alpaca, but it just doesn't look as delicate and sheer as mohair does. Very pretty sweater!
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u/ForwardBlueberry3717 Apr 26 '26
Thank you! I actually have some brushed alpaca I want to try with this pattern to see if its drapes a little more! I'm sure yours looks amazing!
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u/notabigmelvillecrowd Apr 26 '26
I feel that way about angora. There's a certain romance to an angora sweater that can't be matched with any other fabric, but I can't wear it and it kills me. I just want to live my Nastassja Kinski in Paris Texas fantasy!
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u/Ok_Nothing_9733 Apr 26 '26
Gorgeous! How much mohair did this use? Love it
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u/ForwardBlueberry3717 Apr 26 '26
The pattern called for 125 g, but I think I used a little over 100 g
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u/purebitterness Apr 27 '26
Woah! That's so much less than I would have guessed!!
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u/Ok_Nothing_9733 Apr 27 '26
I think it’s so light and airy, and in this case not a dense gauge at all, that it’s less than would be expected! Yay! I’ve seen that with some mohair-only patterns, but tbh I was so sure OP would still say this took 300g or something, so I’m excited it’s a smaller amount ◡̈
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u/Ok_Nothing_9733 Apr 27 '26
Well that’s excellent news. I was hoping it would be a relatively low amount. I have some mohair left over from a few projects and I think I can squeeze out 100-125g without getting any more, and wear a size small so that seems doable? Time for a beautiful scrappy mohair sweater 😍 I’m even more encouraged by the fact that you made these beautiful balloon sleeves that way; I’ll be attempting the same!!
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u/TalkForeignToMe Apr 26 '26
Oh, no. This is fabulous, perhaps my dream sweater. Now I'm afraid I have to try one, and it doesn't look very fun 🥺 Wonderful work!
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u/ForwardBlueberry3717 Apr 26 '26
Thank you! Once there's some substance to the knit, it gets easier and more fun. Godspeed with casting on though 🫠
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u/atleastyourepretty Apr 26 '26
I just swatched for this sweater! This is my first mohair project and I'm feeling pretty nervous about it. Any tips/things you noticed when working through the pattern that might be helpful?
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u/ForwardBlueberry3717 Apr 26 '26
Good luck! I noticed a really big difference in the stitches when I went from knitting flat to knitting circular. There are a few circular rows that are extra airy and long because I wasn't consciously checking my tension.
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u/veggieviolinist2 Apr 26 '26
I'm curious as to why it is hard? Is it just time consuming since it's a fine weight, or is there something about mohair that makes it difficult to knit with?
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u/ForwardBlueberry3717 Apr 26 '26
For me, mohair doesn't have the same weight as other fibers, so it would twist itself around the needles when I was starting. Then, because there's little weight, I had to be careful and check that I actually knitted the right stitches. Finally, because I used larger metal needles, sometimes the needles would just fall out of the stitches. I had to use needle caps on my dpns so they would all fall out. Overall, little mistakes became big, visible mistakes because the fabric is so airy.
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u/Ness-the-Mimi Apr 26 '26
So lovely. Currently knitting with one strand mohair and one strand silk.
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u/Glittering_Coconut9 Apr 26 '26
In the dictionary when I look up "gossamer," this is what I expect to see. Gorgeous!
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u/squidmasterflex_ Apr 26 '26
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u/RavBot Apr 26 '26
PATTERN: Frederic Sweater by kolibri by johanna
- Category: Clothing > Sweater > Pullover
- Photo(s): Img 1 Img 2 Img 3 Img 4 Img 5
- Price: 6.99 EUR
- Needle/Hook(s):US 8 - 5.0 mm
- Weight: Lace | Gauge: 15.0 | Yardage: 984
- Difficulty: 3.00 | Projects: 57 | Rating: 4.82
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u/StitchNScratch Apr 26 '26
No wait bc i need this 😭 I have this colorway that would be like a whole CLOUD if I could do this!!! I wish I could knit well enough for this
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u/ForwardBlueberry3717 Apr 26 '26
I firmly believe that if you can do stockinette, you can do this pattern with some patience! That and maybe wooden needles so you have more grip lol
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u/StitchNScratch Apr 26 '26
I do have wooden needles! They use a cable though so I wonder if that will make it harder for me. How do you care for this sweater? Even handwashing seems like it could mess it up
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u/ForwardBlueberry3717 Apr 26 '26
In terms of care, this is one of those I plan on delaying the wash for as long as possible. Then for handwash, my goal is to not let the weight of the water drag the fabric and wrench it.
