Derry Capelet and Hat in Tahki Yarns Donegal Tweed - Downloadable PDF

Derry Capelet and Hat in Tahki Yarns Donegal Tweed – Pattern Summary

Designed by Teresa Chorzepa and published by Tahki Stacy Charles Inc., the Derry Capelet and Hat is a beautifully coordinated knitwear set worked in the richly textured Tahki Yarns Donegal Tweed. This downloadable PDF pattern delivers two complementary accessories — a graceful, flowing capelet and a matching hat — united by intricate cable detailing and the rustic charm of 100% wool tweed yarn. The set is rated intermediate in difficulty, making it an ideal project for knitters who are comfortable with cables and working in the round and are ready to take their skills to the next level.

About the Yarn: Tahki Yarns Donegal Tweed

Tahki Yarns Donegal Tweed is a worsted weight, 100% wool yarn, sold in 3.5 oz / 100g skeins with approximately 183 yards / 167 meters per skein. The pattern calls for color #807 purple for both pieces, creating a cohesive, richly hued set. The tweed construction of this yarn adds subtle flecks of color and a wonderful rustic texture that beautifully complements the structured cable panels featured throughout both designs. Wool's natural elasticity also makes it particularly well-suited to cable knitting, helping the stitches pop with excellent definition.

The Derry Capelet

What Is Being Made

The Derry Capelet is a shoulder-length knitted cape designed to drape elegantly over the shoulders and upper body. It features a wide, sweeping lower edge that tapers gracefully toward the neckline, making it both a practical and stylish layering piece. The capelet is worked in three sizes: Small/Medium, Large/XL, and 2X/3X, offering a generous range of fit options.

Knitted Measurements

• Circumference at Lower Edge: 49½ (55, 60½) inches / 125.5 (139.5, 153.5) cm
• Length: 15½ inches / 39.5 cm (all sizes)

Techniques and Construction

The capelet is constructed using a bottom-up method, meaning knitting begins at the wide lower hem and works upward toward the neck. It is worked in the round on circular needles, which eliminates seaming and creates a smooth, continuous fabric. Two circular needle lengths are required: a 29-inch / 72 cm circular needle for the larger lower circumference and a 16-inch / 40 cm circular needle for the upper sections as stitches are decreased toward the neckline. Both needles are size 8 (5mm), or the size needed to achieve gauge.

The gauge for this pattern is 14 stitches and 22 rows = 4 inches / 10 cm in Stockinette stitch. Achieving the correct gauge is especially important in a capelet, where the circumference measurements directly affect how the garment drapes and fits across the shoulders.

Stitches and Cable Details

The capelet showcases a sophisticated arrangement of cable stitches worked alongside purl columns to create a deeply textured, visually striking fabric. Key stitch elements include:

• C4B (Cable 4 Back): A classic four-stitch cable crossed to the back, creating a right-leaning twist that forms the backbone of the cable panels.
• T4L (Twist 4 Left): A traveling cable stitch that moves stitches diagonally to the left, adding movement and flow to the design.
• T4R (Twist 4 Right): The mirror image of T4L, moving stitches diagonally to the right and creating the characteristic diamond or lattice-like cable motifs.
• Purl stitches (p1, p2, p3): Used strategically between cable elements to frame and define each cable panel, allowing the raised cables to stand out dramatically against a recessed background.
• Stockinette stitch: Used as the base fabric for gauge measurement and likely in sections between cable repeats.