Berroco Marlow Cape Knitting Pattern

Berroco Marlow Cape and Poncho

What is Being Made

The Berroco Marlow is an intermediate-level knitted cape and poncho design created by Amy Christoffers. This garment is worked flat on circular needles and features a sophisticated silhouette with strategic shaping at the neckline. The finished piece measures (22, 25) inches wide by (25, 28) inches long, accommodating bust sizes from approximately 32–44 inches up to 46–68 inches, making it a versatile layering piece suitable for various body types.

Techniques Used

The Marlow employs several key knitting techniques to achieve its elegant drape and fit. The garment is worked flat using circular needles, which allows for easier handling of the increasing stitch count during construction. The design incorporates neck shaping achieved through strategic increases positioned with stitch markers, creating a custom fit around the neckline area. The pattern uses the long tail cast-on method, which is specifically recommended for this project to ensure a clean, professional edge. Knitters are advised to use a needle one to two sizes larger than the gauge needle for the cast-on if their cast-on edge tends to be tight, demonstrating attention to finishing details.

Stitches Used

The primary stitch throughout the Marlow is garter stitch, a fundamental and highly textured knit stitch created by knitting every row. This classic stitch provides both visual interest and structural integrity to the garment. The body begins with garter stitch worked for (112, 136) rows—equivalent to (56, 68) garter ridges—establishing a solid foundation. Shaping is accomplished using M1R (make one right) and M1L (make one left) increases, which are worked symmetrically around marked stitches to create balanced, professional-looking increases. The pattern employs stitch markers strategically placed to denote increase points, with four markers used to organize the shaping sequence. A WS (wrong side) row of knitting is worked between increase rows to allow the fabric to develop properly.

Materials: Yarn, Needles, and Notions

The Marlow calls for Berroco Sesame yarn in the colorway #7456 Acai. Berroco Sesame is a 100-gram ball yarn, and the pattern requires (5, 6) balls depending on size selection. The recommended needles are a 32-inch circular needle in size 7 (4.5 mm) or the size needed to obtain the specified gauge, along with a spare circular needle of the same size or smaller. Additional notions include 4 stitch markers for tracking shaping points and a tapestry needle for finishing and weaving in ends. The pattern specifies a gauge of 16 stitches and 32 rows equaling 4 inches (10 cm) in garter stitch, and knitters are strongly encouraged to check gauge before beginning to ensure accurate finished measurements.