Nexxus by Na

Inspired by the Japanese Boro and Sashiko techniques, the Nexxus design embodies tradition with a modern twist.
Boro, meaning ‘tattered’ in Japanese, breathes new life into textiles by stitching them together in a patchwork style. Sashiko, known for its delicate ‘little stitches’, adds both beauty and functionality to garments.
The Nexxus cardigan mimics the look and feel of these ancient techniques by using mosaic and slip stitch knitting. The elegant welts framing each section, add both aesthetic and structural depth to the design.
But the beauty of Nexxus doesn’t stop there. As a palette ready for your personal touch, you can play with colours and create a one-of-a-kind masterpiece!

VIDEO
To see the sweater in motion and for tutorials on the long Welts and the Modified 3-Needle Bind Off (the easy way), you are welcome to check out the Moonstruck Knits video on Nexxus.

CONSTRUCTION
The construction of Nexxus is modular and seamless, starting from the centre back with a cast on for the left shoulder piece. This piece is worked in the mosaic technique down to the sleeve cuff. Stitches for the second shoulder piece are then picked up from the cast on edge followed by working on the right shoulder piece.
Once the shoulder piece is complete, stitches are picked up for the back and worked until reaching the underarm. Fronts are then worked by picking up stitches from the front of the shoulder piece, also until reaching the underarm. The sleeve seams are closed using a Modified 3-Needle Bind Off.
Fronts and back are joined and worked as one piece to the lower edge of the cardigan.

SIZES
1 (2, 3, 4) {5, 6, 7, 8}
Finished bust measurements 92.5 (102.5, 113.5, 123.5) {131, 141, 151.5, 161.5} cm / 36.5 (40.5, 44.75, 48.75) {51.5, 55.5, 59.75, 63.75}”

The cardigan, which has dolman sleeves, is designed to have a comfortable fit around the upper body, with approx 10 - 15 cm / 4 - 6” of positive ease around the bust.
Sample is shown in size 2, with body shaping, and has 12.5 cm / 5” of positive ease around the bust.

YARN
La Bien Aimée Twist Nouveau, 100% wool (non-superwash merino), 400 m / 437 yards per 100 grams.

MC: approx 620 (650, 700, 770) {860, 910, 960, 1020} m / 680 (710, 765, 840) {940, 995, 1050, 1115} yards.
CC1: approx 310 (370, 410, 450) {500, 530, 570, 605} m / 340 (405, 450, 490) {545, 580, 625, 660} yards.
CC2: approx 270 (310, 360, 390) {440, 475, 520, 565} m / 295 (340, 395, 425) {480, 520, 570, 620} yards.
CC3: approx 100 (100, 110, 120) {135, 140, 150, 160} m / 110 (110, 120, 130) {150, 155, 165, 175} yards.

Colourways sample
MC: Amege, CC1: Winterfell, CC2: Avoine, CC3: RGO Tomato.

NEEDLES
Needle A (for the stockinette body, the mosaic shoulder pieces, and the welts)
One 60 cm / 24” circular needle.
One 100 cm / 40” circular needle.
Suggested needle size: 3.25 mm / US #3.
Needle B (for the trimmings in Slip Stitch Pattern)
One 100 cm / 40” circular needle and a (set of) needle(s) for working small circumferences in the round.
Suggested needle size: 3.75 mm / US #5.

GAUGE
Measured after blocking.
Mosaic Pattern: 31 sts x 56 rows = 10 x 10 cm / 4 x 4” on Needle A.
Stockinette stitch: 24 sts x 40 rows = 10 x 10 cm / 4 x 4” on Needle A.
Slip Stitch Pattern: 27 sts x 68 rows = 10 x 10 cm / 4 x 4” on Needle B.

NOTE: the Mosaic pattern is CHARTED ONLY