Kotan Capelet

Kotan Capelet by Cornelia Tuttle Hamilton

What is Being Made

The Kotan Capelet is a medium-sized knitted capelet designed as a sophisticated layering piece. This garment features a finished bottom edge circumference of 41 inches (61 cm) and a length of 17 inches (43 cm), making it an elegant shoulder-covering accessory suitable for various occasions and seasons.

Knitting Techniques Used

This intermediate-level knitting project employs several advanced shaping and patterning techniques to create visual interest and structure. The capelet utilizes increases and decreases strategically placed throughout the pattern to form decorative lace-like elements. The construction includes bind-off and cast-on techniques worked within the body of the piece to create openwork sections that add dimension and airiness to the design.

The pattern demonstrates the use of directional decreases including knit two together (k2tog) and knit two together through the back loop (k2tog tbl), which are paired with make-one increases (m1) to create balanced stitch counts and symmetrical patterning. Slip stitches (sl 1) are incorporated as edge stitches and directional elements throughout the pattern rows.

Stitches Used

• Stockinette Stitch (St st) – The foundational stitch used for gauge measurement and base construction
• ZigZag Pattern – A decorative stitch pattern that creates the characteristic textured appearance of the capelet
• Garter Stitch elements – Created through alternating purl and knit rows to provide structure and definition
• Lace increases and decreases – Make-one increases paired with k2tog and k2tog tbl decreases to form openwork sections
• Slip stitch – Used for edge definition and pattern continuity

Materials and Specifications

This capelet requires 400 grams of Heaven's Hand Wool Classic yarn in a chunky weight, providing warmth and durability. The project calls for US 9 (5.5 mm) needles. Knitters should work to the specified gauge of 14 stitches and 20 rows per 4 inches (10 cm) in Stockinette Stitch, or 16 stitches and 20 rows per 4 inches (10 cm) in the ZigZag pattern. Creating a gauge swatch before beginning is essential to ensure proper fit and finished measurements.

The pattern begins with a cast-on of 110 stitches and progresses through multiple pattern rows that combine purl and knit stitches with strategic increases and decreases to achieve the capelet's elegant silhouette and textured surface.