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!