Ladies' Capes in King Cole Drifter Chunky - 4604 - Downloadable PDF

Ladies' Capes Knitted in King Cole Drifter Chunky – Pattern 4604

This downloadable PDF knitting pattern from King Cole provides instructions for knitting ladies' capes in the brand's popular Drifter Chunky yarn. The pattern covers a generous size range, from 81/91 cm to 112/122 cm (32/36 in to 44/48 in), making it accessible for a wide variety of figures. Rated as an advanced knitting project, this pattern is best suited to experienced knitters who are comfortable working with cables and following multi-row pattern repeats.

What Is Being Made

The pattern produces ladies' capes — elegant, draped outerwear garments that sit over the shoulders and fall loosely around the body. Capes are a stylish alternative to cardigans or coats, offering warmth without fitted sleeves. The chunky weight of the yarn ensures these capes work up relatively quickly while delivering a cosy, substantial fabric with excellent drape and visual texture.

Yarn and Materials

The specified yarn is King Cole Drifter Chunky, a chunky weight yarn known for its softly variegated, tonal colourways that blend multiple shades within a single ball. This self-striping and colour-drifting quality means the finished capes have a rich, painterly appearance without the need for complex colourwork techniques. The pattern is knitted on 6 mm needles, or the needle size required to achieve the stated tension. Knitters are strongly encouraged to check their tension swatch before beginning.

Tension

The stated tension is 14 stitches and 20 rows to 10 cm (4 in) over stocking stitch on 6 mm needles. Achieving the correct tension is described as essential to ensure the garment knits up to the correct size. If fewer stitches are produced, knitters should switch to thinner needles; if more stitches result, thicker needles are recommended.

Techniques Used

• Cable knitting — the pattern makes use of cable techniques, adding structural texture and visual interest to the capes
• Stocking stitch — used as the base fabric and for tension measurement
• Pattern repeats — knitters work across defined stitch and row repeats to build the overall design
• Tension management — adjusting needle size to match the stated gauge is a key skill required

Stitches Used

• Knit (k) and purl (p) — the foundational stitches forming stocking stitch and textured panels
• C4F (Cable 4 Front) — slip the next 2 stitches onto a cable needle and hold at the front, knit 2, then knit 2 from the cable needle; this creates a left-leaning cable cross
• C8B (Cable 8 Back) — slip the next 4 stitches onto a cable needle and hold at the back, knit 4, then knit 4 from the cable needle; this creates a right-leaning, wider cable cross

The inclusion of both C4F and C8B cable crossings indicates that the capes feature a combination of narrower and wider cable panels, giving the fabric a layered, richly textured appearance that complements the tonal colour variation of King Cole Drifter Chunky yarn beautifully.

Sizing

The pattern is written to accommodate four sizes, spanning bust measurements of 81/91 cm through to 112/122 cm (32/36 in to 44/48 in). The inclusion of larger sizes is highlighted specifically within the pattern, ensuring that knitters across a broad range of measurements can achieve a well-fitting, flattering cape.

Charitable Contribution

As noted on the pattern, King Cole makes a donation to the Pink Ribbon Foundation for every pattern purchased, adding a meaningful charitable dimension to this knitting project.

Who This Pattern Is For

This pattern is ideal for advanced