rigg cape
The rigg cape is nielanell’s bestseller—it comes in a myriad of colourways and suits everyone, worn poncho or cape-style.
Design
Incredibly useful, this cape is a great extra layer. The design itself is simple, but the ridged Rigg fabric makes this a lovely, textural piece. Quite a few of our customers have these in a couple of different colours. Recently we've been told they are great for meetings on Zoom!
Colour
We make a myriad of very small edition colourways, most of which won't be repeated!
Materials & Manufacture
- 65% extra-fine merino wool
- 35% supersheen acrylic—a combination of fibres of superior quality and carefully sourced from Italy
- Made in the Shetland Islands, Scotland
Sizing & fit
Sizes available: one size
- A (width): 75cm
- B (length at longest point): 56cm
Fit notes
Size is very approximate due to the stretch, scrunch and drape of the Rigg textile. Can be easily worn by all shapes and sizes. The cape can be rotated and worn in various ways: as shown in the diagram; straight across the front with more length over the arms; asymmetrical.
The Rigg collection: design process and inspiration
There are many ways in which tradition can inspire. My bestselling knitwear collection, Rigg, borrows a principle from Fair Isle knitting.
Rigg pieces are not influenced by how Fair Isle knitting looks. Instead, inspiration came from the construction of these traditional pieces. In particular I became really interested in how air is knitted into Fair Isle garments, and the way this contributes to warmth and their characteristic, lofty handle.
The reverse of the Rigg knitted textile: tension-creating 'floats' of yarn create pockets of air
By manipulating tension during the knitting process, the Rigg fabric is pulled into soft ridges, which creates the pockets of air in this delightfully squishy fabric.
Great for travelling, Rigg pieces can be rolled up and popped in your bag.
Shipping costs
- UK P&P: £8 per order.
- International P&P: £20 per order (important: please see notes on international orders below).
- EU, EEA, Northern Ireland: we are very sorry that shipping to the EU, EEA and Northern Ireland is currently paused due to new regulations. Full information below.
- Collection from Nielanell, Hoswick: free of charge (choose this option at checkout).
We send out UK items using Royal Mail and items over a value of £100 will be sent by way of special delivery. This is a signed for, insured service. International parcels are sent using a tracked service.
Customer service
Please DO get in touch if you have queries about any of our pieces. We endeavour to extend, to our online shoppers, the personal service we give here in Hoswick.
We have lots of happy customers both inside the UK and around the world and frequently correspond by email or telephone prior to a purchase being made.
Delivery times
- Most items should be available immediately. If not, we will contact you to tell when the item will be available.
- We aim to send out your order just as soon as possible and within a week of ordering. If you need an item sent immediately, just let us know and we will be delighted to try to help you.
- Please note, you can also choose to collect your order from Nielanell, Hoswick, using the click-and-collect option. This option is not available during holiday periods.
International orders
- Customers ordering items to be sent outside the UK are responsible for any customs charges, taxes or tariffs applicable in their own country. In addition to other international destinations, post-Brexit this now also applies to customers in the EU, EEA and associated countries. NB We have suspended shipping to the EU, EEA and Northern Ireland. Full information below.
- It is quite likely that customs charges or tariffs will be payable on international orders.
- Customs charges and taxes vary between countries and unfortunately we are not able to predict what they might be.
- For further information, you could get in touch with your local customs office so that you know what to expect.
- Issues with customs can delay delivery. Please do place orders in good time, particularly for Christmas or other special occasions.
- Please read our full returns policy before making an order.
- Returns can become expensive for international customers, so don't worry about asking questions before you order! We'd love to help you choose the right garment – please just get in touch on info@nielanell.com if you’d like any information or help shopping online.
EU, EEA and Northern Ireland
EU GPSR
The new EU General Product Safety Regulation, which also affects shipping into Northern Ireland, is coming into effect on 13 December 2024.
This has onerous requirements that are going to take us some time to resolve. At present, there is little official advice available so – like many small businesses – we will be suspending shipping to customers in these areas.
After 30 November 2024
We are really sorry that, after 30 November 2024, we will be suspending shipping to the EU, EEA and Northern Ireland. We hope to be able to get a new system in place soon.
Keep in touch
Thank you so much to all our EU, EEA and NI customers for your patience and support.
After 30 November, please do get in touch if there's something you'd like to order – we'll let you know as soon as we have a solution.
Nielanell knitwear is designed to last
Here are a few recommendations to help ensure your garment lives a long and happy life:
- Less is more when it comes to washing, many people find quality knitwear can be worn without washing for a long time (feel free to use our advice as a reason to do less laundry!).
- Handwashing your garment is recommended.
- We suggest that you hand-wash your garment using liquid for woollens, or flakes at 30 degrees or less. Harsh detergents are likely to ruin your knitwear.
- You may wish to wash in the machine on a very gentle hand-wash wool cycle at 30 degrees or less, using a small quantity of detergent specifically designed for delicate/wool items—but you need to ensure your washing machine uses a very gentle cycle. You must be confident in using your washing machine for woollens. We will not be responsible for items which shrink or felt by inappropriate machine washing or are damaged through use of regular detergents.
- Do not wring.
- Do not tumble dry.
- Dry flat on a rack or in the fresh air, and steam/press very lightly*.
- Alternatively, you can dry clean the garment.
*Don’t iron Rigg pieces. We also recommend that you do not stretch out the textile when drying. Lie the piece flat, but with a bit of a crumple to allow for the natural spring in the fabric to contract. No need to steam or press.
Each piece of Nielanell knitwear is individually knitted by our manufacturers and then finished by hand in-house.
Many of our collections are made in very small edition colourways, with a constantly changing selection.
If you’re looking for something in particular, that you can’t see on the website, please do get in touch—we often have more colourways in stock that don’t make it onto the website!
NB Please treat garment measurements as approximate, knitwear can be difficult to measure and each item will differ slightly.