Nawa

This pattern has been tech edited and test knitted.

“Nawa” means rope or cord in Japanese. Nawa is also the Japanese word in なわ編み, which means cable stitch. On the Nawa sweater, the twists in the repeated cable stitches create just the right amount of texture for classic but not too basic garments for all seasons.

NOTES AND TECHNIQUES

The back piece is worked first from the top, beginning with ribbing across the shoulders, and knitted flat to the bottom of the armhole. Stitches on the cast-on row on the back are divided for shoulders and neck. Each shoulder is picked up from the cast-on row and worked in short rows and with neck shaping towards the front. After the front pieces are joined, the front is worked flat to the bottom of the armhole. The front and back are joined to be continued in the round to the hem. Stitches are picked up around the armholes. For the vest version, armholes are finished in 1x1 ribbing. For the long sleeves version, sleeves are worked in the round to the cuffs.

FINISHED BUST MEASUREMENTS

Size 1 (2, 3, 4)(5, 6, 7)
111.5 (122.5, 129.5, 140.5)(147.5, 158.5, 165.5) cm /
44 (48¼, 51, 55¼)(58, 62¼, 65¼)“

The sample was knit in Size 1 with 25 cm / 10” positive ease at bust. Suggested ease: + 12.5-25 cm / 5-10”, with larger sizes having less ease. Refer to pattern for sizing and fit.

YARN

DK weight
Gli Occhi del Lupo Corilla
(266 m / 290 yards per 100 g skein, 100% 19.5 micron extrafine merino)
Sample colour: Soft Stone

Vest Version

740 (820, 860, 950)(1050, 1145, 1190) m /
810 (900, 940, 1035)(1145, 1255, 1300) yards
3 (3, 4, 4)(4, 5, 5) skeins

Long Sleeves Version

1295 (1440, 1505, 1660)(1835, 2010, 2085) m /
1415 (1575, 1645, 1815)(2010, 2195, 2280) yards
5 (6, 6, 7)( 7, 8, 8) skeins

Please keep in mind that yardage is an estimate.

The pattern can be worked at the specified gauge using fingering weight yarn. The yardage required is similar. A second sample (vest version) was knitted without modifications using fingering weight Amirisu Swing in the colour Mushroom.

NEEDLES

One (set) 3.25 mm / US 3 preferred needles for working small circumferences in the round
One 3.25 mm / US 3 circular needle, 60 cm / 24” or longer
One 4 mm / US 6 circular needle, 60 cm / 24” or longer
Adjust needle size if necessary to obtain the correct gauge.

NOTIONS

Stitch markers, stitch holder or waste yarn, tapestry needle for weaving in ends.

GAUGE (after blocking)

20 sts and 24 rows = 9 cm / 3½” width and 8.5 cm / 3¼” height in Nawa Stitch Pattern with 4 mm / US 6 needle.

SPECIAL THANKS

Deep gratitude to a team of kind and committed test knitters who offered their time and resources to work through the pattern to make sure that it is as clear and error-free as possible: Roberta, Annette , Qiu Fang, Uiko, Julie, Yuki, Silke, Gabriela, Teri, Amelia, Susie and Ona.

Special thanks to Naoko Ogawa (Strands of Life) for tech editing.