Blue Sky Fibers Princeton Capelet Knitting Pattern

Blue Sky Fibers Princeton Capelet

What is Being Made

The Princeton Capelet is a versatile knitted accessory designed by Sylvia Hager that can be styled as either a capelet or a generous cowl. This sophisticated piece offers a luxurious layering option for women, available in three sizes: XS/S, M/L, and XL/XXL. The capelet features a bottom circumference ranging from 54 inches to 74½ inches depending on size, with a more fitted top circumference of 30 to 32 inches, creating a flattering draped silhouette.

Techniques Used

The Princeton Capelet is constructed using bottom-up knitting, meaning the piece begins at the widest point and is worked upward toward the neckline. The entire garment is worked in the round using circular needles, which creates a seamless construction with no side seams to sew. This method ensures a smooth, continuous fabric and eliminates the need for finishing seams, making the piece both comfortable to wear and elegant in appearance. The decreases are strategically placed at marked points to create the tapered shape from the generous bottom circumference to the fitted top.

Stitches Used

The Princeton Capelet employs fundamental knitting stitches suitable for an advanced beginner skill level. The primary stitch pattern is stockinette stitch, which creates a smooth, classic fabric with a flat appearance. The pattern begins with a ribbed edge using alternating purl and twisted knit stitches (p1, k1tbl) worked over the first five rounds, which provides elasticity and a refined finished edge at the bottom opening. Decreases are worked using slip, slip, knit (ssk) and knit two together (k2tog) techniques, which are paired strategically at marked intervals to gradually reduce the stitch count and shape the capelet from its wide base to its fitted neckline.

Materials

The Princeton Capelet is designed specifically for Blue Sky Fibers Eco-Cashmere in DK weight, a luxurious yarn blend composed of 50% recycled cashmere and 50% virgin cashmere. Each 50-gram hank yields 164 yards of yarn. Depending on size, the project requires between 5 to 7 hanks of yarn. The pattern shown features the colorway No. 1801 Arctic Shadow. Construction requires two circular needles in size 8 (5mm): a 16-inch needle for the initial cast-on and early rounds, and a 24-inch needle for working the body of the capelet. The recommended gauge is 17 stitches and 23 rows over 4 inches when worked in stockinette stitch. Additional tools needed include stitch markers to denote decrease points and a tapestry needle for weaving in yarn ends.