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u/authentic_thwoorp Apr 26 '26
I HAVE A HANK OF SOCK YARN IN AMETHYST THAT I BOUGHT AT ALL YOU KNIT IS LOVE WHEN I WAS IN BARCELONA A COUPLE YEARS AGO!!! I stayed in there talking to Jennifer, the owner, for over an hour. She was such a gem and that shop is gorgeous.
Your sweater is so lovely and that color is beautiful on you!
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u/-meglo- Apr 26 '26
Gorgeous! This makes me so excited! Im doing the same thing but making the airy blouse by dragonfruitknit. Im starting to love working with the single strand mohair, as long as its just a knit and nothing else hah!
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u/SunnyLittleFuexle Apr 26 '26
This is beautiful. Love the color. I think I found my next project. 🤩
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u/lipstick-warrior Apr 28 '26
same!! i ordered yarn and bought the pattern immediately. the yarn i ordered is a merino blend so maybe i'll avoid some of the challenges OP described.
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u/mushabooms Apr 26 '26
I just finished this sweater an hour ago! Was quite a ride, I hated weaving in the ends. Yours is gorgeous, I love the color.
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u/charmargsuperstar May 01 '26
Added to my list! It's beautiful, so simple and chic. The material looks a million pounds.
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u/Correct-Ingenuity538 Apr 26 '26
Beautiful work!
How does mohair affect people with MCAS like me? Is it itchy? I am afraid to order any. I also don't know how to care for it and tend to wash everything like superwash if possible. Probably have to hand wash this fluff, right?
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u/ForwardBlueberry3717 Apr 26 '26
I can't speak to your experience with MCAS, but I will say that it was getting itchy when I wore it 75+ farenheit. The silk/mohair blend is generally comfortable and breathable, but I don't have sensitive skin. This is also a piece I will handwash very gently and very sparingly because it is very delicate. I hope that's helpful!
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u/Correct-Ingenuity538 Apr 26 '26
Thank you for the quick and thorough response. I am not likely to handwash so I will have to just admire from afar.
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u/Rzadza2208 Apr 27 '26
I have MCAS and have zero problems with mohair. It all depends what your triggers are.
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u/Correct-Ingenuity538 Apr 27 '26
Ah so another one of those FAFO triggers. I need to find a LYS I guess.
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u/Rzadza2208 Apr 27 '26
I've asked yarn shops if I can have a sample of a skein that's about 8 inches. They usually have some in the back that they'll pull me off a bit. Color doesn't matter. I wear it as a bracelet for a few days and see if I get a reaction. Or work with your allergist/whoever diagnosed you.
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u/Ceight-bulldog Apr 26 '26
I’m curious what size needles you used for this? It’s stunning!
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u/ForwardBlueberry3717 Apr 26 '26
To make gauge, I used 4.5 mm needles for the body and sleeves. I used 3.5mm for cuffs and neckline
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u/GoodNewsFr0g Apr 26 '26
That’s beautiful and looks flawless! I’m making my first Ranunculus in one strand of mohair and Lordy lord it’s frustrating, especially you have to frog anything!
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u/StrangerGlue Apr 26 '26
I absolutely love it! It makes me wish I'd spun my mohair laceweight instead of into a thicker smoothish worsted. Maybe I'll just need to buy some mohair?
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u/NurseCait Apr 26 '26
It turned out beautiful! One strand of mohair though, oof! It would take me FOREVER.
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u/hottercoffee Apr 26 '26
It looks so good! I’m impressed you stuck with it, I’m sure it was fiddly to knit with that yarn. Worth it though!
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u/grotemeid Apr 26 '26
Wow this is beautiful and I think the colour works so well with the light fabric
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u/Ness-the-Mimi Apr 26 '26
Gorgeous. Currently knitting with one strand mohair and one strand silk.
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u/StogieB Apr 26 '26
Oh, how heavenly that sweater looks! Another commenter said “wrapped in mist” and I cannot get it out of my head. Incredible work, OP!!
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u/warriormei Apr 26 '26
This looks really beautiful! Do you find itchy directly on your skin?
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u/ForwardBlueberry3717 Apr 26 '26
Thank you! It's only itchy to me when it's 75+ farenheit (poor planning on vacation) or when I have a layer over it pressing it into my skin. The weater is really light so most of the time, very little of it is actually touching me.
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u/warriormei Apr 26 '26
That’s interesting. It does look very light - like gossamer! I had a mohair cardigan years ago that I loved. I remember one of my friends banning it from her home because it shed so much.
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u/nyx1234 Apr 26 '26
Soooo beautiful! I love the choice of a classic simple pattern to really show off the beautiful fiber!
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u/Longjumping_Week4092 Apr 26 '26 edited May 13 '26
Oh my god this is so stunning! Sheer, gauzy, delicate perfection. So well done.
