Striped Mohair Set

Striped Mohair Set by Mary Gonzales

Overview

The Striped Mohair Set is a downloadable knitting pattern designed by Mary Gonzales that includes two coordinated projects: a newborn bonnet and matching shorts. This set is ideal for creating soft, delicate garments using lightweight mohair-blend yarn in a classic two-color striped design. The pattern is sized for newborn and 0-6 month babies, making it perfect for gifts or personal projects.

Projects Included

• Newborn Bonnet: A fitted hat featuring a ribbed cuff and striped stockinette body
• Shorts: Coordinating bottoms to complete the set

Yarn and Materials

This pattern calls for two skeins of Size "2" weight yarn in contrasting colors. The original design specifies Patons Lace yarn in Vintage (CC—contrasting color) and Calypso Coral (MC—main color), though any comparable lightweight yarn may be substituted. The mohair content of Patons Lace creates an airy, delicate fabric ideal for baby garments.

Additional materials required:

• Size 8 circular needle, 16 inches
• Size 8 double-pointed needles
• Yarn needle for weaving in ends
• Scissors
• Tape measure
• Optional: stitch marker for tracking round beginnings

Knitting Techniques and Stitches

The Striped Mohair Set employs fundamental knitting techniques suitable for intermediate beginners. The bonnet construction begins with a flat ribbed section worked in rows before transitioning to circular knitting for the crown shaping.

Primary stitches and techniques used:

• Ribbed knit: The opening rows utilize a 2x2 rib pattern (knit 2, purl 2) to create an elastic, fitted cuff that frames the face
• Stockinette stitch: Alternating knit and purl rows create the smooth, classic stockinette fabric that forms the body of the bonnet
• Striping: Two-color stripes are created by switching yarn colors at designated rows and cutting the unused color to minimize bulk in the lightweight fabric
• Knit 2 together decreases: Shaping of the bonnet crown uses k2tog decreases spaced evenly around the piece to gradually reduce stitch count
• Circular knitting: After the initial flat ribbed section, the pattern transitions to working in the round using circular needles and double-pointed needles for seamless construction
• Color work: The pattern demonstrates basic color changes and yarn management, switching between Calypso Coral and Vintage throughout

Pattern Structure

The bonnet begins with 56 cast-on stitches worked flat on a circular needle for 7 rows of 2x2 ribbing. Following the ribbed cuff, the piece transitions into striped stockinette stitch, alternating 8 rows of each color. This striping sequence repeats until the piece reaches 4 inches in length. The pattern then connects into the round and continues the stripe pattern while introducing decrease rounds to shape the crown of the bonnet. The structured decrease sequence (knit 4, knit 2 together) is repeated around the circumference to create the fitted top.

Available in newborn and 0-6 month sizes, this pattern accommodates growing babies with straightforward sizing options.