Berroco Addilyn Capelet- Portfolio Knitting Pattern

Berroco Addilyn Capelet - Seamless Top-Down Knit Design

What is Being Made

The Addilyn Capelet is a versatile women's knitted capelet designed by Elizabeth Smith that functions as both a shoulder wrap and a cowl-neck garment. This easy-level knitting project is worked in one piece from the neck down, creating a garment that can be styled multiple ways. The capelet can be worn traditionally draped around the shoulders or pulled up on the neck and fastened as a cozy cowl. The asymmetrical, buttoned neck offers styling flexibility—wear it fully buttoned for a structured look or leave the top button open and fold the neck over like a traditional collar.

Techniques Used

This capelet is constructed using seamless, top-down knitting techniques, which means you begin at the neckline and work downward to the hem. The garment is initially worked back and forth on a circular needle for the neck shaping, then joined to work in the round for the body. Strategic increases are incorporated throughout to shape the shoulders and create the proper silhouette. The drop stitch pattern creates elongated stitches that serve a dual purpose—they form the buttonholes for the fastening system while adding visual interest and texture to the design.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The primary stitch pattern used throughout the Addilyn Capelet is the Garter Drop Stitch Pattern. This pattern creates elongated stitches by dropping them from the needle in a controlled manner, producing an open, airy texture. The garter stitch base (knit every row when working flat) provides structure and stability while the dropped stitches add drape and create natural buttonholes. This combination of techniques results in a fabric with both visual texture and functional design elements.

Materials and Tools

The Addilyn Capelet is designed to be knitted with Berroco Ultra Alpaca Chunky Tonal yarn in the colorway Goose Bay (#72300). Depending on the size selected, you will need 3 hanks (for sizes X-Small/Small through 1X/2X) or 4 hanks (for sizes 3X/4X), with each hank weighing 100 grams. The yarn's chunky weight allows for relatively quick project completion.

Essential knitting tools include a 24-inch circular knitting needle in size 10½ (6.50 mm) or the size needed to achieve proper gauge. You will also need one stitch marker to track your position when working in the round, and one double-pointed needle (dpn) in size 10½ or smaller to hold stitches temporarily during construction. Two 1-inch buttons are required to complete the asymmetrical cowl neck closure.

Sizing and Finished Measurements

The Addilyn Capelet is available in four size ranges to accommodate different bust measurements:

• X-Small/Small: To fit bust 30 to 36 inches, with finished bottom circumference of 42 inches and length of 16¼ inches
• Medium/Large: To fit bust 38 to 44 inches, with finished bottom circumference of 48 inches and length of 17½ inches
• 1X/2X: To fit bust 46 to 52 inches, with finished bottom circumference of 54 inches and length of 18¼ inches
• 3X/4X: To fit bust 54 to 60 inches, with finished bottom circumference of 60 inches and length of 19½ inches

Gauge

The pattern specifies a gauge of 12 stitches and 20 rows equals 4 inches in the Garter Drop Stitch Pattern. Checking gauge before beginning is essential to ensure your finished capelet matches the intended measurements and drape. The pattern instructions emphasize taking time to verify gauge to avoid potential sizing issues.