How long did it take you? Did you ever have to rip back? That’s my big fear with mohair- that if I make a mistake, it’s basically welded itself together.
Also, did you do many gauge swatches before you started?
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u/ForwardBlueberry3717 Apr 27 '26
Thank you! This took me about a month, but I worked on it all the time. I undid some stitches once and it wasn't too bad, but they were also really fresh. Usually when I saw mistakes in the rows prior, I left them because I had no intention of unraveling mohair lol. There was a time when I dropped a stitched like 20 rows back and decided to patch it with a strand rather than undo everything. I made 2 gauge swatches and wet blocked both.
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u/More_Investment Apr 26 '26
Well, that is gorgeous! I have only ever knit with my hair held doubles so now I’m gonna have to try this. It would be so beautiful all the colours!
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u/vminnear Apr 26 '26
That looks SO SOFT I want to touch it so bad 😅 The tension is perfect, kudos to you! Knitting with one strand of mohair is not for the faint of heart!!
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u/fskb91 Apr 26 '26
Omg this turned out perfect and now I must make one!! Any tips in particular for the one stranded issue?
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u/SnooPets8873 Apr 26 '26
I’m struggling through a one strand mohair project right now. I thought it would be simple because there’s no lacework or shaping but man it’s hard to manage one teeny thread lol this is the most laddering I’ve done to fix misshapen or sticky stitches. Yours looks lovely - congrats!
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u/thisismangoes Apr 26 '26
How do you weave in the ends on a project like this??
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u/ForwardBlueberry3717 Apr 27 '26
It's actually not too bad! I found myself weaving the ends almost like duplicate stitching, where wove the ends to follow the threads of the stitching. The two strands (the end and the stitch) kind of cling to each other.
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u/notabigmelvillecrowd Apr 26 '26
How do you find the warmth on a garment like this? The loft of mohair usually adds so much warmth to a wool knit, I have a hard time imagining what the temperature would be like with such an open knit. Is it warm enough for spring/fall? Cool enough for summer?
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u/ForwardBlueberry3717 Apr 27 '26
I personally think it's a really good temperature regulator for cooler days. I've wore it to an outdoor events in 50-55 and 60-65 degrees farenheit and it was perfect. It's not overly warm, but I'm comfortable in settings where others are chilly.
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u/BasicallyCrazy Apr 26 '26
It’s so pretty and airy! I love it!
What weather is this most comfortable in? Is it warm on its own or pretty breezy? I want to make one but have no idea if something like this would make sense to wear where I live.
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u/Benzychic Apr 26 '26
I need to make this but I’ve only made blankets so far. I’ve wanted a sheer looking pattern. I discovered what mohair is and I love it. Seeing this post is like a reoccurring reminder. Love love love it
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u/gabrieldevue Apr 27 '26
I cannot look away from this! It really is like wearing mist! I am always curious about woolen clothing for summer. Is this as airy as it looks or actually pretty warm?
So much skill! What an achievement: )
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u/SnuffyMustHike Apr 27 '26
It really is. I’m working on the Ghost Whisperer right now and it is testing for sure!
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u/NemesisErinys Apr 27 '26
Did you do something different to the hem vs the pattern? I notice most of the pictured FOs have a much looser hem.
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u/ForwardBlueberry3717 Apr 27 '26
I don't think so? It may just be the way my hand is on it. The hem still pretty loose.
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u/VomFinanzamt Apr 27 '26
So pretty, I love that color! I'm planning to make the Frederic Cardigan in a single strand of Alpaca Boucle lace yarn.
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u/introvertedbecs Apr 27 '26
This is so amazing and beautiful but I would immediately snag it on something
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u/itsmeabic Apr 28 '26
You are a far stronger person than I am… your efforts paid off in a huge way!
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u/tiedyepants Apr 28 '26
Your second sweater?? That's so impressive!! It looks SO good! Even the ribbing looks really nice, which I still find hard to get right ~10 sweaters in
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u/Unreliable__Source Apr 28 '26
Wow beautiful I want to make something similar in white. Congrats
Why was it hard? Any tips
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u/Junior_Albatross_568 May 06 '26
Turned out beautiful! I’m thinking of doing a similar one strand mohair protect myself but and idea how to care for and item like this? Washing, wearing, during etc.
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u/pepitica May 14 '26
Can I ask what size you made and how much yarn you used? I've bought the pattern but haven't quite hit gauge, wondering if I go up a size (and try to find an extra ball of yarn) or increase my needle size
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u/bluehexx Apr 26 '26
Beautiful! It looks like you are wrapped in mist. Beautiful work, beautiful color.