Celtic Maple Cape

Celtic Maple Cape by Barbara Pott

What is Being Made

The Celtic Maple Cape is a knitted garment designed as a decorative cape featuring Celtic botanical motifs inspired by maple leaves. This wearable piece measures 26 inches along the top edge, expands to 41 inches across the midway point, and reaches 56 inches across the bottom, creating a dramatic circular silhouette that drapes elegantly from the shoulders.

Knitting Techniques Used

This design employs several advanced knitting techniques to achieve its distinctive shape and structure. The cape is constructed using a unique two-part construction method: the top half is knitted from side to side, while the bottom half is knitted from the top down. This approach allows the designer to create the necessary shaping for proper shoulder fit and drape.

Short rows are strategically used throughout the top half of the cape to create the circular shaping required around the shoulders. This technique involves turning the work before completing a full row, which adds depth and dimension to specific areas without increasing stitch count uniformly. The combination of these construction methods results in a garment that fits smoothly at the shoulders while expanding dramatically toward the hem.

The design incorporates charted stitch patterns that repeat across the fabric, allowing knitters to follow visual instructions for the Celtic botanical motifs. The cape top section begins with a cast-on of 54 stitches and follows a 80-row pattern repeat worked three times, followed by rows 1-66 before binding off.

Stitches Used

The primary stitch structure used throughout the cape is stockinette stitch, which creates a smooth, classic fabric surface ideal for displaying the Celtic botanical pattern details. The gauge for this stitch is 15 stitches and 20 rows per 4-inch square, which is typical for worsted weight yarn on size 9 needles.

Additional stitch work includes knit and purl stitches as foundational elements, which are combined according to charted patterns to create the Celtic maple leaf motifs and other botanical details. The decorative leaves are worked separately on smaller needles and later attached to the finished cape.

Materials and Yarn Specifications

The Celtic Maple Cape requires approximately 1520 yards of worsted weight (medium weight 4) yarn. The designer recommends using wool, wool blends, or recycled fiber yarns for optimal results. The pictured sample was created using Berroco Remix, a blend yarn containing 30% nylon, 27% cotton, 24% acrylic, 10% silk, and 9% linen. This fiber composition creates a durable, washable garment with excellent drape and sheen.

The specific needle requirements are:

• One 36-inch size 9 circular needle for knitting the main cape body
• Size 4 double point needles for working the decorative maple leaves that will be attached to the finished cape

Finishing and Assembly

Proper finishing is essential for this design. Both the individual leaves and the completed cape body should be blocked before attaching the leaves to the cape. Blocking helps even out the stitches, sets the stitch pattern definition, and ensures the cape drapes properly when worn. The leaves are worked as separate components and then sewn or grafted onto the finished cape body, creating a layered botanical embellishment.