John Arbon Yarns are based in South Molton which is in North Devon and not far from the wilds of Exmoor, of one two National Parks here in Devon. Submissions for their next Annual (a magazine with new patterns showcasing their yarns) came around earlier this year and I designed this stitch pattern. Whilst I didn’t make the final cut I had fabulous support from John Arbon’s team and got to knit with their beautiful Knit by Numbers range. So, for you, here is my Exmoor Heathers scarf and hat inspired by the heather found on Exmoor with pinks and greens, although you can use whatever colours you want. You will use a strand of double knit yarn and a strand of 4ply, interchanging which you knit with and which you leave to float creating the stitch pattern.

Difficulty

Knitting with two yarns at the same time, casting on and off, knit and purl stitches, making stitches by knitting in the front and back of a stitch and decreasing with a slip slip knit. Video tutorials are provided for the special stitches using a single strand of yarn.

Yarn and Notions

Scarf

Double knitting yarn (light worsted / 8 ply) 250 meters / 273 yards. I used Knit by Numbers, colour 69

4ply (fingering) 240 meters / 262 yards. I used Knit by Numbers, colour 63

Hat

Double knitting yarn (light worsted / 8 ply) 125 meters / 136 yards

4ply (fingering) 120 meters / 132 yards

Needles:

Scarf
5mm (US 8) straight needles

Hat
4.5mm (US 7) 40cm / 16 inch long circular needle
5mm (US 8) 40cm / 16 inch long circular needle

Optional: Four 5mm double pointed needles to finish the crown or utilise the loop method with the circular needle

One moveable stitch marker, tapestry needle, scissors

Tension

22 sts and 26 rows over 10 cm / 4 inch square on 5mm needles in stocking stitch

Measurements

Scarf –100cm / 39 inches long and 15cm / 6 inches wide

Hat – finished circumference sizes 46 (51, 56)cm / 18 (20, 22) inches

There are links to You Tube videos on the two techniques used for knitting with a single yarn at a time.

This pattern has been technically edited and independently tested.