Classic Elite Yarns Lady Londonderry Cape Knitting Pattern

Classic Elite Yarns Lady Londonderry Capelet

What Is Being Made

The Lady Londonderry is a knitted capelet designed by Susan Mills, originally published in Spring 2013 in the West Garden 9220 collection. This garment is a sophisticated layering piece that measures approximately 21½ inches at the neckline and 51½ inches at the bottom, making it an elegant wrap-style accessory. The capelet features a button closure that can be worn at the center front or off-center for styling versatility.

Construction Method and Techniques

This capelet is constructed using a bottom-up, seamless, worked-flat approach, meaning the knitter begins at the lower edge and works upward toward the neckline without joining seams. The garment is worked flat on straight needles rather than in the round, allowing for easy shaping and stitch manipulation as the piece progresses.

The design incorporates lace techniques that create an elegant, open aesthetic. The primary lace pattern is the Feather and Fan stitch, which produces a gently scalloped hem at the bottom of the capelet. This classic lace motif uses yarn overs and decreases to create the characteristic feathered appearance that gives the garment its delicate, feminine quality.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The Lady Londonderry uses several key stitches and stitch patterns:

• Feather and Fan Stitch: The foundational lace pattern worked over a multiple of 17 stitches plus 2. This stitch is repeated for approximately 8 inches at the bottom of the capelet, creating the scalloped hem. The pattern consists of knit and purl rows alternating with lace rows that feature yarn overs (yo), knit two togethers (k2tog), and knit stitches to form the characteristic feathered fan design.
• Ribbing: After the lace section, the capelet transitions into an established rib pattern of knit 3, purl 7, knit 3 (k3, p7, k3). This ribbed section provides structure and helps shape the garment as it approaches the neckline. The ribbing is worked until the piece measures 10 inches, with strategic decreases made throughout this section to reduce the stitch count.
• Garter Stitch: Used for the button and buttonhole bands picked up along the front edges. Garter stitch—created by knitting every row—provides a sturdy, reversible finish for the closures.
• Decrease Stitches: The pattern employs k2tog (knit two together), ssk (slip, slip, knit), p2tog (purl two together), and p2tog-tbl (purl two together through the back loop) to shape the capelet and reduce stitches as the neckline is approached.

Yarn and Materials

The Lady Londonderry is designed to be knitted in Sanibel, a yarn from Classic Elite Yarns. The pattern requires a wrap cast-on of 257 stitches at the widest point, which is then progressively decreased through multiple decrease rows to 137 stitches, then 107 stitches, before binding off. The finished capelet uses smaller needles for the button and buttonhole bands, indicating that the main body is worked on larger needles appropriate for the chosen yarn weight.

Skill Level and Pattern Details

The Lady Londonderry is rated as an Intermediate skill level project, making it suitable for knitters with some experience. The pattern requires understanding of lace techniques, ribbed stitch patterns, decreases, and the ability to pick up stitches for the button bands. The three-button closure is a functional and decorative element that allows for adjustable fit and styling options.

The finishing process includes blocking the piece to measurements and working the button and buttonhole bands. The buttonhole band features evenly spaced buttonholes created using the yarn over and knit two together decrease combination, allowing for secure button closure along the front edge.