Lush

Lush Shawl by Nunzia Diglio Designer

What is Being Made

Lush is an elegant crescent-shaped shawl designed by independent designer Nunzia Diglio. This downloadable knitting pattern creates a sophisticated accessory featuring rigorous geometric construction combined with explosive lace stitch patterns. The shawl is available in two luxurious fiber options: cashmere or linen, each producing distinctly different drape and aesthetic qualities. The finished dimensions vary by fiber choice, with the cashmere version measuring approximately 82.7 inches wide by 51 inches high, and the linen version measuring approximately 110 inches wide by 71 inches high.

Techniques and Construction Methods

The Lush shawl employs both knitting and crochet techniques to achieve its distinctive design. The pattern utilizes a combination of fundamental and intermediate stitch manipulations to create the interplay between structured geometric sections and flowing lace elements. Cable work features prominently in the construction, requiring the use of a cable needle to create twisted stitch columns that add textural interest and visual movement to the piece.

The design incorporates yarn overs and strategic decreases to form the lace patterns that contrast with the more densely knitted geometric sections. This combination of techniques creates visual depth and allows the natural fibers to showcase their inherent qualities through both solid and openwork areas.

Stitches Used

The pattern employs a comprehensive range of knitting stitches and techniques:

• Basic stitches: Knit and purl stitches form the foundation of the geometric sections
• Yarn overs (yo): Create the lace openings and contribute to the explosive mix of lace stitches
• Decreases: Knit two together (k2tog) and slip, knit, pass (skp) techniques shape the shawl and create lace motifs
• Below-stitch techniques: Knit stitch below stitch (kb) and below-stitch two together (bsk2tog) add dimensional texture
• Cable stitches: Cable 6 right (c6r) and cable 6 left (c6l) create twisted columns by slipping stitches onto a cable needle and working around them
• Combination stitches: Stitch plus yarn over (st+yo) and purl two together variations provide additional textural elements

Materials and Specifications

Cashmere Option: This version uses Cashmere Lanecardate yarn in the "Luxor" colorway. The project requires 5 skeins of yarn, with each skein weighing 25 grams and providing 110 meters of yardage. Knitting needles should be 5.5 mm, with a 4.5 mm crochet hook for finishing details. The cashmere fiber creates a soft, luxurious drape ideal for elegant wear.

Linen Option: This version features Habu Textiles XS-21 in L25/3, a 100% linen yarn requiring 2 skeins totaling 100 grams with 681 meters of yardage. The linen construction uses 7 mm knitting needles and a 6 mm crochet hook. Linen produces a crisp, structured fabric with excellent breathability and a beautiful sheen.

Additional supplies: The pattern requires 4 stitch markers to track pattern repeats and cable needle for cable stitch work. These tools are essential for maintaining pattern accuracy throughout the project.

Skill Level

Lush is rated as a beginner-friendly pattern, making it accessible to knitters new to shawl construction. Despite the sophisticated final appearance created by the combination of lace and cable techniques, the pattern is designed to be manageable for those developing their knitting skills. The geometric structure and lace stitch combinations, while appearing complex, are executed using fundamental techniques that beginners can master with careful attention to the pattern instructions.