Luna2

Luna2 Knitted Shawl by Reiko Kuwamura

Project Overview

Luna2 is an intermediate-level knitted shawl designed by Reiko Kuwamura. This downloadable PDF pattern creates a generous triangular shawl with a wingspan of 71 inches (180 cm) and a depth of 11¾ inches (30 cm), making it an elegant accessory suitable for layering or draping.

Knitting Techniques and Stitches

This shawl employs fundamental knitting techniques combined with strategic stitch manipulation to create visual interest and structure. The pattern utilizes the following core stitches and techniques:

• Garter stitch as the primary fabric base, providing a classic, reversible texture
• Knit stitches (k) for foundational fabric construction
• Yarn forward (yf) to create deliberate openings and lace elements
• Knit into front and back (kfb) for increase shaping
• Knit 2 together (k2tog) for decrease shaping
• Make one right (m1r) and make one left (m1l) increases, lifted from the loop between stitches for seamless shaping
• Slip stitches (sl) worked purlwise for edge definition
• Purl through the back loop (ptbl) for textural variation

The combination of these techniques creates a shawl with refined shaping and visual dimension appropriate for an intermediate knitter.

Materials and Yarn Requirements

Luna2 is worked in fingering weight yarn, a lightweight and versatile choice that showcases stitch detail. The total yardage requirement is 440 yards (400 meters), distributed across a three-color colorwork scheme:

• Main Color (MC): 220 yards (200 m)
• Contrast Color 1 (CC1): 110 yards (100 m)
• Contrast Color 2 (CC2): 110 yards (100 m)

The pattern is shown worked in Hamanaka Pure Wool Fingering, a 100% wool yarn with 175 yards per 40-gram ball, offering excellent stitch definition and natural elasticity for blocking.

Needles and Tools

The shawl is worked on US6 (4.00 mm) or JPN6 (3.90 mm) 16-inch (40 cm) circular needles. Circular needles accommodate the increasing stitch count as the triangular shawl expands. Needle size may be adjusted to achieve the correct gauge. A tapestry needle is required for weaving in yarn ends.

Gauge and Blocking

The pattern specifies a gauge of 22 stitches and 40 rows over 4 inches in garter stitch, measured after blocking with the recommended needle size. Achieving proper gauge is essential for obtaining the intended finished dimensions of 71 inches wingspan by 11¾ inches depth.

Pattern Details

Luna2 is presented as a single-size design, eliminating the need for size adjustments. The pattern includes comprehensive abbreviations and stitch definitions, with technical editing by Mari Tobita and English editing by Noa Lior, ensuring clarity for English-language knitters. This is an original design by Reiko Kuwamura, copyrighted 2013.