Aquinnah is a town on the island of Martha’s Vineyard. Clay cliffs melt into sandy beaches spotted with smooth stones worn by the sea. Waves roll in with frothy white caps, seemingly for miles. The colors and stitches of Aquinnah Cowl aim to capture this special place.

Short sections of twisted column rib, honeycomb texture, a slip stitch break, and eyelet lace engage experienced knitters and challenge more novice knitters to try something new with minimal commitment. Within the pattern is a link to video tutorials for each section.

Two skeins of Malabrigo Mecha will make one cowl with a fitted neck. One tonal and one low contrast variegated are recommended. The Woman on Film palette works especially well and was the catalyst for this design. Colorways Hannah and Thereza immediately reminded me of everything I love about the beach in the “off season” -- making them a perfect pairing for a winter accessory. For full height, wider neck cowls, additional yardage will be needed (see notes below.)

Aquinnah Cowl knitted at gauge measures approximately 29” (73.75 cm) at the bottom circumference and 14.5” (36.75 cm) in height. The fitted version has a circumference of approximately 17.5” (44.5 cm) at top, while the wider neck measures approximately 21.5”. Gauge throughout all pattern sections averages 14-16 stitches and 22-24 rounds in 4 inches (10 cm).

Aquinnah Cowl knits up quickly in a bulky weight yarn. Did someone say “Gift Knitting?”

Notes about gauge, the wider neck version and yardage:
The pattern allows for a range of gauges that will create a lovely, finished piece with a more fitted or more relaxed look -- knitter’s preference. Testers were able to knit the fitted neck with US10 (6.0 mm) or US11 (8.0 mm) using two skeins of Malabrigo Mecha. The wider upper neck (80 stitches) requires additional yardage. Some testers were able to knit it using two skeins on a US10 (6.0 mm), while using a US11 (8.0 mm) required additional yarn for as little as two rounds and a bind off. There are also options to shorten the cowl, which could allow it to be made with only two skeins with a wider neck.

Please note an updated version of the pattern was uploaded on 10.20.22.