Berroco Azufral Cape Knitting Pattern

Berroco Azufral Capelet

What is Being Made

The Berroco Azufral is an intermediate-level knitted capelet designed by Donna Yacino. This garment is a sophisticated layering piece featuring a fitted neckline that gradually widens toward the hem. The capelet is available in three sizes with finished measurements of 46", 49", and 52" at the bottom circumference, with a neck opening of 24", 27", or 30" respectively. The finished length ranges from 15" to 17" depending on size, making it an elegant shoulder-covering accessory suitable for various occasions.

Techniques Used

This capelet employs several key knitting techniques to achieve its distinctive appearance and structure. The garment is worked flat rather than in the round, constructed as two separate pieces (front and back) that are later seamed together. The bottom-up construction method means knitting begins at the lower edge and progresses toward the neckline. Lace patterning creates visual interest and texture throughout the piece. The shaping is accomplished through strategic decreasing, with decreases worked every four rows across fourteen repeat rows to gradually reduce the stitch count from the initial cast-on to the final neckline. The finished capelet requires seaming to join the front and back pieces at the side seams, and all ends are woven in for a polished appearance.

Stitches Used

The Azufral features a distinctive pattern stitch that repeats over a multiple of 2 stitches. The pattern alternates between two rows: a knit row on the right side, and a more complex row incorporating slip stitches with yarn positioning. Specifically, the second row begins with a knit stitch, then repeats a sequence of slipping 2 stitches with yarn in front, slipping the same 2 stitches back to the left-hand needle with yarn in back, and knitting those stitches, continuing this repeat to the final stitch which is knitted. This creates a textured, lace-like fabric with visual movement. Additional stitches used include knit stitches, knit two together decreases for shaping, and bind-off to finish the neckline edge.

Materials

The Azufral pattern calls for Berroco Mykonos yarn in colorway #8502 Selene. Yardage requirements are 4 hanks for the two smaller sizes and 5 hanks for the largest size, with each hank weighing 50 grams. A 24-inch circular needle in size 5 (3.75 mm) is required, or the size needed to obtain the correct gauge. One stitch marker is needed for pattern work. The recommended gauge is 22 stitches and 28 rows over 4 inches when worked in the pattern stitch, and checking gauge before beginning is strongly advised to ensure proper fit.