Berroco Carico Cape Crochet Pattern

Berroco Carico Crochet Cape

What Is Being Made

The Berroco Carico is a crocheted cape designed by Alison Green. This garment features an intermediate skill level and is worked in one size with finished measurements of approximately 44" around and 16" high. The design incorporates significant stretch, making it a versatile layering piece suitable for various body types.

Crochet Techniques

This cape is constructed using lace techniques and is worked flat, making it accessible for crocheters who prefer working in rows or rounds without the complexity of seamless in-the-round construction. The lace pattern creates an open, breathable fabric with decorative shell motifs that provide both visual interest and drape.

Stitches and Pattern Details

The Carico employs several fundamental crochet stitches to create its distinctive lace pattern:

• Single crochet (sc) – Used as anchor stitches within the pattern repeats
• Double crochet (dc) – Forms the foundation of the shell stitch clusters, with 9-dc groupings creating the primary design element
• Chain stitches (ch) – Create the open spaces characteristic of lace, including ch-5 and ch-3 variations that define the pattern's rhythm
• Slip stitch (sl st) – Joins rounds and completes the circular construction

The pattern stitch repeats across five rounds, building dimensional shells and creating a cascading lace effect. The shells measure approximately 2" wide, providing clear visual markers for pattern progression.

Materials Required

This project calls for 4 hanks of Berroco Mixer yarn (50 grams each) in colorway #8119 Champagne. A 3.75 mm (size F) crochet hook is recommended, though hook size may be adjusted to obtain the correct gauge. One stitch marker is needed to track pattern repeats.

Gauge and Construction Notes

The pattern specifies a gauge of 16 single crochet stitches and 24 rounds equals 4 inches in single crochet fabric. Achieving proper gauge is essential for obtaining the finished measurements and ensuring the cape drapes correctly. The pattern notes emphasize checking gauge before beginning to save time and materials.

After completion, all yarn ends should be woven in neatly, and the finished cape can be blocked as desired to enhance the lace pattern definition and achieve optimal draping.