Berroco Carole Cape Knitting Pattern

Berroco Carole Cape: Seamless Lace Knit Pattern

What is Being Made

The Berroco Carole is a sophisticated lace cape designed by Amy Christoffers, offering an intermediate-level knitting project. This garment is a versatile layering piece available in four sizes, with finished measurements ranging from 38" to 56" wide and approximately 24¾" long. The cape is designed to be worn with approximately 4–6" of positive ease, making it a comfortable, flowing garment suitable for various occasions and body types.

Techniques Used

This cape employs several advanced knitting techniques to create its elegant silhouette. The garment is worked flat on circular needles, meaning it is constructed in rows rather than in the round. The construction method is bottom-up and sideways, with the piece worked from the left side edge to the right side edge, creating a unique directional fabric. The cape features seamless construction, eliminating the need for finishing seams and creating a polished, professional appearance. A distinctive design element involves working with two balls of yarn simultaneously, alternating between them every other right-side row, which adds visual interest and structural integrity to the finished piece.

Stitches and Lace Pattern

The Carole features an intricate lace stitch pattern that forms the visual centerpiece of the design. The pattern stitch is based on a multiple of 10 stitches plus 1, creating a repeating motif across the width of the cape. The lace pattern incorporates several key knitting techniques:

• Yarn overs (yo) create the characteristic eyelets and openwork that define lace knitting
• Decreases using k2tog (knit two together) and SSK (slip, slip, knit) stitches balance the yarn overs and shape the fabric
• Purl stitches (p1) create vertical lines that frame and structure the lace repeats
• Stockinette stitch (knit and purl) sections alternate with lace rows to create rhythm and visual variation

The pattern alternates between rows featuring k2tog decreases paired with yarn overs, and rows featuring SSK decreases paired with yarn overs, creating a balanced, symmetrical lace design. Plain stockinette rows interspersed throughout allow the lace pattern to breathe and prevent the fabric from becoming too open or delicate.

Materials: Yarn and Needles

The Berroco Carole is designed to be knit using Berroco Liana yarn, a premium fiber choice that complements the lace stitch pattern beautifully. The project requires between 10 and 15 hanks of Berroco Liana (depending on size), with the sample shown in Marigold colorway #8271. Each hank weighs 50 grams, providing approximately 500–750 yards of yarn depending on the size selected.

Construction requires a 36" (90 cm) or longer circular needle in size 6 (4 mm), or whatever needle size is necessary to achieve the specified gauge. A spare needle of the same size or smaller is recommended for holding stitches during construction. Additional notions include 2 stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats and waste yarn for securing stitches of the front opening during the sideways construction process.

Gauge and Finishing

The pattern specifies a gauge of 20 stitches and 29 rows over 4 inches (10 cm) in pattern stitch. Achieving accurate gauge is essential for proper fit and drape of the finished cape, particularly given the lace construction and the positive ease built into the design. The pattern notes emphasize checking gauge before beginning to ensure accurate finished measurements and proper garment proportions.