Canova Cape in Adriafil Mirage and Gioiello - Downloadable PDF

Canova Cape Knitting Pattern by Adriafil – Free Downloadable PDF

The Canova Cape is an elegant, generously sized knitted cape designed using Adriafil yarns. This free downloadable PDF pattern produces a sweeping, one-size cape worked in two matching parts, finished with a decorative border for a polished, luxurious look. The design is well-suited to confident beginner and intermediate knitters who are comfortable with basic shaping techniques.

What Is Being Made

The finished project is a cape — a classic, flowing shoulder garment without sleeves that drapes over the body. The Canova Cape is constructed in two separate parts, each worked from the top downward, then sewn together along adjacent sides. A contrasting border is added along both the bottom edge and the shaped front edge to frame the piece beautifully. The pattern is written for one size.

Construction Method

Each of the two parts of the cape is worked identically, beginning at the top with a cast-on of 120 stitches. The shaping is achieved through a carefully sequenced series of decreases along the front edge, giving the cape its characteristic tapered silhouette. The shaping sequence is as follows:

• Decrease 1 stitch leftwise every 4 rows, 10 times
• Decrease 1 stitch every 2 rows, 18 times
• Decrease 2 stitches every 2 rows, 16 times
• Cast off 5 stitches every 2 rows, 6 times
• Cast off 10 stitches every 2 rows, 3 times

This graduated shaping creates a smooth, angled front edge across a total length of approximately 84 cm. The second part is worked to exactly match the first. Once both pieces are complete, they are joined by sewing together the adjacent sides of the borders.

Techniques Used

• Garter stitch – the main body of both cape sections is worked entirely in garter stitch (knit every row), which creates a firm, ridged fabric with good drape and body. Garter stitch is also reversible, making it ideal for a garment like a cape where both sides may be visible.
• Leftwise decreases – used consistently throughout the shaping sequence to create a neat, directional edge along the front of each section.
• Casting off in stages – rapid cast-offs of 5 and then 10 stitches at a time create the more dramatic lower shaping of the front edge.
• Picking up stitches – after the main pieces are complete, stitches are picked up along the bottom edge and the shaped front edge using a larger needle and the contrast yarn, to work the decorative border.
• Knit stitch border – the border is worked flat in knit stitch for 3 rows before being cast off, adding a clean, structured finish.
• Seaming – the two cape sections are joined by sewing together the adjacent sides of the completed borders using a tapestry needle.
• Yarn doubled – the main Adriafil Mirage yarn is worked double throughout the body of the cape, which increases the fabric's weight, warmth, and visual impact.

Stitches Used

• Garter stitch – used for the entire body of both cape sections
• Knit stitch – used for the 3-row border sections along the bottom and shaped front edges

Materials Required

This pattern calls for two Adriafil yarns used in combination — one for the main body and one for the contrasting border:

• Adriafil Mirage in cream, colour no. 11 – 850 g, worked double throughout the main body. Mirage is an aran to super chunky weight yarn, and working it doubled gives the fabric a substantial, cosy feel appropriate for outerwear.
• Adriafil Gioiello