Berroco Rini Cape Knitting Pattern

Berroco Rini Capelet: Seamless Knit Design

What Is Being Made

The Berroco Rini is a knitted capelet designed by Emily Nora O'Neil. This intermediate-level garment features a classic capelet silhouette with finished measurements of approximately 40 inches around the lower edge, 18 inches around the neck opening, and 18 inches in length. The capelet is designed as a single, cohesive piece that drapes elegantly from the shoulders.

Construction Techniques

The Rini capelet is constructed using a bottom-up, seamless approach worked in the round. This method means the garment begins at the widest point (the lower edge) and is worked upward toward the neck opening in continuous rounds, eliminating the need for seaming. The seamless construction creates a smooth, professional finish and ensures consistent stitch definition throughout the piece.

The pattern employs strategic decreasing to shape the capelet from its wider lower edge down to the narrower neckline. Decreases are worked at marked intervals using slip, slip, knit (SSK) and knit two together (k2tog) techniques, which are mirror decreases that maintain the aesthetic balance of the design. Six stitch markers—including one in a different color to denote the beginning of the round—guide the knitter through the shaping sequence.

Stitches and Stitch Pattern

The primary stitch pattern used in the Rini is a ribbed pattern combining knit through the back loop (k1TBL) with purl stitches (p1). This alternating rib creates vertical texture and helps the capelet maintain its shape while providing elegant drape. The ribbed pattern is established in the initial 10 rounds at the cast-on edge and continues throughout the piece, with decreases worked strategically to maintain pattern consistency as the circumference reduces.

The gauge for this pattern is 7 stitches and 8 rounds equals 4 inches in pattern stitch. Checking gauge before beginning is essential to ensure the finished capelet meets the intended measurements and drapes properly.

Materials and Tools

The Rini capelet is worked in Berroco Macro yarn, a substantial bulky-weight option. The pattern calls for 2 hanks (500 grams total) in colorway #6752 Orca. Berroco Macro is a chunky yarn that works up quickly and creates bold texture, making it ideal for showcasing the ribbed stitch pattern.

Two circular knitting needles are required: a 29-inch length needle and a 16-inch length needle, both in size 19 (15.00 mm). The pattern notes that knitters should begin on the longer circular needle and switch to the shorter needle as stitches decrease and no longer fit comfortably on the longer needle. Six stitch markers are needed to track shaping points throughout the construction.

Pattern Overview

• Cast on 68 stitches and join for working in the round
• Work 10 rounds of k1TBL, p1 ribbing to establish the pattern
• Execute two distinct decrease rounds that reduce stitches from 68 to 64, then from 64 to 60
• Repeat the second decrease round every other round 8 additional times, reducing to 28 stitches at the neck
• Work even in established pattern until the piece measures 18 inches from the cast-on edge
• Bind off and finish by weaving in ends and blocking as desired

The strategic placement of decreases at marked intervals ensures the capelet tapers smoothly and evenly from the lower edge to the neckline, creating a flattering garment that sits properly on the shoulders.