Kaga Shawl

Kaga Shawl by Ririko

What is Being Made

The Kaga Shawl is a triangular knit shawl designed by Ririko. The name "Kaga" means flower bud in Japanese, and the design captures the essence of spring through its construction and aesthetic. This downloadable PDF pattern creates a finished shawl measuring 65 cm (25½ inches) in depth with a wingspan of 195 cm (76¾ inches), making it a substantial accessory suitable for layering or wrapping.

Knitting Techniques and Construction

This intermediate-level knitting project employs lace techniques to achieve its delicate, spring-inspired appearance. The shawl is constructed using a triangular shaping method, which is a classic approach for creating larger wraps from a smaller cast-on. The pattern utilizes stitch markers extensively—requiring 54 to 60 markers—to help track the multiple pattern repeats across the width of the piece. The construction involves charted instructions, with specific reference to the Kaga Right Chart B, indicating a structured, repeating pattern sequence. The design requires lightly stretching the finished piece during blocking to open up and showcase the lace details, which is essential for achieving the intended aesthetic.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The Kaga Shawl features lace stitch patterns that are detailed in the charted instructions provided in the PDF. The pattern involves working with a fluctuating stitch count, as the number of stitches changes every two rows—a characteristic of lace knitting where yarn overs and decreases create the openwork design. Knitters begin by casting on a minimum of 24 stitches (representing 3 pattern repeats) and expand from this foundation through increases that build the triangular shape while maintaining the lace motif throughout.

Yarn and Materials

The Kaga Shawl pattern calls for approximately 1100 to 1203 meters (1100 to 1203 yards) of fingering weight yarn. The designer recommends Madelinetosh Tosh Merino Light, a 100% merino wool yarn available in 384-meter (420-yard) skeins, requiring 3 skeins in the Chamomile colorway (a warm yellow shade). However, the pattern is flexible and accommodates any fingering weight yarn of similar yardage.

Needles required include a 3.5 mm (US size 4) circular needle measuring at least 80 cm (32 inches) in cable length, allowing the knitter to adjust the cable length as needed to comfortably accommodate the increasing stitch count. The gauge, measured after blocking, is 20 stitches and 30 rows per 10 cm (4 inches) when worked in the Kaga Right Chart B pattern on the specified needle size. Knitters should adjust needle size if necessary to obtain the correct gauge. Additional notions include stitch markers (54 to 60) to track pattern repeats and a tapestry needle for weaving in ends.

Pattern Format and Accessibility

The Kaga Shawl is provided as a downloadable PDF pattern, making it immediately accessible for digital reference during knitting. The pattern is presented in both English and includes charted instructions, accommodating different learning preferences. The PDF includes finished measurements, detailed yardage information, gauge specifications, and complete construction instructions across multiple pages.