Sophie Marie

Sophie Marie Cape by Petra Christel Breakstone

What is Being Made

Sophie Marie is a knitted cape designed by independent designer Petra Christel Breakstone. This intermediate-level project creates a sophisticated shoulder garment with elegant lace detailing and a refined neckline. The finished cape measures 59 inches in circumference at the lace border, stands 16 inches in height, and features a 22-inch circumference neckline, making it a versatile layering piece suitable for various occasions.

Construction Method and Techniques

The Sophie Marie cape is knitted in the round from the bottom up, a construction method that creates seamless, continuous fabric. The design begins with a beautiful lace border at the base, followed by blocks of complementary colors that add visual interest and depth to the finished garment. The upper portion features a decorative decrease that adds shaping detail across the shoulders, ensuring proper fit and an attractive silhouette. The neckline is finished with a rolled neckline created by holding both colors together, which creates a polished, professional edge and seamlessly incorporates both yarn colors into the final detail.

Stitches Used

This project employs fundamental knitting stitches appropriate for intermediate crafters:

• Knit (K) – the basic stitch forming the foundation of the fabric
• Knit in front and back (Kfb) – an increase stitch that creates additional stitches for shaping
• Knit 2 stitches together (K2tog) – a right-leaning decrease used for shaping
• Knit 2 stitches together through back loop (K2tog tbl) – a left-leaning decrease for refined shaping
• Slip, slip, knit (SSK) – an alternative decrease technique that creates a neat, consistent appearance
• Lace stitches – openwork patterns created through yarn overs and decreases that form the decorative border

Materials and Yarn Specifications

Sophie Marie is designed to be worked in sport weight yarn, a lightweight yarn ideal for drape and elegant garment construction. The pattern calls for Bambolino by Yarnz2go, a specialty yarn blend containing 40% Bamboo, 35% Cotton, and 25% Linen. This fiber composition creates a soft, breathable fabric with natural sheen and excellent drape characteristics. The yarn holds 165 yards per 50 grams, requiring a total of 2 skeins each in two colors: Celadon (297 yards for color 1) and Turquoise (180 yards for color 2), totaling approximately 477 yards of yarn.

Tools and Needles

This project requires US size 7 (4.5 mm) circular needles in two lengths to accommodate the different circumferences at various stages of construction: one 16-inch (41 cm) circular needle for the smaller neckline section and one 32-inch (81 cm) circular needle for the larger body of the cape. Circular needles are essential for knitting in the round and maintaining even tension throughout the project.