Gabor In Rowan Alpaca Sparkle - Downloadable PDF

Gabor by Lisa Richardson in Rowan Alpaca Sparkle – Knitted Cape Pattern Summary

What Is Being Made

Gabor is a beautifully crafted knitted cape or poncho, designed by Lisa Richardson and published by Rowan. It is worked in the round from the neck edge downward, gradually expanding outward through a series of carefully placed increase rounds to create a sweeping, circular silhouette. The design is available in five size ranges, fitting chest measurements from 71–86 cm (28–34 in) up to 152–157 cm (60–62 in), with an actual hem measurement reaching up to 258.5 cm (101¾ in) in the largest size. This generous circumference gives the finished piece its dramatic, flowing drape.

Design Details and Construction

The cape is constructed entirely in the round, beginning at the neck with a smaller circular needle or double-pointed needles and progressing outward as the stitch count grows. The shaping is achieved through a sequence of seven increase rounds, each separated by a full repeat of a 14-round pattern band. This methodical expansion ensures the fabric lies flat and the decorative patterning remains consistent throughout. The construction method — top-down, seamless, and worked in the round — makes Gabor an accessible and satisfying project for knitters who enjoy circular knitting techniques.

Techniques Used

• Circular knitting in the round – the entire cape is worked on circular needles, transitioning from shorter to longer needle lengths as the stitch count increases
• Top-down construction – beginning at the neck edge and working outward toward the hem
• M1 increases (Make 1) – used repeatedly across each increase round to add stitches evenly and expand the circumference
• Two-colour stranded or striped patterning – a repeating 14-round pattern band alternates between yarn A and yarn B to create visual texture and sparkle
• Needle length management – the pattern instructs knitters to begin on a 40 cm circular needle and change to progressively longer needles as stitches accumulate
• Double-pointed needle option – for the initial neck-edge rounds where stitch counts are too small for a circular needle

Stitches Used

• Knit stitch – the primary stitch throughout, worked in rounds to create a smooth stockinette fabric
• M1 (Make 1) increase – worked at regular intervals across each of the seven increase rounds to shape the cape
• Pattern band repeats – a structured 14-round sequence incorporating both yarn colours, with specific rounds worked in yarn A and others incorporating yarn B for contrast and sparkle detail

Materials – Yarn

The pattern is written specifically for Rowan Alpaca Sparkle, a DK weight yarn sold in 50g balls. Two colourways are used:

• Yarn A – Silver (shade 10024): the main colour, used for the knit rounds and increase rounds; quantities range from 6 balls for the smaller sizes up to 8 balls for the largest size
• Yarn B – Onyx (shade 10025): the contrast colour used within the pattern band; 2 balls are required for the smallest size and 3 balls for all larger sizes

Rowan Alpaca Sparkle is a luxurious blend that combines the soft warmth of alpaca with a subtle metallic sparkle, making it ideally suited to an elegant, occasion-worthy accessory like Gabor. The sparkle element catches the light beautifully as the cape moves, enhancing the visual impact of the two-colour patterning.

Materials – Needles

The pattern requires both 6mm (US 10) and 7mm (US 10½) circular needles in varying lengths, as well as sets of four double-pointed needles in both sizes. Using two needle sizes allows for gauge adjustments and may reflect a tension difference between the ribbed or patterned sections and the main body. Knitters should have a range of circular needle lengths available — starting at 40 cm and increasing — to accommodate the growing