Demaris Cape Knitting Pattern

Demaris Cape in Berroco Millefiori Light & Ultra Wool Fine

What Is Being Made

The Demaris Cape is a sophisticated knitted cape designed by Alison Green. This garment features a graceful silhouette with finished lower edge measurements available in three sizes: 59½ inches, 68 inches, and 76½ inches. The cape measures 20 inches in length from neck to hem across all sizes, making it an elegant layering piece suitable for various occasions.

Craft and Skill Level

This is an intermediate-level knitting project, appropriate for knitters with foundational skills who are ready to work with more complex stitch patterns and color techniques. The pattern requires attention to detail, particularly when managing two-color brioche work and chevron pattern repeats.

Stitches and Techniques Used

The Demaris Cape employs several key knitting techniques:

• Brioche Pattern: The basic brioche stitch forms the foundation of this cape, creating a textured, reversible fabric with excellent drape and elasticity. The brioche pattern is worked in the round with a gauge of 16 stitches and 26 rounds per 4 inches after blocking.
• Chevron Pattern: A decorative chevron motif is incorporated into the design, with each 22-stitch repeat measuring 3¾ inches in width. This geometric pattern adds visual interest and sophistication to the finished garment.
• Two-Color Knitting: The cape utilizes a two-color working method, alternating between Berroco Millefiori Light and Berroco Ultra Wool Fine throughout the construction. Each visual round is created by working one round with the first color, then one round with the second color.
• Two-Color Long-Tail Cast-On: The pattern specifies a specialized two-color long-tail cast-on method to ensure proper color placement and an appropriately loose foundation edge for the cape's lower edge.
• Circular Knitting: The cape is constructed in the round using circular needles, eliminating seams and creating a seamless, professional finish.

Materials: Yarn and Needles

Yarn Requirements:

• Berroco Millefiori Light (100 grams per ball): 2 balls for the smallest size, 2 balls for the medium size (note that the 68-inch size uses all 200 grams, so an extra ball may be prudent), and 3 balls for the largest size. The color used is #6871 Delphinium (designated as C1).
• Berroco Ultra Wool Fine (100 grams per ball): 2 balls in color #5329 Butternut (designated as C2) for all three sizes.

Needles and Notions:

• Circular needles in size 5 (3.75 mm) in both 40-inch and 20-inch lengths, or the size needed to achieve the specified gauge
• One stitch marker for tracking rounds

Gauge and Finishing

Achieving the correct gauge is essential for this project. The brioche pattern should measure 16 stitches and 26 rounds per 4 inches after blocking. The chevron pattern repeat of 22 stitches should measure 3¾ inches in width. The pattern instructions emphasize taking time to check gauge before beginning to ensure accurate finished measurements. Blocking is recommended to achieve the specified dimensions and to showcase the drape and texture of the brioche and chevron stitches.