Cape Shirt

Cape Shirt by Sarah & Oliver

What Is Being Made

The Cape Shirt is a classic luxurious unisex knitted garment that reinterprets 1800s western costume details into a contemporary design. This versatile piece functions as both a daily go-to shirt and a special occasion party look, offering timeless style that works for both girls and boys through simple colour adjustments. The design features a distinctive cape element that adds dramatic flair to an otherwise refined silhouette.

Construction Method and Techniques

The Cape Shirt is worked using a top-down construction method, beginning from the neckband and progressing through the yoke in flat knitting. This approach allows for precise shaping and easy fitting adjustments. After the yoke is complete, stitches are separated to create the sleeves and body sections. The body is then knitted in the round for seamless construction, providing a smooth, professional finish. Once the body reaches the desired length, separated sleeve stitches are returned to needles and each sleeve is finished individually. The final step involves picking up stitches from the neckline to knit the signature cape element, which is completed with button attachments for closure and detail.

Stitches and Stitch Techniques

While specific stitch patterns are not detailed in the pattern overview, the construction employs fundamental knitting techniques appropriate to intermediate-level crafters. The combination of flat knitting for the yoke section and circular knitting for the body demonstrates versatility in stitch application. The pattern requires proficiency with techniques including stitch separation, picking up stitches from existing edges, and managing stitches across multiple needle types to achieve the garment's structured shape.

Materials and Specifications

Yarn: Drops Baby Alpaca Silk, a luxurious blend yarn offered in 50g balls with 167 metres of yardage. Yarn quantities vary by size: 5 balls (9-12 months), 7 balls (2-3 years), 9 balls (4-5 years), 11 balls (6-7 years), 13 balls (8-9 years), and 15 balls (10-11 years).

Needles and Tools: 3mm circular needle and 3mm double pointed needles are required for this project.

Gauge: 31 stitches and 38 rows measured over 10cm in stockinette stitch using the specified yarn and needle size.

Size Range and Finished Measurements

• 9-12 months: Chest circumference 57cm, Total length 37cm
• 2-3 years: Chest circumference 64cm, Total length 39cm
• 4-5 years: Chest circumference 70cm, Total length 41cm
• 6-7 years: Chest circumference 77cm, Total length 43cm
• 8-9 years: Chest circumference 83cm, Total length 45cm
• 10-11 years: Chest circumference 90cm, Total length 47cm

Difficulty Level

Rated as Intermediate, this pattern suits knitters with foundational skills who are ready to tackle more complex construction methods. The top-down, in-the-round approach combined with stitch separation and pick-up techniques requires confidence with multiple needle types and shaping methods, making it an ideal project for advancing crafters.