Bakau

Bakau Shawl by Åsa Tricosa

What Is Being Made

The Bakau is a top-down semi-circular shawl or shawlette designed by Åsa Tricosa. This knitted accessory offers versatility with two size options: a smaller shawlette measuring approximately 160cm x 52cm (63" x 20"), and a more generous shawl measuring approximately 190cm x 64cm (75" x 25"). The design is described as simple and stylish, combining lacy elements with practical construction, making it suitable for both everyday wear and special occasions.

Design and Construction Techniques

The Bakau employs a top-down construction method, which allows knitters to try on the garment as it progresses and easily adjust the final size. The shawl features a thoughtful transition from stocking stitch in the body to lacy edging, all worked in single rows. This technique creates visual interest while maintaining accessibility for intermediate-level knitters. The semi-circular shape is achieved through strategic increases that are integrated into the row-by-row construction, allowing the shawl to gradually expand from the top point downward.

The design is particularly well-suited for showcasing hand-dyed yarns, as the stocking stitch base provides a clean canvas that allows variegated colorwork to shine. The lacy edging adds an elegant finishing touch without overwhelming the overall aesthetic, making the pattern description of "lacy but not fussy" accurate to its execution.

Stitches Used

• Stocking stitch – forms the main body of the shawl, creating a smooth, classic knitted fabric
• Lace stitches – incorporated into the edging for decorative detail and visual lightness
• Increases – strategically placed throughout to create the semi-circular shaping

Yarn and Materials

The Bakau is designed to work with laceweight to sportweight yarns, offering flexibility in yarn selection. The pattern provides specific yarn recommendations for each size:

• Small shawlette: Sanguine or Verdant Gryphon Bugga (Sportweight; 70% Merino, 20% Cashmere, 10% Nylon; 377m/412yds per 113g) – requires 1 skein
• Large shawl: Fyberspates Faery Wings (4ply; 67% Silk, 23% Mohair, 10% Nylon; 365m/399yds per 100g) – requires 2 skeins

Alternative yarn suggestions include Fyberspates Elegance (silk and camel blend; 800m/875yds per 100g), Nimu Sizergh (silk, mohair, and nylon blend; 349m/382yds per 100g), Posh Yarn Miranda (alpaca, silk, and cashmere blend; 402m/440yds per 100g), and Skein Queen Enchant (alpaca, silk, and cashmere blend). These recommendations showcase the pattern's compatibility with luxury fiber blends that highlight the shawl's elegant construction.

The 4-ply yarn weight specification makes this an ideal project for knitters seeking to work with fine, delicate materials that create an airy, sophisticated finished garment. The inclusion of natural fibers such as merino, silk, mohair, and cashmere in the suggested yarns emphasizes the Bakau's suitability for special, heirloom-quality projects.

Skill Level

Rated as intermediate difficulty, the Bakau is accessible to knitters with foundational skills who are ready to expand their abilities. The combination of basic stocking stitch with lace techniques and shaping makes this an excellent project for developing proficiency with increases and lace pattern reading while maintaining a straightforward overall structure.