Inspired by the pre-Hispanic and Hispanic textiles of the American Southwest, I designed this two-color scarf to mirror the geometries of the high mountain desert where I live.

Included in the pattern are both charted and written-out instructions for two versions of the scarf, one in which you knit colors A and B straight through, and one in which you alternately reverse the colors.

You can use DK weight yarn (you’ll need at least 225 yards of each color), or worsted / Aran weight yarn (you’ll need approximately 300 yards of each color, depending on the finished length you want), to knit from the same chart.

Mosaic knitting allows you to create a two-color scarf in a firm, flat fabric, with a dramatically patterned front and an attractive, tweedy back - without have to weave in a million ends or deal with unsightly floats.

Combining simple garter and slip stitches, it’s a great project for adventurous beginners, and fun for experienced knitters too.

I have knitted this up using two heathered solid contrasting colors, and in two variegated hand-dyes for a subtle effect like that of an antique rug. I also think it would also be interesting to try pairing a solid color with a self-striping yarn!