Aujourd'hui

Aujourd'hui Cowl by Tante Ehm

What You'll Make

Aujourd'hui is a free downloadable knitting pattern for a textured cowl designed by Tante Ehm. This intermediate-level project creates a finished cowl measuring 28 inches (71 cm) in circumference and 9.5 inches (24 cm) in height, making it a versatile neckwear piece suitable for layering and everyday wear.

Yarn and Materials

This pattern uses exactly 1 skein of Malabrigo Rasta in super chunky weight, which provides 90 yards (82 meters) of yarn. The super chunky weight allows for quick knitting and creates a substantial, cozy fabric. You'll also need US #15 (10 mm) needles to work with this yarn weight, along with contrasting yarn for the provisional cast on and a tapestry needle for weaving in ends.

Knitting Techniques and Stitches

Aujourd'hui employs a clever combination of knitting techniques to create visual interest and texture. The pattern alternates between stockinette stitch and reverse stockinette stitch in strategic sections, creating horizontal stripes of contrasting texture across the cowl.

• Stockinette stitch: Created by knitting on the right side and purling on the wrong side, this produces the classic smooth, V-patterned fabric on the front
• Reverse stockinette stitch: Achieved by purling on the right side and knitting on the wrong side, this flips the texture to show the bumpy side as the public face, adding dimensional interest
• Provisional cast on: This technique allows live stitches to be picked up later for grafting, creating a seamless join that closes the cowl into a continuous loop
• Grafting: Also called Kitchener stitch, this invisible seaming technique joins the two ends of the cowl together seamlessly

Pattern Structure and Gauge

The pattern is organized into five distinct sections of stockinette and reverse stockinette work. You'll begin with a provisional cast on of 20 stitches, then work through alternating blocks: 10 rows of stockinette, 21 rows of reverse stockinette, 21 rows of stockinette, 21 rows of reverse stockinette, and finally 10 rows of stockinette. This creates a balanced, symmetrical design with the texture changes distributed evenly around the cowl.

The gauge for this project is 2 stitches and 3 rows equal 1 inch (2.5 cm) in stockinette stitch. Working with super chunky yarn and larger needles means the gauge is loose and forgiving, making this an accessible intermediate project even for knitters still developing their tension control.

Design Details

A helpful finishing touch is incorporated throughout: slip the first stitch purlwise on every row for a neat, finished edge. This simple technique prevents the edges from becoming loose or sloppy, contributing to a polished final product. The pattern is designed to use the entire skein of yarn with no waste, making it an efficient project for stash busting or gift giving.

Finishing involves blocking to even out the stitches and shape the cowl, then weaving in any remaining ends with the tapestry needle for a clean appearance.