Cabled Capelet Knitting Pattern

Cabled Capelet Knitting Pattern by Lion Brand

What Is Being Made

This pattern creates a cabled capelet, an easy-fitting shoulder poncho designed as a versatile cold weather accessory. The capelet is one size fits all, with a finished circumference of 52 inches (132 cm) at the lower edge and a finished length of 13 inches (33 cm). This one-piece knitted design makes it an ideal weekend project with minimal finishing required.

Knitting Techniques and Construction

The capelet is worked in the round using the two-strand held together method, which creates a thicker, more textured fabric. Construction begins by casting on 96 stitches using a longer circular needle, then working in continuous rounds while being careful not to twist the stitches. The pattern incorporates strategic decreasing rounds that shape the capelet as it grows, reducing from the initial 96 stitches down to 80 stitches, then 72 stitches, and finally 48 stitches at the neck opening. This graduated shaping ensures the garment fits comfortably across the shoulders while tapering toward the neckline.

Stitches Used

The primary stitch pattern combines knit and purl stitches with decorative cable crosses. The featured cable stitch is the 5/5 LC (5 over 5 left cross), which is worked by slipping 5 stitches to a cable needle and holding them in front of the work before knitting the next 5 stitches, then knitting the stitches from the cable needle. This creates the characteristic twisted rope-like texture that defines the capelet's visual interest. The cable motifs are strategically placed throughout the pattern and repeated at intervals, alternating with sections of stockinette stitch (knit stitches) to create visual rhythm and prevent the fabric from becoming too dense.

Materials and Tools

This pattern calls for Lion Brand Homespun Yarn in the Antique colorway, requiring 2 balls of yarn. The yarn is worked with two strands held together throughout the project. Needles required include a 16-inch circular needle size 17 (13 mm) and a 29-inch circular needle size 17 (13 mm) for working the larger circumference sections. Additional tools include Lion Brand cable needles (set of 2) for executing the cable crosses and large-eye blunt needles (set of 6) for weaving in yarn ends during finishing.

Gauge and Sizing

The pattern specifies a gauge of 7 stitches and 11 rows equals 4 inches (10 cm) in pattern. Checking gauge before beginning is essential to ensure the finished capelet matches the specified dimensions and that the materials provided will be sufficient. If your gauge produces fewer stitches and rows per 4-inch square, use smaller needles; if it produces more stitches and rows, use larger needles.

Skill Level

This pattern is rated as Easy +, making it accessible to knitters with basic experience while introducing cable work techniques. The straightforward construction combined with the satisfying visual impact of the cable stitches makes this an excellent project for developing cable-working skills.