Nymphaea

Nymphaea Knit Shawl by BeckyinVT

What is Being Made

Nymphaea is a crescent-shaped knit shawl designed by Becky Herrick of Sugar Tree Designs. This intermediate-level project creates a sophisticated accessory with a wingspan of 45 to 51 inches and a depth of 20 to 23 inches, making it a generous wrap suitable for layering or draping. The shawl features a circular silhouette with decorative water droplet motifs sprinkled throughout the design.

Design Features and Construction

Nymphaea is specifically engineered for color-changing yarns, addressing a common challenge in knitting where variegated or multi-ply color shifts can be difficult to coordinate with stitch patterns. The pattern incorporates strategically placed eyelet bands that serve a dual purpose: they create visual interest while marking color transitions in the yarn. This design approach allows knitters flexibility in determining the final appearance of their finished shawl.

The construction method gives you creative control over eyelet band placement. At the beginning of the project, you may work an eyelet band each time one of the yarn plies changes color. As you progress through the first skein—approximately three-quarters of the way through—you can transition to working eyelet bands only at major color changes. This adaptability means you can customize how frequently the bands appear, directly influencing your shawl's visual character.

Knitting Techniques and Stitches

This intermediate-level pattern employs eyelet stitches as the primary decorative element. Eyelets are small openwork holes created by yarn overs and decreases, and they function both as design features and as practical markers for color changes. The pattern's structure allows for creative interpretation regarding stitch placement and frequency, making it an engaging project for knitters seeking to develop their skills in managing color work and stitch pattern integration.

Yarn and Materials

The recommended yarn is Crystal Palace Sausalito, a durable blend of 80% wool and 20% nylon. This fiber composition provides both the warmth of wool and the durability of nylon, making it ideal for a frequently-worn shawl. Each 50-gram skein yields 198 yards, and the project requires 3 to 4 skeins depending on your chosen size, totaling 590 to 790 yards of yardage.

The pattern calls for US 6 (4mm) circular or straight needles, allowing you to choose based on your preference and available tools. You will also need 6 stitch markers to track pattern repeats and a tapestry needle for weaving in ends. The gauge is 16 stitches and 32 rows per 4-inch square, though the pattern notes that gauge is not critical to achieving a successful result.

Sizing Options

• Size 1: 45-inch wingspan, 20-inch depth, 3 skeins, approximately 590 yards
• Size 2: 51-inch wingspan, 23-inch depth, 4 skeins, approximately 790 yards

This flexibility in sizing allows you to choose a finished shawl proportional to your preferences and available yarn quantities.