Berroco Gambit Cape Knitting Pattern

Berroco Gambit Capelet: Knitted Cape Pattern

What Is Being Made

The Berroco Gambit is an intermediate-level knitted capelet designed by Amy Christoffers. This versatile garment is a shoulder-draped piece that measures approximately 45(48) inches around the lower edge, 28(31) inches around the neck opening, and 19(20) inches in length. The capelet offers two finished size options to accommodate different wearers, making it an adaptable layering piece suitable for various occasions and body types.

Techniques Used

This pattern employs several key knitting techniques to achieve its structured, flattering shape. The capelet is worked flat on circular needles, meaning you knit back and forth in rows rather than working in the round. The construction begins with a provisional cast-on method, which allows for a seamless join later in the finishing process. The most distinctive shaping technique is the use of short rows to create the shoulder shaping. Short rows involve knitting partway across a row, turning before reaching the end, and knitting back—leaving some stitches unworked. This creates graduated increases in fabric length that naturally shape the shoulders and neckline. The pattern notes that traditional "wrap and turn" techniques have been omitted due to the heavy weight of the yarn used. The finishing process includes grafting, a technique that joins two sets of live stitches together invisibly using a tapestry needle, creating a seamless connection between the provisional cast-on edge and the final stitches.

Stitches Used

The Gambit capelet is constructed almost entirely in Garter Stitch, which is one of the most fundamental and versatile knitting stitches. Garter stitch is created by knitting every row (whether working flat or in the round), resulting in a reversible fabric with prominent horizontal ridges on both sides. This stitch is ideal for this project because it creates a dense, stable fabric that drapes beautifully and provides excellent stitch definition. The gauge for this pattern is 8 stitches and 15 rows equal 4 inches in Garter Stitch, measured over a 4-inch square. Achieving the correct gauge is essential for obtaining the proper finished measurements, and the pattern emphasizes checking gauge before beginning the project to avoid sizing discrepancies.

Materials and Tools

The Gambit capelet is designed to be worked with Berroco Noble yarn, a substantial yarn choice that contributes to the garment's structured drape. You will need 3 balls for the smaller size or 4 balls for the larger size, with each ball weighing 100 grams. The yarn color shown in the pattern is #2060 Dahlia. For needles, the pattern calls for a 29-inch length circular knitting needle in size 15 (10.00 mm), or whatever size is necessary to obtain the specified gauge. You will also need a spare circular needle in size 15 or smaller to hold stitches during the grafting process. Additional materials include waste yarn for the provisional cast-on and a tapestry needle for grafting and weaving in ends. The pattern recommends using the specific yarn called for in the instructions to ensure accurate results and proper garment proportions.