Bach Cape in Adriafil Knitcol - Downloadable PDF

Bach Cape in Adriafil Knitcol – Pattern Summary

About This Design

The Bach Cape is a stylish poncho-style cape designed by Adriafil, worked in their signature Knitcol yarn. Despite being listed under the knitting category, this pattern is actually constructed using crochet techniques, making it a wonderfully textured accessory that drapes elegantly over the shoulders. The design is available in two sizes — S/M and L/XL — making it accessible to a range of wearers. It is rated as an intermediate level project, suitable for crafters who are comfortable reading crochet charts and working with multiple stitch types.

What Is Being Made

The finished garment is a poncho-style cape, worked flat and shaped with strategic decreases to create a neat neckline. The piece is generous in its dimensions, offering comfortable, relaxed coverage. The self-striping and variegated nature of Adriafil Knitcol yarn means the color patterning develops organically as you work, giving the finished cape a rich, painterly appearance without the need for complex colorwork techniques.

Materials Required

• Yarn: Adriafil Knitcol — 9 balls for size S/M, 10 balls for size L/XL. Knitcol is a DK weight yarn, known for its vibrant self-striping colorways that blend multiple hues in a single ball.
• Hook: A size 4½ crochet hook is specified for this pattern.
• As always, Adriafil recommends taking time to check your tension and switching hook size if necessary to achieve the correct gauge.

Tension / Gauge

Achieving the correct tension is essential for this project. The stated tension is 19 stitches and approximately 10 rows in the crochet pattern = 10 x 10 cm. Additionally, 19 double crochet stitches = 10 cm in width. Always work a tension swatch before beginning and adjust your hook size accordingly.

Techniques Used

• Working from a crochet chart — the stitch pattern is presented visually, requiring the crafter to read and follow a charted diagram across multiple rows.
• Foundation chain — the cape begins with a long foundation chain of 140 stitches (S/M) or 150 stitches (L/XL).
• Working in rows — the body of the cape is worked back and forth in rows following the charted crochet pattern.
• Partial row working — once the piece reaches 40–45 cm in length, the first 55 stitches are left unworked and the pattern continues over the remaining 85–95 stitches to begin shaping the neckline.
• Decreasing for neckline shaping — structured decreases are worked at the neck edge: 3 stitches decreased once, then 2 stitches decreased over the next 2 rows, followed by 3 stitches in the following row, as indicated in the schematic.
• Reading a schematic — the pattern includes a schematic to guide construction and shaping decisions.

Stitches Used

• Chain stitch (o) — used as part of the decorative crochet pattern as indicated in the chart.
• Double crochet (l) — a foundational stitch used throughout the body of the cape and referenced in the tension measurement.
• Treble crochet — used as part of the charted pattern; when treble crochet stitches meet at the bottom, they are worked by inserting the hook into the same base stitch, creating a gathered or fan-like effect.

Pattern Structure

The crochet stitch pattern is established by working rows 1 through 5 once at the beginning, then repeating rows 2 through 5 continuously throughout the remainder of the piece. This repeat creates a consistent, rhythmic texture across the full length of the cape. The combination of chain stitches, double