Berroco Elmira Cape Knitting Pattern

Berroco Elmira Knit Sweater and Cape Pattern

What Is Being Made

The Berroco Elmira is an intermediate-level knit garment designed by Amy Christoffers that functions as both a sweater and cape. This versatile piece features a sophisticated construction with finished width measurements ranging from 31¼ inches to 50½ inches (79.5 to 128.5 cm) and length options from 28½ inches to 31 inches (72.5 to 78.5 cm), allowing for multiple size options to suit different body types and styling preferences.

Knitting Techniques Used

Intarsia Colorwork: The Elmira pattern incorporates intarsia knitting, a technique that allows for the creation of large areas of contrasting colors without carrying yarn across the back of the work. This method requires managing multiple yarn balls simultaneously, with careful attention to twisting yarns at color changes to prevent holes and maintain even tension.

Circular Needle Construction: The garment is worked on circular needles in the round and flat, using both 16-inch and 36-inch circular needles. This construction method provides flexibility and comfort during the knitting process, particularly for larger projects.

Shoulder Shaping: The pattern includes structured shoulder shaping through strategic bind-offs worked over multiple rows, creating a tailored fit at the shoulders. This technique is essential for achieving a professional garment silhouette.

Neck Shaping: The design incorporates neck shaping details that are worked while maintaining the established intarsia pattern, demonstrating intermediate-level pattern management skills.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

Stockinette Stitch (St st): The primary stitch used throughout the garment, creating a smooth, classic fabric with knit stitches on the right side and purl stitches on the wrong side.

Garter Stitch: Used for the initial cast-on edge, with 11 rows (creating 6 garter ridges) providing a decorative and stable border that prevents curling.

Intarsia Pattern: A two-color pattern section worked in the center of the back piece, framed by garter stitch borders of 6 stitches on each side to create visual definition and structural stability.

Materials and Yarn Specifications

Yarn: The Elmira pattern calls for Berroco Tiramisu, a yarn weight of 50 grams per ball. The colorway shown in the pattern is #9227 Pizzelle. Yardage requirements range from 10 balls for the smallest size to 18 balls for the largest size, providing flexibility for different gauges and personal preferences.

Needles: The pattern requires US size 7 (4.5 mm) circular needles in two lengths: a 16-inch needle for working smaller sections and a 36-inch needle for larger circumferences. Knitters are advised to select needle size based on achieving the correct gauge rather than relying solely on the recommended size.

Additional Notions: The pattern requires 2 stitch markers to denote pattern sections and transitions, and waste yarn for holding stitches during construction, particularly during shoulder and neck shaping.

Gauge and Sizing

The pattern specifies a gauge of 20 stitches and 26 rows over 4 inches (10 cm) in stockinette stitch. Achieving accurate gauge is emphasized as essential for obtaining correct finished measurements and ensuring the garment fits as designed. The pattern includes five size options, accommodating a wide range of finished measurements.

Pattern Notes

When changing yarn balls, knitters are instructed to twist the new yarn over the dropped yarn to prevent gaps in the fabric and maintain consistent tension. The pattern recommends using the specific Berroco Tiramisu yarn called for in the instructions to ensure color accuracy and fiber performance. All pattern PDFs are regularly updated with corrections, and knitters are encouraged to download the most recent version to ensure they have accurate instructions.