I would like to try and knit a cardigan from an old Patons Lush mohair book that I have.
Does anyone know what ply this wool is? The pattern says to use 10mm needles but isn't mohair too fine/thin for this size needles?
Ravelry lists two weights for Patons Lush: an Australlian version (79% mohair) which knits at 16sts/10cm on 5.5mm needles and a UK version (man-made fiber) which knits at 11sts/10cm on 7.5mm needles. Looking at sts per length measurement is going to be more reliable then ply especially for a yarn like mohair.
The needles recommended in the pattern depends on the look of the cardigan. Since mohair is so fluffy it fills in even when worked on larger needles, a gauge swatch on several needles is recommended to see what gauge you get and whether you like the look and feel of the knit fabric.
I think larger needles than you might expect are usually recommended for mohair yarns in general, because it lends itself better to more airy fabric, especially used alone. I have made a couple of toys (that never got totally finished) with mohair type yarn and smaller needles, but the fabric just has little to no “body”.
My pattern book refers to the Australian version. I will do a few swatches in different size needles to see which is the closest to the gauge recommended in the Patons book.
Thanks Salmonmac.
Thanks Shintoga. I always thought mohair yarn was used with smaller needles since its thinner but understand what you mean when you stated it has no “body”.