Irish Emeralds Cape

Irish Emeralds Cape by Bonnie Bay Crochet

What is Being Made

The Irish Emeralds Cape is a crocheted shawl-style cape designed as an intermediate-level project. This garment features a structured collar that forms the foundation, with the cape constructed to drape elegantly from the neck. The finished piece has a neck opening of approximately 28 inches, with length extending from the collar edge to the bottom of the design. This versatile accessory combines traditional crochet shaping techniques with decorative elements for a polished, wearable garment.

Techniques Used

The Irish Emeralds Cape employs several intermediate crochet techniques to create its distinctive appearance. The construction begins with a foundation chain joined into a ring, establishing the collar structure. The pattern utilizes front post treble stitches (fptr) worked in a cable-like arrangement, where stitches are strategically skipped and then worked into to create dimensional texture. Back post double crochet stitches (bpdc) are incorporated to work over cable sections from previous rows, adding depth and visual interest. The design also features increases worked as double crochet stitches placed in spaces between stitches, allowing the cape to expand outward from the fitted collar. Beading is incorporated as a finishing embellishment, with 14 beads threaded onto the yarn to add decorative detail to the completed cape.

Stitches Used

• Chain stitch (ch)
• Double crochet (dc)
• Slip stitch (slip st)
• Front post treble stitch (fptr)
• Back post double crochet (bpdc)

Materials

The Irish Emeralds Cape requires approximately 800 yards of #2 yarn weight (also known as fine or sport weight yarn). The suggested yarn for this project is Premier Yarn's Cotton Fair, a blend of 52% cotton and 48% acrylic, with specifications of 317 yards per 290 meters and 3.5 ounces per 100 grams. The pattern calls for a Size I (9/5.50 mm) crochet hook. Additional notions include 14 beads with holes large enough to accommodate the selected yarn, a beading needle for attaching embellishments, and a yarn needle for weaving in loose ends after completion.