Shoulder Cape in Sirdar Alpine - 8276 - Downloadable PDF

Sirdar Alpine Shoulder Cape – Knitting Pattern 8276

This knitting pattern from Sirdar (pattern number 8276) provides instructions for a cosy, elegant Shoulder Cape with Polo Neck, worked in the brand's own Sirdar Alpine DK-weight yarn. Designed as an intermediate-level knitting project, the cape is a versatile layering piece that drapes over the shoulders and upper body, making it a stylish and practical addition to any handknitted wardrobe. The pattern is available as a downloadable PDF, allowing knitters to access and print the instructions immediately after purchase.

What Is Being Made

The pattern produces a shoulder cape — a sleeveless, wrap-style garment that sits across the shoulders and upper chest, finished with an integrated polo neck collar. The cape is constructed in two main pieces — a Back and a Front, both worked identically — plus the polo neck sections, which are also worked alike. Once complete, the pieces are seamed together at the sides, shoulders, and polo neck to form the finished garment. The polo neck is designed with a turnback, adding a classic, structured finish at the neckline.

Sizing and Measurements

The pattern is written across three sizes, designed to fit the following bust measurements:

• 81/91 cm (32/36 in) – Size 1
• 97/107 cm (38/42 in) – Size 2
• 112/122 cm (44/48 in) – Size 3

The finished length, measured from the back of the neck, ranges from 37 cm (14½ in) for the smallest size up to 43 cm (17 in) for the largest. Knitters are advised to circle their chosen size before beginning, as the pattern presents multiple sizes within the same instructions using brackets.

Materials Required

The pattern calls for Sirdar Alpine yarn in shade 407 (colourway F227), a DK-weight yarn sold in 50g balls. The quantities required are:

• 6 balls for the smallest size (81/91 cm)
• 8 balls for the middle size (97/107 cm)
• 9 balls for the largest size (112/122 cm)

You will also need one pair of 10mm knitting needles (UK size 000 / USA size 15). The use of large-gauge needles with a DK yarn produces a fabric with a relaxed, airy drape that is characteristic of many contemporary cape and wrap designs.

Tension

Achieving the correct tension is emphasised as essential to the success of this project. The stated tension is 17 stitches and 24 rows to 20 cm (8 in) measured over stocking stitch on 10mm needles. Knitters who achieve fewer stitches than stated should switch to a thinner needle, while those achieving more stitches should use a thicker needle. Working a tension swatch before beginning is strongly recommended, particularly for intermediate knitters refining their gauge.

Techniques Used

This is an intermediate-level knitting pattern, suitable for knitters who are comfortable with basic shaping techniques. The construction methods used throughout include:

• Thumb method cast-on — used to begin each piece, this technique creates a firm, elastic edge well-suited to garment knitting
• Shoulder shaping — achieved by casting off a set number of stitches at the beginning of successive rows, creating the angled shoulder line
• Side and body shaping — worked through regular decrease rows, reducing one stitch at each end on specified rows to taper the cape from hem to shoulder
• Seaming and making up — the finished pieces are joined at the side, shoulder, and polo neck seams, with the polo neck sewn with a reversed seam allowance to accommodate the turnback fold
• Blocking — the pattern instructs knitters to pin the finished garment to the stated measurements, cover with damp cloths, and leave to dry, a wet-blocking technique that helps the knitted fabric settle