Gabor In Rowan Alpaca Sparkle Cape Knitting Pattern

Gabor Cape by Lisa Richardson in Rowan Alpaca Sparkle

What Is Being Made

Gabor is a knitted cape designed by Lisa Richardson, sized to fit chest measurements from 71-157 cm (28-62 inches). This garment is constructed in the round from the neck down, creating a flowing silhouette that expands progressively through strategic increases. The cape features five different size options to accommodate a wide range of body measurements, with finished hem measurements ranging from 202.5 cm to 258.5 cm (79¾ to 101¾ inches).

Knitting Techniques Used

The Gabor cape employs top-down circular knitting construction, beginning at the neck edge and working downward in the round. The pattern uses multiple increase rounds strategically spaced throughout the garment to create the cape's characteristic expanding shape. Knitters will work repeating pattern bands consisting of 14 rounds between each set of increases, allowing the decorative stitch pattern to develop consistently as the garment grows. The construction requires changing needle sizes as stitch counts increase—beginning with smaller needles at the neck and progressing to larger needles as the circumference expands. Circular needles of varying lengths are used throughout, transitioning from 40 cm needles at the neck and progressing to longer lengths as needed, with double-pointed needles available as an alternative for the initial small circumference at the neck edge.

Stitches and Stitch Pattern

The pattern features a 14-round repeating pattern band that forms the visual structure of the cape. This band combines knit stitches with strategic yarn overs and decreases to create texture and visual interest. The pattern alternates between rounds worked in yarn A (the main color) and rounds incorporating yarn B (the contrasting color), creating a striped or color-work effect throughout the garment. Make One (M1) increases are worked at regular intervals across designated rounds to shape the cape, with the frequency and spacing of these increases varying by size to achieve proper proportions across the five different garment sizes.

Materials: Yarn and Needles

This pattern calls for Rowan Alpaca Sparkle yarn in two colors: Silver (shade 10024) for yarn A and Onyx (shade 10025) for yarn B. Yardage requirements vary by size, ranging from 6 to 8 balls of 50-gram weight. The yarn's alpaca fiber content provides softness and drape, while the sparkle component adds subtle shimmer to the finished cape.

Needles required include 6mm (US 10) circular needles in varying lengths and 7mm (US 10½) circular needles in varying lengths, along with sets of four double-pointed needles in both sizes. The pattern specifies starting with a 40 cm circular needle at the neck edge, with progression to longer needle lengths as stitch counts increase during the garment's construction.

Difficulty Level

Rated as Advanced Beginner, the Gabor cape is suitable for knitters with foundational skills who are ready to tackle more complex projects. The pattern requires comfort with circular knitting, understanding of increase techniques, and the ability to follow multi-round repeating stitch patterns. The top-down construction and color work add moderate complexity while remaining accessible to experienced beginners.