Library Capelet in Lion Brand Homespun - 80394AD

Library Capelet in Lion Brand Homespun – Free Knitting Pattern (80394AD)

The Library Capelet is a cozy, one-size knitted capelet designed to keep you warm on chilly days. Created by Lion Brand Yarn and offered as a free downloadable PDF pattern (Pattern Number 80394AD), this project produces a finished piece measuring approximately 23 x 40 inches (58.5 x 101.5 cm). Its graceful, tapered silhouette is achieved through a series of evenly spaced decreases, and a fold-down collar adds a charming, polished finishing touch.

Skill Level and Construction Overview

Rated Easy+ (Level 3), this capelet is well-suited to knitters who have moved beyond the basics and are comfortable with simple shaping techniques. The body is worked flat on a circular knitting needle, using the needle's length to comfortably accommodate the large number of cast-on stitches rather than working in the round. The construction begins at the lower hem and tapers steadily upward to the neckline through systematic decreases.

What Is Being Made

The finished garment is a capelet — a short, cape-like wrap that drapes over the shoulders and upper body. It features a fold-down collar that is secured in place by buttoning through two buttonholes, giving the piece a neat, structured neckline. A single button, 1¼ inches (32 mm) in diameter, is used as a closure. The one-size design and generous dimensions make it a versatile accessory suitable for layering over a variety of outfits.

Techniques Used

• Flat knitting on a circular needle: The circular needle is used purely to hold the large stitch count comfortably; the piece is worked back and forth in rows, not in the round.
• Decreasing for shaping: Stitches are reduced using k2tog (knit two together) decreases, worked every 4 rows in groups of 8 stitches at a time. This gradual, evenly distributed shaping creates the capelet's smooth, tapered form from hem to neckline.
• Gauge matching: The pattern specifies a gauge of 14 stitches and 20 rows = 4 inches (10 cm) in Stockinette stitch, making gauge swatching an important step to ensure the finished dimensions are accurate.
• Seaming and finishing: A large-eye blunt needle is used for any finishing work, including weaving in ends and attaching the button.

Stitches Used

• Seed Stitch (over an even number of stitches): The lower hem of the capelet is worked in seed stitch for approximately 2½ inches (6.5 cm). Seed stitch alternates knit and purl stitches across each row, with stitches worked opposite to those below, creating a textured, non-curling fabric that gives the hem a decorative and stable edge. It is worked by knitting the purl stitches and purling the knit stitches on every row.
• Stockinette Stitch (St st): The main body of the capelet is worked in classic Stockinette stitch — knitting on right-side rows and purling on wrong-side rows — which produces a smooth, draping fabric ideal for showcasing the texture of the yarn.
• K1, P1 Rib: A K1, P1 ribbing stitch is also defined in the pattern, contributing to the collar section and adding gentle elasticity and structure around the neckline.

Materials and Yarn

The pattern calls for Lion Brand Homespun® yarn (Article #790), specifically in the colorway Barley (790-381). Homespun is a bulky-weight yarn with a distinctive, lofty texture that mimics the look of handspun fiber. It is composed of 98% acrylic and 2% polyester, making it machine-washable, durable, and wonderfully soft against the skin. Each skein contains 185 yards (169 m) and weighs 6 oz (170 g); the pattern requires 2 balls to complete the capelet.