Eyelet Wrap Cape Knitting Pattern

Eyelet Wrap in Noro Bachi & Noro Kanzashi

What Is Being Made

The Eyelet Wrap is a sophisticated knitted cape or poncho-style garment designed as an intermediate-level project. This wrap features an elegant eyelet pattern throughout, creating a delicate, openwork aesthetic. With finished measurements of approximately 22 x 54 inches (56 x 137 centimeters), the wrap offers versatile styling options suitable for layering over various outfits. The design incorporates a functional button or shawl pin closure, allowing the wearer to secure the wrap in different configurations.

Techniques Used

This knitting project employs several intermediate techniques that add visual interest and structural integrity to the finished piece. The pattern utilizes eyelet construction, which creates small decorative holes throughout the fabric by strategically placing yarn overs and corresponding decreases. Knitters will work with chart-based instructions that include "no stitch" spaces, requiring careful attention to skip over designated areas where stitches have been decreased or not yet made. The pattern also involves color work, as knitters will change between the main color and contrasting color while twisting yarns on the wrong side to prevent holes at color transitions. Additionally, the project includes pick-up and knit techniques for creating edges, and selvage stitches are incorporated to facilitate easier seaming. The wrap is constructed using circular needles worked in the round, which eliminates the need for seaming in most areas.

Stitches Used

The Eyelet Wrap relies on fundamental knitting stitches combined with decorative stitch techniques. The primary stitch base is stockinette stitch, which provides a smooth, classic fabric foundation. The eyelet pattern is created through the strategic use of yarn overs paired with decreases—specifically slip, slip, knit (SSK) decreases—to maintain stitch count while forming the characteristic small holes. The pattern incorporates knit and purl stitches as needed for shaping and edge definition. Slip stitches are used for selvage edges and other structural purposes. The pattern also employs pick-up and knit techniques to add stitches along edges for borders or edging sections. Knitters will work sections "even" (without increases or decreases) to maintain gauge and create smooth fabric areas between patterned sections.

Materials

The Eyelet Wrap is constructed using premium yarn from the Noro brand, specifically chosen for their unique color variations and quality. The project requires 2 balls of Noro Bachi (200g each) in colorway #01 for the main color, and 1 ball of Noro Kanzashi (150g) in colorway #01 for the contrasting color accents. These yarns are worked on a US 10/6mm circular needle measuring 40 inches (100cm) in length, which allows for working the wrap in the round without excessive seaming. The pattern recommends using LYKKE® needles and hooks for optimal results. Additional notions include stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats and shaping points, and either a 1-inch (25mm) button or shawl pin to secure the wrap closure. The recommended gauge is 11 stitches and 17 rows to 4 inches (10cm) over stockinette stitch using the specified needle size, making accurate gauge swatching essential before beginning the project.