Cape in Sirdar Snuggly Snowflake Chunky and Ophelia - 2445 - Downloadable PDF

Cape in Sirdar Snuggly Snowflake Chunky and Ophelia – Pattern 2445

This official Sirdar pattern 2445 is a downloadable PDF offering instructions for a beautifully cosy knitted cape designed for children aged 2 to 13 years. The pattern covers six sizes, fitting chest measurements from 56 cm (22 in) up to 81 cm (32 in), with finished lengths ranging from approximately 34 cm to 53 cm measured from the back of the neck. Two distinct versions of the cape are included: a Plain Cape worked entirely in one shade, and a Cape with Contrast Colour that introduces a second yarn for added visual interest.

Designs Included

Plain Cape

The Plain Cape is a straightforward, elegant design worked in a single shade of Sirdar Snuggly Snowflake Chunky. It is constructed in flat panels — a Back and Front (both worked alike) along with Side Panels — making it an accessible project for knitters who are comfortable with basic shaping. The cape is finished with a Neckband to give a neat, polished edge around the collar. Decreases are worked at each end of specified rows to shape the panels and create the flowing silhouette characteristic of a cape.

Cape with Contrast Colour

The contrast colour version follows the same construction method as the Plain Cape — with identical Back and Front panels and Side Panels — but introduces Sirdar Ophelia as a contrast shade. The main body is knitted in Sirdar Snuggly Snowflake Chunky as the main shade, while Ophelia provides a decorative contrast element. This version is ideal for adding a touch of texture or colour play to the finished garment.

Techniques and Construction

Both versions of the cape are knitted flat using standard knitting needles. Key techniques used throughout the pattern include:

• Thumb method cast-on — stitches are cast on loosely to ensure the lower edge retains stretch and drape
• Stocking stitch (st-st) — the primary fabric stitch, formed by alternating a knit row on the right side and a purl row on the wrong side
• Decreasing (dec) — worked at each end of specified rows to shape the cape panels and create the tapered silhouette
• Casting off loosely — remaining stitches are cast off loosely to maintain ease and comfort around the neckline and edges
• Neckband construction — a finishing band is worked to complete the neckline neatly

Stitches Used

• Knit stitch — used on right-side rows of stocking stitch
• Purl stitch — used on wrong-side rows of stocking stitch
• Stocking stitch (st-st) — the main fabric throughout both versions of the cape

Tension

The stated tension for this pattern is 14 stitches and 19 rows to 10 cm (4 in) over stocking stitch. Achieving the correct tension is described in the pattern as essential to ensure success. Knitters are advised to check their tension swatch carefully: if fewer stitches are produced, a thinner needle should be used; if more stitches result, a thicker needle is recommended.

Materials

Yarn

• Sirdar Snuggly Snowflake Chunky — a chunky weight yarn, used as the sole yarn in the Plain Cape and as the main shade (M) in the contrast colour version. Shade 661 is specified for the Plain Cape, and shade 668 for the contrast colour version. Sold in 25g balls, with quantities ranging from 4 to 8 balls depending on size.
• Sirdar Ophelia — used as the contrast shade (C) in the Cape with Contrast Colour version.