Shell + Heydon in Mode at Rowan Alpaca Cotton - Downloadable PDF

Shell and Heydon Knitted Hats and Mittens in Mode at Rowan Alpaca Cotton – Pattern Summary

This downloadable PDF pattern from Quail Studio presents two accessories designed to be knitted seamlessly in the round: the Shell Mittens and the Heydon design (a hat). Both projects are rated as beginner level, making them an excellent introduction to knitting in the round with double pointed needles. The pattern is published under the Mode at Rowan brand and uses Rowan Alpaca Cotton yarn held double throughout.

Yarn and Materials

The specified yarn is Rowan Alpaca Cotton, a DK weight yarn sold in 25g balls. Because the yarn is worked held double, two strands are used simultaneously throughout both projects, which creates a denser, warmer fabric particularly well suited to cold-weather accessories such as mittens and hats. The Shell Mittens are photographed in Foliage Green 018, giving a clear colour reference for those wishing to replicate the sample exactly.

• Yarn: Rowan Alpaca Cotton (25g), held double
• Weight: DK
• Needles: 4.5mm (US 7) double pointed needles (dpns), one set
• Extras: Stitch markers, stitch holders

Tension

The stated tension is 18 stitches and 25 rows to 10 cm measured over rib pattern using 4.5mm (US 7) needles with yarn held double. Achieving the correct tension is important for both the fit of the mittens and the proportions of the hat, so knitters are encouraged to work a tension swatch before beginning.

Shell Mittens – Design Details

The Shell Mittens are knitted entirely seamlessly in the round using a set of 4.5mm double pointed needles. Working in the round eliminates the need for seaming and produces a neat, professional finish ideal for accessories. The construction begins at the cuff and works upward toward the hand and thumb.

Cast On and Cuff

The mittens begin with a cast on of 40 stitches using 4.5mm dpns with yarn held double. Stitches are joined to work in the round, with care taken not to twist the cast on. A stitch marker is placed to denote the beginning and end of each round — a standard and helpful practice when working circularly.

Stitches and Techniques Used

• K2, P2 Rib: The cuff is worked in a two-by-two rib pattern (knit 2, purl 2, repeated to the end of each round). This elastic stitch pattern is classic for cuffs as it grips the wrist comfortably and provides stretch.
• Rib length: The rib cuff is worked until the piece measures 6 cm from the cast on edge.
• Stitch markers (pm/sm): Markers are placed and slipped throughout to track pattern sections and thumb gusset increases.
• M1 increases: The thumb gusset is shaped using Make 1 (M1) increases worked alongside markers, with increased stitches taken into the rib pattern.
• Stitch holders: Thumb stitches are placed on holders while the hand is completed, a standard mitten construction technique.

Construction Method

The seamless in the round method used for the Shell Mittens is a hallmark of modern accessory knitting. By working on double pointed needles, the knitter avoids any side seams entirely, resulting in a smooth interior that sits comfortably against the skin. The thumb gusset is built gradually using paired increases flanked by stitch markers, a technique that creates a naturally shaped, anatomically correct thumb opening. Increased stitches are incorporated into the existing rib pattern, maintaining the textural consistency of the fabric across the hand.

Heydon – Design Details

The Heydon is the second design included in this PDF pattern, also created by