Nico

Nico Shawl by Reiko Kuwamura

What is Being Made

Nico is a sophisticated triangular shawl designed by Reiko Kuwamura featuring a generous wingspan of 70 inches (178 centimeters) and a depth of 14 inches (35.5 centimeters). This accessory combines classic shawl construction with decorative beadwork, making it an elegant layering piece suitable for various occasions.

Construction Method and Design Approach

Nico employs a top-down construction technique, a popular method in modern shawl design that allows knitters to work from the neck or shoulder area downward. This approach provides flexibility in finished size, as knitters can bind off at their preferred width. The shawl is divided into two distinct sections: a body section and a decorative border section.

Stitches and Techniques Used

The body of Nico is worked entirely in garter stitch, a fundamental knitting stitch created by knitting every row on both the right and wrong sides. Garter stitch produces a reversible, textured fabric with horizontal ridges and works beautifully for shawls as it lies flat and creates elegant drape.

The border section incorporates beading techniques to add visual interest and dimension. Knitters have flexibility in their beading method: beads can be pre-strung onto the yarn before knitting begins, or alternatively, a crochet hook method can be used to add beads as the border is worked. This adaptability allows crafters to choose the technique most comfortable for their skill level.

Materials and Specifications

Yarn: Nico is designed to be worked with LITLG Semi Solids, a 100% wool yarn offering 450 yards (411 meters) per 100-gram skein. The sample shown in the pattern uses the colorway Underground and requires 2 skeins of yarn to complete the project. The all-wool composition provides excellent drape and elasticity, essential qualities for a successful shawl.

Beads: The shawl features 147 beads total, adding sparkle and weight to the border. Beads are size 6/0 (4 millimeters) or 5/0 (5 millimeters). The sample shown incorporates beads in two coordinating colors from Parts Club (catalog numbers DP-00580-21 and DP-00558-15), demonstrating how color play between yarn and beads can create sophisticated design variations.

Needles and Notions: One set of US 6 (4.0 millimeter) circular needles measuring 24 inches (60 centimeters) or longer is required, or needles sized to achieve the specified gauge. Additional supplies include a tapestry needle for weaving in ends, stitch markers if desired, a beading needle or dental floss threader for bead application, and blocking tools for finishing.

Gauge and Sizing Considerations

The pattern specifies a gauge of 19 stitches and 40 rows equaling 4 inches in garter stitch for the body section, measured after blocking. The pattern notes that achieving exact gauge match is not crucial to project success, though variations in gauge will affect both the yardage required and the finished dimensions of the completed shawl. This flexibility makes Nico accessible to knitters with varying tension and experience levels.

Difficulty Level

Nico is rated as an intermediate knitting project. While garter stitch itself is beginner-friendly, the combination of managing a large circular needle, understanding shaping principles in top-down construction, and executing beading techniques elevates the overall complexity to intermediate level. Knitters should be comfortable with basic increases and the mechanics of circular needle knitting.

Design Customization

The pattern encourages creative expression through color combination choices. Knitters can experiment with different yarn colorways from the LITLG Semi Solids line and select complementary or contrasting bead colors to personalize their finished shawl, allowing for numerous unique interpretations of the Nico design.