Berroco Arade Cape Knitting Pattern

Berroco Arade Knitted Cape

What is Being Made

The Berroco Arade is a sophisticated knitted cape designed by Amy Christoffers, featured in Booklet #405. This intermediate-level project creates an elegant wrap garment available in four sizes ranging from XS-S through 3X, with finished widths from 32¾ inches to 45¾ inches and lengths between 25 and 26½ inches. The cape is worked flat on circular needles and features a symmetrical lace pattern that creates visual interest across the back panel.

Techniques Used

The Arade employs several key knitting techniques to achieve its refined appearance:

• Bottom-up construction: The cape is knitted from the bottom edge upward, allowing knitters to try on the garment as it progresses and easily adjust the final length if desired
• Worked flat: Using circular needles in the flat method rather than in-the-round, which provides flexibility in shaping and pattern placement
• Lace patterning: Intricate lace motifs are created throughout the body using yarn overs and decreases, producing an open, airy fabric with decorative visual texture
• Seamed construction: Pieces are joined together using seaming techniques to create the finished garment structure
• Garter stitch edging: The pattern begins with 12 rows of garter stitch (6 ridges) to create a stable, non-curling foundation edge

Stitches Used

The Arade pattern utilizes fundamental knitting stitches combined to create its signature lace design:

• Knit and purl stitches: Form the base fabric and create textural contrast within the lace pattern
• Yarn overs (yo): Create the characteristic openings and decorative holes that define the lace pattern
• Slip, slip, knit (SSK): A left-leaning decrease used to balance yarn overs and shape the lace motifs
• Knit two together (k2tog): A right-leaning decrease that works in conjunction with yarn overs to create the lace design
• Stitch markers: Used to organize pattern repeats and maintain consistency across the width of the cape

Materials: Yarn and Needles

Yarn: The Arade is designed to be knitted with Berroco Linen Stonewash, a linen-based yarn that provides structure and drape ideal for a cape silhouette. The specific colorway shown in the pattern is #7325 Surf. Yardage requirements vary by size: XS-S requires 12 balls, M-L requires 13 balls, XL-2X requires 15 balls, and 3X requires 17 balls. Each ball weighs 50 grams, making this an accessible project in terms of material investment.

Needles and notions: Knitters will need both 16-inch and 29-inch circular needles in size 6 (4.00 mm), or the size necessary to achieve the specified gauge. The pattern also calls for 3 stitch markers to organize the lace repeats and waste yarn to temporarily hold stitches during construction.

Gauge and Construction Details

The pattern specifies a gauge of 22 stitches and 32 rows over 4 inches when worked in the pattern stitch. Achieving accurate gauge is emphasized as essential for obtaining the correct finished measurements. The back panel begins with 180 to 252 cast-on stitches depending on size, with the lace pattern established after the initial garter stitch border. The pattern provides both written row-by-row instructions and chart references (Chart A and Chart B) to accommodate different knitter preferences, allowing crafters to follow either detailed written directions or visual charted representations of the lace motifs.