Nara Cape in Rowan Kidsilk Haze - Downloadable PDF

Nara Cape in Rowan Kidsilk Haze by Sarah Hatton – Pattern Summary

The Nara Cape is a beautifully designed knitted cape by Sarah Hatton, published as a Rowan online exclusive downloadable PDF pattern. Rated intermediate in difficulty, this elegant lace cape is worked in the ultra-fine, halo-rich Rowan Kidsilk Haze yarn, making it a luxurious layering piece suitable for sizes ranging from a 32–50 inch bust across three size options: S-M, L, and XL-XXL.

What Is Being Made

The Nara Cape is a circular, draped cape worked in the round from the top down or as a seamless construction using circular needles. It features a graceful lace body that transitions through carefully sequenced colour and yarn-weight changes, creating a subtly ombre, layered effect. The finished garment is a sophisticated outerwear accessory ideal for adding a delicate, airy layer over eveningwear or smart casual outfits.

Yarn and Materials

The pattern calls exclusively for Rowan Kidsilk Haze, a lace weight yarn celebrated for its gossamer-fine mohair and silk blend that produces a soft, ethereal halo. Three colourways are used across the design:

• Yarn A – Blackcurrant 641: used in quantities of 2, 2, or 3 x 25g balls depending on size
• Yarn B – Degas 669: used in quantities of 1, 2, or 2 x 25g balls depending on size
• Yarn C – Pearl 590: used in 1 x 25g ball across all sizes

A key feature of this pattern is the deliberate use of held strands — yarns are worked singly, doubled, or combined in pairs at different sections of the cape to alter both the fabric density and the colour blending effect. This technique is common in Rowan Kidsilk Haze patterns and produces beautiful tonal gradations without the need for dyeing or hand-painting.

Needles

Two sizes of circular needles are required:

• 4mm (UK No. 8 / US 6) circular needle
• 5mm (US 8) circular needle

The pattern transitions between needle sizes during construction, which, combined with the changing number of yarn strands held together, allows the fabric to open up and drape progressively as the cape widens toward the hem — a clever structural technique that enhances the garment's flowing silhouette.

Techniques Used

The Nara Cape is knitted in the round on circular needles, making it an excellent project for knitters comfortable with circular knitting and lace patterning. Key techniques employed throughout the pattern include:

• Knitting in the round on circular needles throughout the entire construction
• Yarn strand management — transitioning from a single strand to two strands held together, and blending different colourways simultaneously
• Needle size changes mid-project to adjust gauge and fabric drape intentionally
• Colour blending through strategic introduction and removal of individual yarn strands
• Yarn joining and breaking at designated rounds to shift colour combinations smoothly

Stitches Used

The body of the Nara Cape features a 10-round repeating lace pattern that creates a delicate, open texture. The specific stitches and techniques within this lace repeat include:

• Yfwd (yarn forward) – the primary method of creating decorative eyelets and lace holes throughout the pattern
• K (knit) – standard knit stitch forming the solid fabric between lace elements
• Sl 1, K1, psso (slip 1, knit 1, pass slipped stitch over) – a left-leaning decrease used consistently to pair with each yarn forward and maintain stitch count