In Disney’s fifty-sixth animated feature released in 2016, Moana, the daughter of the Chief of Motunui, is drawn again and again to the ocean that surrounds her island. Despite the fact that the island’s residents are forbidden to venture beyond the reef, Moana cannot help but long to explore the vast sea, and when the needs of her people match the call of her heart, she sets sail on an adventure of a lifetime. Living in a tropical climate, Moana wears Oceanic-inspired clothing made from natural resources such as a tapa and pandanus, with embroidery and snail shells along the red bodice, symbolizing Pacific island royalty. Visual development costume designer Neysa Bové was assisted by the Oceanic Story Trust to pay homage to the culture while ensuring historical accuracy and authenticity. Moana’s necklace went through over forty revisions, ultimately connecting her to both land and sea, with stars representing her skills as a wayfinder.

In a design inspired by the top Moana wears on her journey, this mosaic shawl is worked from the bottom up. Beginning with the seashell border that naturally creates a scalloped edge, the slip stitches are patterned to give the illusion of a stranded colorwork motif but are knit with just one color at a time. Small white bobbles run the length of the shawl, mimicking her seashells. On the sea or on land, this is the perfect accessory for those charting their own course.