Aiguebrun Aran (women)

Aiguebrun Aran Women's Shrug by Atelier des Glenettes

What is Being Made

The Aiguebrun Aran is a women's shrug knitting pattern designed by Atelier des Glenettes. This garment is a close-fitting shoulder wrap that fastens at the front with a single button closure. The shrug is available in nine sizes ranging from XS to 3XL, with back width measurements from 37 cm (14 ½ inches) to 48 cm (19 inches) and heights from 36.5 cm (14 ¼ inches) to 41 cm (16 ¼ inches). The sizing is determined by measuring back width from underarm to underarm, allowing knitters to select the closest size that meets or exceeds their measurement.

Knitting Techniques and Stitches

This beginner-level knitting project employs fundamental knitting techniques suitable for those new to the craft. The pattern utilizes essential stitches and techniques including:

• Cast on (CO): The foundation technique for creating the initial stitches on the needle
• Knit stitch (k): The basic forward stitch that forms the primary fabric structure
• Purl stitch (p): The reverse stitch used to create texture and pattern variation
• Yarn over (yo): A technique that creates decorative holes and lace effects by wrapping yarn around the needle
• Increase 4 stitches (inc4): A specialized increase worked within a single stitch by alternating knit and yarn over stitches, creating four new stitches from one
• Knit 2 together (k2tog): A decrease technique that reduces stitch count by working two stitches as one
• Slip, knit, pass slipped stitch over (skp): An alternative decrease method that creates a left-leaning decrease
• Make 1 with Backwards Loop (Mb): An increase technique using a backwards loop method to add stitches
• Stitch markers (M/PM): Tools used to mark pattern sections and track progress throughout the knitting process

Materials and Tools Required

The Aiguebrun Aran pattern requires Aran weight yarn in quantities that vary by size. Smaller sizes (XS through ML) require 390 to 460 meters (430 to 510 yards), while larger sizes (L through 3XL) require 480 to 550 meters (525 to 600 yards). The pattern sample shown was knitted using (Vi)laines Malouines&soie Aran yarn.

Essential tools include circular needles in two sizes: 4.5 mm (US size 7) and 5 mm (US size 8), allowing for gauge adjustments and pattern variations. Additional notions include one stitch marker for tracking pattern repeats and a single 20 mm (¾ inch) button for the front closure. The downloadable PDF format provides complete instructions and pattern details for independent execution.

Pattern Characteristics

As a beginner-level project, the Aiguebrun Aran is designed to be accessible to knitters developing their foundational skills while introducing them to shaping techniques and stitch variations. The use of circular needles accommodates the garment's construction method, and the combination of knit and purl stitches with yarn overs and strategic increases and decreases creates the shrug's fitted silhouette and textured appearance characteristic of Aran knitting traditions.