purlJam

# Beginner Aqua Shimmer Cowl
**Designer:** Machine Knitting Technical Editor
**Difficulty:** Beginner
**Machine:** Bulky Gauge (9mm) - Single Bed

### 1. YARN & MATERIALS
*   **Main Yarn (A):** 2 strands of Malabrigo Chunky (Color: 135 Emerald)
*   **Carry-along Yarn (B):** 1 strand of Comete Super Fin
*   **Total Weight:** Super Bulky (Triple-stranded)
*   **Tools:** 
    *   1x1 Transfer tool
    *   Tappet tool (Latch tool) for bind off
    *   Cast-on comb and heavy claw weights (3-4 large weights)
    *   Tapestry needle for seaming

### 2. MACHINE SETUP
*   **Bed:** Single Bed (Main Bed)
*   **Needle Arrangement:** 72 needles in Work (L36 - R36)
*   **Tension Dial:** 10 (or Max)
*   **Carriage Settings:** Plain Stockinette (Part/Tuck buttons OFF)
*   **Yarn Path:** Thread all 3 strands (2 Emerald + 1 Comete) through the tension mast and into the carriage feeder together. Treat them as a single yarn.

### 3. ESSENTIAL SPECIFICATIONS
*   **Gauge:** 10 stitches and 14 rows = 4" (10 cm) in Stockinette
*   **Finished Dimensions:** 28.8" (73 cm) circumference x 12" (30 cm) height

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### 4. KNITTING INSTRUCTIONS

**Cast On:**
1.  **COL (Carriage on Left):** Bring 72 needles (L36 to R36) to E position (Holding position).
2.  Use the **E-Wrap Cast On** method: Wrap the triple-strand yarn loosely around each needle from left to right.
3.  Ensure the wraps are not too tight, or the first row will not knit.
4.  Hang the **Cast-on Comb** and at least 3 heavy claw weights evenly across the width.

**Main Body (Stockinette):**
1.  **RC 000 | COL:** Set tension to 10. Knit 1 row to the right.
2.  **RC 001 | COR:** Check that all needles knitted off.
3.  Continue knitting in Stockinette stitch until the row counter reaches **RC 42** (approx 12" / 30.5 cm).
    *   *Tech Tip:* Check weights every 10 rows. Move weights up to ensure the heavy triple-strand yarn clears the gate pegs properly.
    *   *Check:* 42 rows / 3.5 rows per inch = 12 inches total height.

**Bind Off:**
1.  **RC 042 | COR:** Bring all needles to E position.
2.  **Latch Tool Bind Off:** 
    *   Starting at the side opposite the carriage (Left side), use your latch tool to pull the second stitch through the first.
    *   Continue across the bed. This creates a chain-link edge that matches the stretch of the E-wrap cast-on.
3.  Cut yarn, leaving a 30" (76 cm) tail for seaming.

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### 5. CONSTRUCTION & FINISHING

**Seaming:**
1.  Remove the fabric from the machine.
2.  Lay the rectangle flat with the **Purl side (Wrong Side)** facing you.
3.  Fold the rectangle so the two short ends (the 12" sides) meet.
4.  **Mattress Stitch:** Use the long yarn tail to sew the side seam. Catch the "bars" between the first and second stitches of each side.
5.  *Technical Note:* Because this is triple-stranded, ensure you catch all 3 strands in your sewing needle to avoid "floaters" at the seam.

**Finishing:**
1.  Weave in all ends securely.
2.  **Steam Blocking:** Lightly steam the seam and the edges. Do not press the iron onto the Malabrigo wool, as it will flatten the loft of the chunky yarn. Use steam only to relax the stitches.

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### 6. SIZE ADJUSTMENTS
*   **For a Snugger Fit:** Decrease stitch count to 60 (24" circumference).
*   **For a Longer Infinity Scarf:** Increase Row Counter to RC 120+ and seam the cast-on edge to the bind-off edge instead.

### 7. COMMON PITFALLS
*   **Dropped Stitches:** If the carriage feels heavy, your tension is too tight for the 3 strands. Increase tension or wax the yarn.
*   **Looping:** If the thin Comete yarn loops, ensure the tension mast is high enough to keep all three strands at equal tautness.