Berroco Arisha Cape Knitting Pattern

Berroco Arisha Knit Cape and Sweater

What is Being Made

Arisha version 2 is a women's knit garment designed by Amy Christoffers that functions as both a cape and sweater hybrid. This intermediate-level project features an oversized, relaxed fit with approximately 16–18" of ease built into the design. The finished measurements are 52(58-64)" bust and 30" length across all sizes, making it a generous silhouette suitable for layering. The garment is available in women's sizes XS/S, M/L, and 1X/2X, with the sample shown in size M/L.

Construction Techniques

Arisha is constructed using bottom-up seamless knitting methods, which means the garment is worked from the lower edge upward without seams. The construction process involves working the back and front sections separately and flat to the top of the side slits, then joining these pieces to work in the round over the center section. The pieces are subsequently separated again to complete the upper portions, allowing for a custom fit and shaping throughout the design.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The pattern employs fundamental knitting stitches to create its structure and texture. The ribbed set-up uses knit and purl stitches in alternation (K1, P1 ribbing), which creates an elastic edge that measures 2" from the beginning. This ribbed section transitions to stockinette stitch (St st) worked on the larger needles, which forms the primary fabric of the garment. Stockinette stitch—created by knitting on right-side rows and purling on wrong-side rows—produces the smooth, classic knit fabric appearance. Stitch markers are strategically placed to denote pattern sections and maintain consistency throughout the flat and in-the-round portions of construction.

Materials: Yarn and Needles

This pattern calls for Berroco Catena yarn in the colorway #5406 Quartz. The yarn is worked at 50 grams per ball, requiring 10(11-12) balls depending on the size selected. Berroco Catena is the recommended yarn for this design to ensure proper gauge and finished garment dimensions.

The needle requirements include size 10 (6.00 mm) and size 11 (8.00 mm) circular needles. Specifically, knitters will need 29" circular needles in both sizes 10 and 11, a 16" circular needle in size 10, and a spare straight needle in size 11 (8.00 mm). A single stitch marker and waste yarn for holding stitches round out the notions required. The gauge is 14 stitches and 20 rows equals 4" in stockinette stitch on the larger needle, making accurate gauge checking essential before beginning the project to ensure the finished measurements match the pattern specifications.