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> Mighzal, the Kufic Square
Mighzal, the Kufic Square
Mighzal is inspired by two spindle whorls: the first, seen on an auction website, was identified as a whorl bearing Arabic script in a Kufic style. On close inspection, my middling Arabic skills couldn’t pick out a readable word. However, in Norway, archaeologists discovered whorls with readable words scratched into them: “Gunnhildr made the spindle whorl”.
My fascination with Kufic script combined with the idea of leaving a message on a spindle inspired this hat. The design on this slouchy hat is a Kufic square, a
traditional Arab design that takes a word or phrase in Arabic and makes it into an attractive design.
Mighzal is Arabic for spindle or spinning wheel.
Note: the example hat is knit with a yarn that blooms considerably after blocking.
Materials
- Peace Fleece Sport (70% Wool/30% Mohair; 350yd/113g) in 2 colors (Color A: 125yds, Color B: 50yds)
- Spinning specifications: unwashed singles: 20 wpi; washed and finished 2-ply yarn: 11 wpi. Grist: 1400 ypp.
- US size 2 2.75mm 16 inch circular needles
- US size 4 3.5mm needles for working in the round
Techniques:
- Two-Color Cast On: This is a long-tail cast on using two colors of yarn. Make a slipknot with both colors of yarn. Then, do a long-tail cast on with color A over the index finger and color B over the thumb.
- Mosaic Knitting: This colorwork technique uses one color per round. Stitches are knit with the color indicated at the beginning of the round or chart; slip stitches indicated by the opposite color in the chart.
A chart is included for the mosaic design only, using Barbara Walker’s style of mosaic charting.
Thanks to technical editor Steph Boardman, photographer Kathryn Walbert, and my wonderful test knitters!
1473 projects
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- First published: September 2013
- Page created: September 9, 2013
- Last updated: October 21, 2021 …
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