Aguna Cowl in Valley Yarns Hampden - 1097 - Downloadable PDF

Aguna Cowl in Valley Yarns Hampden – Pattern #1097 by Susan Baron

The Aguna Cowl is a beautifully designed knitted cowl created by Susan Baron and published by Valley Yarns as pattern #1097. Available as a downloadable PDF, this pattern is an excellent introduction to the popular German Short Row technique, wrapped in a project that is both visually striking and wonderfully tactile. The finished cowl measures 21 inches in circumference and approximately 5 inches in height, making it a versatile one-size accessory suitable for everyday wear.

What Is Being Made

The Aguna Cowl is a two-color knitted cowl featuring a stunning undulating wave design created entirely through the use of German Short Rows. The rhythmic, hypnotic pattern gives the cowl a sculptural, flowing appearance that belies its beginner-friendly construction. Despite its impressive visual effect, the pattern is rated Adventurous Beginner, making it an ideal next step for knitters who have mastered basic techniques and are ready to explore short row shaping for the first time.

Techniques Used

• German Short Rows: The defining technique of this pattern, German Short Rows are used to create the cowl's signature undulating wave design. Unlike wrap-and-turn short rows, the German Short Row method involves creating a double stitch at the turning point, which is then worked together on the return row. This method is praised for leaving virtually no holes or gaps, producing a clean and polished finish. The Aguna Cowl is specifically designed as a gentle introduction to this technique.
• Worked Flat and Seamed: The cowl is knitted flat rather than in the round, meaning it is worked back and forth in rows on circular needles. Once complete, the two ends are joined using a seam — a straightforward finishing technique that creates the circular cowl shape.
• Two-Color Knitting: The pattern uses a Main Color (MC) and a Contrast Color (CC), both in Valley Yarns Hampden, to enhance the visual impact of the wave design. The interplay of the two colors emphasizes the undulating short row shaping.
• Garter Stitch: Garter stitch sections are incorporated into the construction, adding textural contrast and structural stability to the cowl.
• Stockinette Stitch: Stockinette stitch forms the primary fabric of the cowl, providing a smooth, classic knitted surface against which the short row shaping reads clearly.

Stitches Used

• Stockinette Stitch – the foundational stitch of the cowl body
• Garter Stitch – used for textural and structural detail
• German Short Row double stitches – the key technique driving the wave shaping

Materials – Yarn

This pattern is designed specifically for Valley Yarns Hampden, a luxurious DK weight yarn with a fiber composition of 50% Baby Alpaca, 35% Fine Merino Wool, and 15% Mulberry Silk. Each hank contains 50 grams and 95 yards. The blend of baby alpaca, fine merino, and mulberry silk results in a yarn that is exceptionally soft, with a subtle sheen and beautiful drape — qualities that make the Aguna Cowl as pleasant to wear as it is to knit.

• MC (Main Color): 1 hank Valley Yarns Hampden in Color #13 – Blue
• CC (Contrast Color): 1 hank Valley Yarns Hampden in Color #08 – Dusty Rose

Materials – Needles and Notions

• Needles: US size 6 (4.0 mm) 16-inch circular needles, or size needed to achieve gauge
• Gauge: 20 stitches and 28 rows = 4 inches in Stockinette stitch, blocked