Aiguebrun Bulky (women)

Aiguebrun Bulky Women's Shrug by Atelier des Glenettes

What is Being Made

The Aiguebrun Bulky is a women's shrug knitting pattern designed by Atelier des Glenettes. This garment is a close-fitting shoulder piece that closes with a single button at the front, making it an elegant layering piece suitable for various occasions. The pattern is available in nine sizes ranging from XS to 3XL, with back width measurements from 36.5 cm (14 ½ inches) to 48 cm (19 inches) and corresponding heights from 35 cm (13 ¾ inches) to 43.25 cm (17 inches).

Knitting Techniques and Construction

This shrug is constructed using fundamental knitting techniques appropriate for beginners. The pattern employs circular needles to create the garment in the round, which is a common method for seamless construction. The design incorporates strategic increases and decreases to shape the piece around the shoulders and arms. Key shaping techniques include the inc4 increase method, which creates four new stitches from a single stitch using yarn overs and knit stitches, allowing for controlled shaping. The pattern uses k2tog (knit two together) decreases to reduce stitch counts where needed, and skp (slip, knit, pass slipped stitch over) decreases for additional shaping options.

Stitches Used

• Knit stitch (k): The fundamental stitch forming the base fabric
• Purl stitch (p): Used to create textural variation and reverse stockinette details
• Yarn over (yo): Creates decorative eyelets and lace effects while increasing stitch count
• Knit two together (k2tog): A right-leaning decrease used for shaping
• Slip, knit, pass (skp): A left-leaning decrease providing directional shaping options
• Make 1 backwards loop (Mb): An increase method for adding stitches invisibly

Materials and Yarn Requirements

The Aiguebrun Bulky pattern requires chunky weight yarn, with yardage varying by size. Smaller sizes (XS through SM) require 310 to 375 meters (340 to 410 yards), while medium sizes (M through ML) need 400 to 450 meters (440 to 485 yards). Larger sizes (L through 3XL) require 500 to 650 meters (550 to 700 yards). The pattern sample was knitted using (Vi)laines Intrépides Bulky yarn. Construction requires circular needles in 6 mm (US #10) and 7 mm sizes, allowing for needle size adjustments to achieve proper gauge. Additional notions include one stitch marker for tracking pattern repeats and a single 20 mm (¾ inch) button for the front closure.

Difficulty Level

This pattern is rated as beginner-friendly, making it accessible to knitters new to garment construction. The straightforward stitch vocabulary, simple shaping techniques, and use of circular needles for seamless construction provide an excellent introduction to wearable garment design without overwhelming complexity.