Nappe Shawl

Nappe Shawl by Justyna Lorkowska

What is Being Made

The Nappe Shawl is a triangular knitted shawl designed by Justyna Lorkowska. This downloadable PDF pattern creates a wide and shallow triangle measuring approximately 250 cm (98 inches) wide and 60 cm (24 inches) long, making it an ideal accessory for layering or draping across the shoulders.

Craft and Techniques

This project is created using the knitting technique. The shawl employs several key construction methods to achieve its distinctive shape and drape:

• Yarn overs (yo) are strategically placed to create a stretchy edge throughout the garment, contributing to the shawl's fluid movement and flexibility
• Increases are worked at both the beginning and end of rows, with two kfb (knit front and back) increases per row—one at each edge—to create the triangular silhouette
• Color work is incorporated through the use of multiple color changes (CC1 and CC2), adding visual interest to the finished piece
• Yarn overs are dropped in every following row rather than carried forward, a deliberate technique that prevents them from being counted in final stitch counts and contributes to the shawl's unique construction

Stitches Used

The Nappe Shawl pattern utilizes fundamental knitting stitches suitable for beginner-level knitters:

• Knit (k) stitches form the base structure
• Purl (p) stitches create textural contrast within the pattern
• Yarn overs (yo) produce decorative holes and contribute to the stretchy edge quality
• Kfb (knit front and back) increases add stitches at strategic points to shape the triangle

Materials and Yarn Specifications

This pattern calls for 3-ply yarn weight and requires a total of 5 skeins across two different yarn bases from Lanivendole:

• A Chic Blend by Lanivendole (60% Wool, 20% Alpaca, 20% Mohair; 225m/246y per 50g): 3 skeins total, distributed as 1 skein in color CC1 (Cipria) and 2 skeins in color CC2 (Carbone)
• A Heavenly Blend by Lanivendole (50% Wool blend): 2 skeins, used for additional yardage

The combination of wool, alpaca, and mohair fibers provides warmth, softness, and a subtle halo effect characteristic of mohair blends, while the 3-ply weight allows for drape and elegant shaping.

Difficulty Level

Rated as beginner level, the Nappe Shawl is accessible to knitters new to the craft. The pattern uses basic stitches and straightforward increases, making it an excellent project for developing fundamental knitting skills while creating a sophisticated finished garment.