Westknits MKAL 2026: Colour Kaleidoscope Inspiration

It's that time of year again - Westknits Mystery Knit Along 2026: Colour Kaleidoscope Shawl is here, with Clue 1 dropping on October 1st. 

This years shawl uses x8 different colours of 50g 4ply/fingering yarn, plus an optional mohair dare, knit on 3.5mm needles. The brief is Colour Kaleidoscope: "We’re going to explore fragmented geometric shapes and reflective colour contrasts with the kaleidoscope inspiration". Find the pattern and all you need to know about the MKAL on Ravelry.

In his video introducing this years MKAL Stephen suggests choosing a contrasting and clashing colour palette to get the most out of the pattern. He recommends choosing colours that will create crisp transitions between sections. If you are going with colours from the same family, make sure you are varying the tone and saturation so they don't fade into each other. Stephen also suggests a maximum of half variegated/speckled yarn, with coordinating solids colours to maintain the desried clarity.  

While we aren't doing kits for sale this year, we have still had a go at putting together some colour palette inspiration to help you narrow it down. We've gone for a few vibrant clashes that would make Stephen proud, as well as some more monochrome and earthy tones for the less daring. 

Option 1: Mustard Pink Espresso

Yarns pictured: Spincycle Dyed in the Wool (Miss Rumphius, Salty Dog, House Blend, Goldie), Naturally New Zealand Merino (Steel 394), Wild Earth Yarns Natural Haunui 4ply (Chocolate), Alpaca Yarns Sox (Chartreuse 908)

Mohair dare: Lana Grossa Setasuri (Honey Yellow 65)

Option 2: Tangerine Green Dream

Yarns pictured: Biches & Bûches Le Petit Lambswool (Dark Orange Red, Dark Green, Dark Orange Grey), Outlaw Yarns Rebel Light (Real Live Wire, Cyclops Fish, Postcards From Another Day, That Golden Shore), Countrywide Purrino Possum Sock (50)

Mohair dare: Rowan Kidsilk Haze (Lichen K16)

Option 3: Blues Mood

Yarns pictured: Spincycle Dyed in the Wool (Stonetown, Openwater), Outlaw Yarns Rebel Light (Invite Me In), Biches & Bûches Le Petit Lambswool (Medium Blue), Naturally New Zealand Merino (Denim 388, Aqua 404, Navy 369), Alpaca Yarns Sox (Cobalt 1680)

Mohair dare: Rowan Kidsilk Haze (Heavenly 592)

Option 4: Earth Tones

Yarns pictured: Biches & Bûches Le Petit Lambswool (Dark Blue Turquoise, Soft Gold, Medium Grey), Zealana Rimu 4ply  (Flax, Kiwicrush), Alpaca Yarns Sox (Tweedie Charcoal 403), Countrywide Purrino Possum Sock (Autumn 55, Olive 57)

Mohair dare: Lana Grossa Setasuri (Bright Olive 40)

Option 5: Berry Darkside

Yarns pictured: Outlaw Yarns Rebel Light (Postcards From Another Day, This Time Will Pass, Afterworld, Compass Turns), Biches & Bûches Le Petit Lambswool (Dark Blue Turquoise, Dark Green Black), Countrywide Purrino Possum Sock (Berry 53)

Mohair dare: Rowan Kidsilk Haze (Dewberry 600)

Option 6: Crimson Dayglow 

Yarns pictured: Spincycle Yarns Dyed in the Wool (Devilish Grin, Always Yours, Dear Diary, Bad Egg), Naturally New Zealand Merino (Lilac 392, Poppy 400), Alpaca Yarns Sox (Silver Melange 434, Tweedie Aubergine 9235)

Mohair dare: Rowan Kidsilk Haze (Meringue K12)

Are you joining the MKAL this year? Show us your colours by tagging us on instagram @loopinewoolco, or come show us instore!

Happy Making :)