cold shoulder cape
you shouldn’t have cold shoulders, even if you’re giving them to your tinder matches daily... the cold shoulder cape is the dream spring piece for those days when you need another layer, but still want to get some sun. you can knit it up in a morning and wear it out to your afternoon picnic the same day! plus, multiply your looks by switching between wearing the ties at the front, back, or on your shoulder.
sizing
this pattern includes three sizes, all of which cover multiple chest measurements (as this is not a fitted garment).
size 1: 30-38 inch chest measurement
size 2: 40-50 inch chest measurement
size 3: 52-60 inch chest measurement
all sizes begin by following the same instructions. size 2 & 3 are later instructed to add more increase rows.
materials
6.5 mm circular needles
8 mm circular needles
1.25 (1.5) 2 skeins 50g/140m yarn (originally created with drops “melody”)
gauge
10 stitches by 16 rows = 4x4 inches use stockinette stitch on 8mm needles
abbreviations
st(s) - stitch(es)
k - knit
p - purl
kfb - knit front back
technique
the cold shoulder cape is knit flat from the neck down. first stitches of each row are slipped to keep edges straight. after knitting the body, three ties are attached to either edge to close the cape around the body.
fine print: copyright © 2023 alexa kari designs. for personal use only. reader/ purchaser may not copy, resell, or redistribute any part of the pattern without permission. reader/purchaser may not sell any garments created following the pattern. Subscribe to get free patterns straight to your inbox:)
cold shoulder cape pattern
body
using 6.5mm needles, cast on 60 sts
3 rows 1x1 ribbing (rep k, p)
row 4 - switch to 8mm needles. slip 1 st knitwise, k1, rep (k6, kfb) up to last 2 sts, k2
row 5 - slip 1 st purlwise, p all sts
row 6 - slip 1 st knitwise, k1, rep (k7, kfb) up to last 2 sts, k2
(from here, continue purling on all odd rows)
row 8 - slip 1 st knitwise, k1, rep (k8, kfb) up to last 2 sts, k2
row 10 - slip 1 st knitwise, k1, rep (k9, kfb) up to last 2 sts, k2
row 12 - slip 1 st knitwise, k1, rep (k10, kfb) up to last 2 sts, k2
row 14 - slip 1 st knitwise, k1, rep (k11, kfb) up to last 2 sts, k2
row 16 - slip 1 st knitwise, k1, rep (k12, kfb) up to last 2 sts, k2
row 18 - slip 1 st knitwise, k1, rep (k13, kfb) up to last 2 sts, k2
row 20 - slip 1 st knitwise, k1, rep (k14, kfb) up to last 2 sts, k2
row 22 - slip 1 st knitwise, k1, rep (k15, kfb) up to last 2 sts, k2
row 24 - slip 1 st knitwise, k1, rep (k16, kfb) up to last 2 sts, k2
row 26 - slip 1 st knitwise, k1, rep (k17, kfb) up to last 2 sts, k2
row 28 - slip 1 st knitwise, k1, rep (k18, kfb) up to last 2 sts, k2
SIZE 2 & 3 ONLY:
row 30 - slip 1 st knitwise, k1, rep (k19, kfb) up to last 2 sts, k2
row 32 - slip 1 st knitwise, k1, rep (k20, kfb) up to last 2 sts, k2
SIZE 3 ONLY:
row 34 - slip 1 st knitwise, k1, rep (k21, kfb) up to last 2 sts, k2
row 36 - slip 1 st knitwise, k1, rep (k22, kfb) up to last 2 sts, k2
row 38 - slip 1 st knitwise, k1, rep (k23, kfb) up to last 2 sts, k2
ALL SIZES:
alternate k & p rows (stockinette stitch) until cape is 1 inch short of your desired length (approximately 5 rows)
switch to 6.5mm needles
3 rows 1x1 ribbing (rep k, p)
cast off
ties
crochet chains, knit i-chords, or simply attach pieces of yarn to tie the two edges of the cape together. play around with thickness and length for different looks! (capes pictured have 10-inch crocheted chain ties).
you will make six ties - place two on either side of the collar, two on either side of the bottom ribbing, and two in the middle.
This pattern was originally published in the May/June 2023 issue of Material Grrrlz
Download the whole issue for free here!
(featuring even more free patterns and girlie fiber art activities…)