Debbie Bliss Shoulder Cape & Skirt Knitting Pattern

Debbie Bliss Shoulder Cape & Skirt

What Is Being Made

This downloadable knitting pattern from Debbie Bliss provides instructions for creating two coordinating pieces: a shoulder cape and a matching skirt. Both garments feature the same elegant lace construction and can be made in three sizes (Small, Medium, and Large). The cape measures 31cm (12¼ inches) in length for all sizes, while the skirt extends to 55cm (21¾ inches). The lower edge widths range from 111cm (43¾ inches) for size Small to 133cm (52½ inches) for size Large, creating a flowing, graceful silhouette.

Techniques Used

Both the cape and skirt are worked flat in rows using straight knitting needles or a circular needle held straight, rather than being worked in the round. The garments feature seamed construction, with back and front pieces worked separately and then joined together. A distinctive striped pattern runs throughout both pieces, with color changes occurring every 4 rows in a repeating sequence of five colors from the Debbie Bliss Rialto Lace yarn range.

The pattern incorporates lace stitch work as a central design element, creating an open, decorative fabric that showcases the delicate nature of the yarn. Blocking and pressing are emphasized as essential finishing techniques to achieve correct measurements and maximize the visual impact of the lace pattern.

Stitches Used

• Knit (k) and purl (p) stitches form the foundation of the fabric
• Yarn forward (yf) creates the openwork eyelets characteristic of lace knitting
• Skpo (slip 1, knit 1, pass slipped stitch over) for left-leaning decreases
• K2tog (knit 2 together) for right-leaning decreases
• S2togkpo (slip next 2 stitches as if to knit them together, knit 1, pass 2 slipped stitches over) for double decreases that create the lace pattern's sculptural elements
• P2tog (purl 2 together) used in decrease rows

The lace pattern is established through a combination of yarn overs and decreases worked in specific sequences across the rows, creating the characteristic openwork design. The pattern repeats are adjusted with decrease rows to maintain shaping as the garment progresses.

Materials

This pattern requires Debbie Bliss Rialto Lace yarn in five coordinating colors: Denim 37 (A), Royal 19 (B), Jade 39 (C), Sea Green 25 (D), and White 21 (E). One 50g ball of each color is sufficient to complete both the cape and the skirt, making this an economical project that uses approximately 250 grams of yarn total.

Two pairs of knitting needles are required: a pair of 3.25mm (US 3) needles and a pair of 3.75mm (US 5) needles. Alternatively, an 80cm (32-inch) long 3.75mm (US 5) circular needle may be used for the main garment sections, worked back and forth in rows rather than in the round. The pattern specifies a gauge of 29 stitches and 30 rows to 10cm (4 inches) over the lace pattern using 3.75mm (US 5) needles.