NAMI dress

NAMI Dress by Takako Takiguchi

What is Being Made

The NAMI dress is a sophisticated long dress designed for intermediate knitters. This garment features elegant cable raglans and is worked seamlessly from the top down in the round. The dress includes an asymmetrical bottom design for the skirt, offering a contemporary aesthetic. Available in six sizes ranging from S to 3XL, the finished chest measurements span from 99cm to 130cm, with total length from neck to bottom ranging from 118cm to 144cm. Knitters have the flexibility to adjust the length according to personal preference.

Techniques and Construction

This pattern employs several advanced knitting techniques suitable for intermediate-level crafters. The dress is constructed using top-down raglan construction, a method that allows for seamless shaping and the ability to try on the garment as it progresses. The design incorporates striped colorwork, switching between two colors every 2 rounds throughout the piece. While the colorwork is subtle and may be difficult to discern at first glance, this technique adds visual depth and interest to the finished garment. The asymmetrical skirt design requires attention to shaping and stitch manipulation, making this an engaging project for knitters looking to expand their skills.

Stitches and Stitch Details

The NAMI dress utilizes several fundamental and decorative stitches. The ribbing is worked in k2 p2 (knit 2, purl 2) ribbing, which provides elasticity and structure, particularly at the cuffs and edges. Cable stitches are featured in the raglans, creating textured interest at the sleeve cap areas. The colorwork sections are achieved through stranded knitting techniques, maintaining consistent tension across the two colors. The asymmetrical skirt likely incorporates additional shaping techniques such as increases and decreases to create its distinctive silhouette.

Materials and Yarn Specifications

The NAMI dress pattern calls for madelinetosh Tosh Merino Light, a premium yarn choice known for its beautiful qualities and pleasant working experience. This yarn is worked at a 4-ply weight, providing a refined drape suitable for a dress garment. Two colors are used throughout the project: the main color (MC) is Betty Draper Blues, and the contrasting color (CC) is Rain Water. Yardage requirements vary by size, ranging from approximately 760 meters for the smallest size to 1060 meters for the largest size, with each color requiring the same yardage amount. The pattern specifies using 3.0mm circular needles, which work in conjunction with the yarn weight to achieve the specified gauge of 23 stitches and 20 rows per 10cm in k2 p2 ribbing.

Additional Notions and Tools

Beyond yarn and needles, completing the NAMI dress requires several essential notions and tools. Stitch markers are necessary for tracking pattern repeats and raglan increases throughout the top-down construction. A cable needle is required for working the cable raglans that define the dress's distinctive design. A tapestry needle is needed for weaving in yarn ends and finishing the garment. These notions are standard supplies for most knitters and ensure a polished, professional-looking finished dress.