Capelet in Ella Rae Phoenix - ER10-02 - Downloadable PDF

Capelet in Ella Rae Phoenix ER10-02

What Is Being Made

This is a knitted capelet pattern designed to drape elegantly over the shoulders. The finished capelet measures approximately 100 cm (39½ inches) in circumference and 40 cm (15¾ inches) in length, making it a versatile layering piece suitable for various occasions and seasons.

Yarn and Materials

This capelet is worked in Ella Rae Phoenix, an aran-weight yarn. The pattern requires three coordinating colors from the Phoenix range:

• Color A: 1 x 100g hank (quantity 44)
• Color B: 1 x 100g hank (quantity 52)
• Color C: 1 x 100g hank (quantity 30)

You will need 1 pair of 4.00mm needles (US 6) to complete this project. The pattern specifically recommends using smaller needles than the standard size for this yarn weight; larger needles would create an overly loose fabric unsuitable for a structured capelet.

Gauge and Tension

The pattern is worked to a gauge of 17 stitches and 33 rows measured over 10 cm (approximately 4 inches). Achieving the correct gauge is essential for obtaining the specified finished measurements.

Knitting Techniques and Stitches

This capelet employs several fundamental knitting techniques:

• Stockinette Stitch: The primary stitch structure, created by alternating knit and purl rows to produce a smooth, classic fabric
• Color Work: The pattern features a repeating color sequence using three distinct colors from the Ella Rae Phoenix yarn range, creating visual interest and texture throughout the piece
• Decreasing: Strategic decreases are incorporated to shape the capelet, including knit-two-together (k2tog) decreases that reduce the stitch count from 170 stitches to 91 stitches
• Buttonhole: A functional buttonhole is created using yarn forward (yf) and knit-two-together (k2tog) techniques, allowing the capelet to be fastened securely

Pattern Construction

The capelet begins with casting on 170 stitches using color A and 4.00mm needles. The main body is worked in a 12-row pattern repeat that cycles through the three colors in a specific sequence:

• Rows 1 & 2: Worked in color A
• Rows 3 & 4: Worked in color B
• Rows 5 & 6: Worked in color C (repeating rows 1 & 2 stitch pattern)
• Rows 7 & 8: Worked in color A (repeating rows 3 & 4 stitch pattern)
• Rows 9 & 10: Worked in color B (repeating rows 1 & 2 stitch pattern)
• Rows 11 & 12: Worked in color C (repeating rows 3 & 4 stitch pattern)

This 12-row sequence is repeated until the capelet reaches approximately 30 cm in length, ending on either row 4 or row 10 of the pattern repeat to maintain pattern consistency.

Shaping and Finishing

Once the desired length is achieved, the capelet transitions to the shaping phase. The stitch count is dramatically reduced using a decrease row worked in color C, bringing the total from 170 stitches down to 91 stitches. A buttonhole row is then worked in color A to allow for closure. The pattern provides detailed row-by-row instructions for these final shaping rows, ensuring a professional finish to this elegant layering garment.