Blue Sky Fibers Stillwater Cape Knitting Pattern

Blue Sky Fibers Stillwater Cape by Mary Pranica

What is Being Made

The Stillwater Cape is a contemporary take on a classic cape silhouette designed by Mary Pranica. This garment is a versatile layering piece that can be worn straight-on or positioned off to the side for different styling options. The finished cape measures 22 inches from back neck and 51 inches across the front edge to front edge, making it a substantial yet elegant accessory.

Craft and Techniques

This is an intermediate-level knitting project that combines multiple techniques to create visual interest and structure. The cape features a seamless construction that is worked flat (back and forth) rather than in the round, despite using a circular needle to accommodate the large stitch count. The design incorporates woven stripes and cable bands that work together to create beautiful geometric angles across the garment.

The pattern demonstrates skilled use of cable stitches worked alongside stockinette stitch as the primary fabric base. Shaping is achieved through strategic decreases, particularly along the right side neck area, which are worked simultaneously with the pattern sections. The construction method allows knitters to manage the increasing complexity of stitch patterns while maintaining proper fit and drape.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns Used

• Stockinette stitch – The foundational stitch used throughout the cape, providing a smooth, classic fabric base
• Cable stitches – Textured bands that create dimensional interest and contribute to the angular design aesthetic
• Woven stitch pattern – A contrasting pattern section worked with a contrasting color that creates the striped effect
• Knit and purl combinations – Used for border sections and pattern definition
• Decreases (k2tog) – Strategic decreases shape the neckline and create the tapered silhouette

Materials and Yarn Specifications

The Stillwater Cape is designed for use with Woolstok Tweed in Aran weight, a premium yarn blend containing 85% Highland Wool and 15% Donegal. This fiber composition provides warmth, durability, and the structure necessary for cable definition and drape.

Yarn Requirements: The pattern calls for 5 hanks of the main color (A) and 1 hank each of three contrasting colors (B, C, and D) for the woven stripe sections and cable bands. The color palette shown features Silver Birch (A) as the primary color, with Deep Earth (B), Fern Frond (C), and Olive Branch (D) as accent colors, creating an earthy, sophisticated colorway.

Needles and Tools: The project requires a US Size 11 (8mm) 32-inch circular needle to obtain proper gauge, along with US Size 8 (5mm) needles for working the toggle loops. Additional notions include two 1¾-inch buttons, one ¾-inch snap, an optional hook and eye set for collar closure, a tapestry needle for finishing, a cable needle for working cables, and sewing needle with thread for attaching hardware.

Gauge and Sizing

The pattern specifies a gauge of 11 stitches and 14½ rounds equals 4 inches in stockinette stitch using the larger needle and appropriate yarn, blocked. While exact gauge is noted as not critical for this project, variations will affect the finished size and the way the cape drapes on the body, making it important to swatch and adjust needle size as needed.

Construction Notes

The cape begins with a cast-on of 79 stitches and is worked back and forth in rows rather than joined in the round. The construction includes a border section worked in garter stitch, followed by the main Cables Section and Woven Stitch Section. Shaping occurs simultaneously with pattern work, requiring attention to stitch counts and pattern placement. The pattern includes helpful notes for managing cable stitches when insufficient stitches remain, substituting stockinette stitch as needed to maintain pattern integrity.