Grenada Cape Knitting Pattern

Grenada Cape in Berroco Mykonos Stonewash

What is Being Made

The Grenada is a knitted cape featuring a distinctive cowl neck collar, designed to be worked seamlessly from the neck down in one piece. This intermediate-level project creates a flattering, poncho-style garment with three finished size options: 48½" lower edge, 52" lower edge, or 55½" lower edge. The total length measures 23" including the cowl neck collar, making it a versatile layering piece suitable for various occasions and body types.

Knitting Techniques Used

The Grenada cape employs fundamental circular knitting techniques worked entirely in the round using circular needles. The garment begins with a smaller circular needle for the cowl neck section, then transitions to a larger circular needle as stitches increase during the body shaping. Gauge is critical for this project—the pattern specifies 23 stitches and 34 rounds over 4 inches in stockinette stitch using the larger needles after blocking, with an alternative gauge of 24 stitches and 36 rounds over 4 inches using the smaller needles. The designer emphasizes checking gauge before beginning to ensure proper fit and finished measurements.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The Grenada cape utilizes several key stitches to create its structure:

• Purl stitch – forms the foundation of the cowl neck, worked for 4 rounds to create texture and definition at the neckline
• Stockinette stitch – the primary stitch throughout the body, created by knitting every round, producing a smooth, classic fabric
• Left-leaning increase (LLI) – used strategically to shape the cape
• Right-leaning increase (RLI) – paired with LLI to create symmetrical shaping

Increases are worked every 4th round for a total of 20 increase rounds, adding 8 stitches per round and gradually expanding the cape from the neck to the lower edge. Stitch markers are essential for tracking the four quadrants of the garment and marking the beginning of each round.

Materials: Yarn and Needles

This pattern calls for Berroco Mykonos Stonewash yarn in the colorway #8591 Clear Sky. The yardage requirements vary by size: 5 hanks for the smallest size, 6 hanks for the medium size, and 7 hanks for the largest size. Each hank weighs 50 grams. The Mykonos Stonewash yarn is a premium choice that provides excellent drape and a sophisticated stonewashed finish ideal for a cape silhouette.

The needle requirements include a 29-inch circular needle in size 6 (4 mm) for the body and a 16-inch circular needle in both size 5 (3.75 mm) and size 6 (4.00 mm) for the cowl neck and initial shaping. Four stitch markers are needed, with one marker in a contrasting color to denote the beginning of each round. Proper needle sizing is essential to achieve the specified gauge and ensure the garment drapes correctly.

Pattern Construction Notes

The Grenada cape is designed by Amy Christoffers and is classified as an intermediate-level knitting project. The garment is constructed seamlessly from the top down, beginning with the cowl neck and expanding outward through strategic increases. The cowl neck section is worked for 9 inches on the smaller circular needle before transitioning to stockinette stitch and the larger needle. The body shaping continues with regular increases until reaching the desired lower edge measurement. This top-down construction method allows for easy customization of length and provides flexibility in adjusting the final garment dimensions.