Berroco Milan Cape Knitting Pattern

Berroco Milan Knit Cape

What is Being Made

The Berroco Milan is a knitted cape designed by Amy Christoffers, available in four sizes ranging from XS-S to 3X. This intermediate-level project creates a sophisticated layering piece with finished measurements of 35¼ to 52½ inches in width and 23½ to 25 inches in length. The cape is shown in size XS-S and features a structured design that works as both a fashion statement and functional outerwear.

Construction Techniques

The Milan cape is constructed using bottom-up knitting methodology, meaning the garment is built from the lower edge upward. The piece is worked flat on circular needles rather than in the round, allowing the knitter to work back and forth in rows. The finished sections are then seamed together to create the final garment shape. This combination of techniques creates clean, professional seams while maintaining the flexibility of flat knitting during construction.

Stitch Techniques and Pattern Details

The Milan cape incorporates multiple stitch patterns to create visual interest and texture throughout the design. The pattern uses Stockinette Stitch (St st) as a foundational stitch, combined with Seed Stitch for textured sections that add dimension. Garter Stitch appears in specific sections to create horizontal ridges and structure. Reverse Stockinette Stitch is also utilized, which creates a purled texture on the right side of the fabric. The garment begins with a ribbed edge worked in alternating knit and purl stitches to create elasticity and a finished appearance at the cast-on edge.

The pattern is organized into distinct sections, each featuring different stitch combinations placed strategically across the width of the cape. Stitch markers are used throughout construction to clearly delineate these sections and maintain pattern accuracy. The ribbed setup section measures 2 inches in length before transitioning into the main patterned sections, providing a neat, structured border.

Materials: Yarn and Needles

The Milan cape is designed to be knitted with Berroco Zinnia yarn, a 50-gram ball weight. Depending on the size selected, the project requires between 13 and 21 balls of yarn, with the sample shown knitted in colorway #7138 Denim. This yarn choice provides the appropriate drape and weight for a cape-style garment.

Construction requires two circular needles in size 7 (4.5 mm): a 16-inch needle and a 32-inch needle. The longer needle accommodates the wider cast-on stitches required for the cape's width, while the shorter needle may be used for sections with fewer stitches. Circular needles are used for their versatility in managing large stitch counts while working flat. Additional notions include four stitch markers for tracking pattern sections and waste yarn for holding stitches during construction.

Gauge and Finishing Details

The pattern specifies a gauge of 21 stitches and 34 rows equals 4 inches (10 cm) when worked in Stockinette Stitch and Seed Stitch. Achieving proper gauge is essential for ensuring the finished cape meets the intended measurements, and the pattern instructions emphasize checking gauge before beginning to avoid sizing discrepancies.