Malabrigo Aubrey Accessory Knitting Pattern

Malabrigo Aubrey Coat Cowl

What Is Being Made

The Aubrey Coat Cowl is a sophisticated knitted accessory designed by the Malabrigo Team. This piece functions as a versatile cowl-style neckpiece that can be worn as a standalone accessory or layered over coats for added warmth and style. Available in seven sizes ranging from X-Small through XXX-Large, the Aubrey accommodates a wide range of body types and preferences. The finished garment features a front width measurement ranging from 13 inches (33cm) for the smallest size to 25¼ inches (64cm) for the largest size, with corresponding lengths between 18 and 21 inches (46 to 53.5cm).

Techniques Used

The Aubrey Coat Cowl employs several fundamental knitting techniques suitable for advanced beginners. The garment is worked flat on straight needles for the main body pieces, allowing knitters to easily manage shaping and construction. The piece is worked bottom-up, meaning you begin at the lower edge and progress upward toward the neckline, which provides natural progression and makes it easy to try on as you work. The construction is seamed, with shoulder seams joining the front and back pieces together. Additionally, the neckband is worked in the round using double-pointed needles, creating a seamless circular opening that sits comfortably around the neck.

Stitches Used

The primary stitch pattern throughout the Aubrey Coat Cowl is the p2, k1 rib (purl 2, knit 1 rib). This textured stitch is worked over a multiple of 3 stitches plus 1 and alternates between knit and purl rows to create vertical columns of texture. The p2, k1 rib pattern is elastic and provides excellent recovery, making it ideal for a cowl that needs to stretch comfortably around the neck while maintaining its shape. The ribbed texture adds visual interest and dimensional depth to the finished piece. The pattern also incorporates standard shaping techniques including bind-offs for shoulder and neck shaping, as well as decreases like k2tog (knit 2 together) to taper the shoulder edges.

Materials

The Aubrey Coat Cowl is crafted using Rasta by Malabrigo, a premium yarn made from merino wool. Each hank weighs 5.29 ounces (150 grams) and yields approximately 90 yards (82 meters) of yardage. Yarn requirements range from 4 hanks for the smallest size to 7 hanks for the largest sizes. The pattern shown features the colorway #016 Glazed Carrot. Construction requires size US 13 (9mm) needles in two formats: one pair of straight needles for working the flat body pieces and one set of five double-pointed needles (dpn) for working the neckband in the round. The recommended gauge is 11.5 stitches and 14 rows over 4 inches (10cm) in the p2, k1 rib pattern. Stitch holders are needed to temporarily hold stitches during the neckline shaping process.

Construction Overview

The Aubrey follows a straightforward construction method. The back piece is cast on and worked entirely in p2, k1 rib for the full length. Shoulder and neck shaping are then introduced through a series of bind-offs at the beginning of rows, creating angled shoulder seams and a center neck opening. The front piece is worked identically to the back. Once both pieces are complete, they are lightly blocked to finished measurements, and the shoulder seams are sewn together. The neckband is then picked up around the neck opening and worked in the round to create a finished edge.