Lunar Eclipse Cape

Lunar Eclipse Cape by Stephanie Davies

What is Being Made

The Lunar Eclipse Cape is a crocheted shawl designed by Stephanie Davies for ViNNiS COLOURS (Pattern #57). This intermediate-level project creates a wearable cape garment using sport-weight yarn, suitable for crafters with foundational crochet experience who are ready to tackle more complex stitch patterns.

Crochet Techniques Used

This pattern employs several advanced crochet techniques that build upon fundamental skills. The design features a stitch pattern that may appear complex initially but becomes manageable once you understand how to construct the individual stitches. The pattern incorporates strategic increases worked exclusively on even rows, which shape the cape's structure and drape. The designer recommends using the Russian join technique when adding new balls of yarn, as the numerous chain stitches throughout the pattern make traditional weaving-in of ends impractical and time-consuming.

Stitches Used

• Chain stitch (ch) – foundational stitch used extensively throughout the pattern
• Double crochet (dc) – primary structural stitch
• Treble-treble (trtr) – tall stitch for texture and drape
• Double treble (dtr) – tall stitch variation
• Decrease stitches: dtr2tog (double-treble 2 together), trtr-dtr-tog (treble-treble-double-treble together), and dtr-trtr-tog (double-treble-treble-treble together) – used for shaping and creating the cape's silhouette

Materials and Specifications

This project requires 7 balls of ViNNiS Colours Serina yarn in Dark Denim (color #677). Serina is composed of 100% bamboo fiber, offering a smooth, lustrous finish typical of bamboo yarn. Each ball contains 111 meters of yarn per 50 grams, classifying this as a sport-weight yarn. The pattern calls for a 4mm crochet hook and a tapestry needle for finishing. Basic tools needed include scissors for cutting yarn.

Pattern Notes for Success

The designer emphasizes that despite the apparent complexity of the stitch pattern, it is actually straightforward once you become familiar with building the individual stitches. Familiarity with how to work tall stitches and their combinations will make this project more enjoyable. The Russian join technique is strongly advised for joining new yarn balls, as it eliminates the need to weave in numerous ends created by the pattern's chain-heavy construction. All shaping increases occur on even-numbered rows, making the pattern rhythm predictable and easier to follow as you progress.