Truth or Consequences

Truth or Consequences Cape by Renate Kamm

What is Being Made

Truth or Consequences is a knitted cape and poncho design created by independent designer Renate Kamm. This downloadable PDF pattern produces a wearable cape available in multiple sizes ranging from S-XL and 2XL-5XL. The finished cape measures 40 to 50 inches wide (side to side) and 25 to 31 inches long from the top of the shoulder to the hem, making it a versatile layering piece suitable for various body sizes.

Techniques and Construction Methods

This intermediate-level knitting project employs specialized cast-on and bind-off techniques to create a stretchy, flexible fabric. The pattern uses Jeny's Stretchy Slipknot Cast On to begin the project, which involves creating a slipknot, placing it on the needle, and repeating until the required number of stitches are established. The construction utilizes Jeny's Surprisingly Stretchy Bind Off to finish the edges, ensuring the cape maintains its elasticity and comfort when worn. The pattern is worked on two circular needles, with one needle measuring at least 48 inches, allowing for the management of a large number of stitches across the wide cape width.

Stitches Used

The primary stitch pattern is Stockinette stitch, which creates a smooth, classic fabric. The pattern incorporates specialized stitch processing techniques including reverse yarn overs and standard yarn overs worked into knit and purl stitches. When processing a knit stitch, yarn is wrapped around the right-hand needle in a reverse yarn over from back to front before knitting one stitch and pulling the yarn over across the knit stitch. For purl stitches, yarn is wrapped around the right-hand needle in a yarn over from front to back before purling one stitch and pulling the yarn over across the purl stitch. These techniques add textural interest and flexibility to the finished garment.

Materials and Gauge

The cape is worked in DK weight yarn, requiring 1000 to 1400 yards of main color yarn depending on size, plus 150 to 200 yards each of five contrasting colors. The pattern calls for US 6 (4.0mm) circular needles or the size necessary to obtain the specified gauge. The recommended gauge is 20 stitches and 28 rows over 4 inches in Stockinette stitch when blocked. Additional notions include 2 to 4 stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats and a G-6 (4mm) crochet hook, likely for finishing or securing edges.