20. The Featherlight Mohair-Silk Pointelle Lace Cap

Introduction

The Featherlight Mohair-Silk Pointelle Lace Cap brings delicate, airy lace into transitional cold-weather knitwear. Combining simple yarn-over eyelets with brushed mohair, it creates a warm yet breathable accessory with a vintage feel.

What This Idea Means

Pointelle lace uses small, geometric eyelet openings arranged in repeating diagonal or diamond patterns. The halo of the mohair softens the lace holes, producing a delicate, diffused texture.

How to Make It

  • Yarn: 2 strands of Lace-weight Silk Mohair held together (approx. 210m per 25g ball; 2 balls needed).
  • Needles: US 5 (3.75 mm) circular needles.
  • Gauge: 21 stitches and 26 rounds = 4 inches in Pointelle pattern.
  • Construction:
    1. Holding two strands together, cast on 84 stitches using an invisible stretchy cast-on.
    2. Work 1 inch in delicate $1 \times 1$ ribbing.
    3. Begin the Pointelle Lace chart (multiples of 6 stitches):
      • Round 1: *K3, Yo, SSK, K1; rep from *.
      • Round 2 and all even rounds: Knit all stitches plain.
      • Round 3: *K1, K2tog, Yo, K1, Yo, SSK; rep from *.
      • Round 5: *K2tog, Yo, K3, Yo; rep from *.
    4. Repeat these 6 pattern rounds until the hat measures 8 inches.
    5. Shape the crown with gradual decreases integrated between the lace eyelet panels until 12 stitches remain.
    6. Fasten off and block gently over a rounded form.

Tips and Variations

  • Need to Make: Use pointed lace-tip needles to easily catch and work the SSK and K2tog decreases with fine mohair yarn.
  • Variation: Add tiny, iridescent clear glass seed beads into the center of each lace diamond using a 0.75 mm crochet hook during knitting.