Imperial Yarn Andora Cape Knitting Pattern

Imperial Yarn Andora Cape: Modern Knit Cape with Hidden Pocket

What Is Being Made

The Andora Cape is a contemporary knitted cape designed by Anna Cohen for Imperial Stock Ranch's Imperial Knits Collection. This garment is crafted as a single large rectangle that is strategically seamed to create a sophisticated cape silhouette. The design features a hidden inside front pocket, making it both stylish and functional for warming your hands. Available in five sizes to fit 34" to 50" bust measurements, the finished cape measures approximately 25¼" to 31½" wide at the lower edge and 40" to 43" long before finishing.

Techniques Used

The Andora Cape is worked using a bottom-up construction method, meaning you begin at the lower edge and work upward. The garment is worked flat on straight needles rather than in the round, and features seaming as the primary finishing technique. The unique construction involves binding off the top edge and then sewing this bound-off edge to part of the side edge to create the cape shape. This approach requires minimal shaping while achieving a modern, draped silhouette suitable for both work and leisure wear.

Stitches Used

The Andora Cape incorporates two primary stitch patterns:

• Cable Panel: A decorative 10-stitch cable pattern worked at the front edge of the cape, adding visual interest and texture to the design
• Broken Rib: The main stitch pattern used throughout most of the cape, creating vertical texture and elasticity. The Broken Rib is worked at a gauge of 17 stitches and 25 rows over 4 inches (10 cm) using US 9 needles
• Stockinette Stitch (St St): Referenced in the pattern at a gauge of 21 stitches and 25 rows over 4 inches (10 cm) using US 7 needles, providing an alternative or complementary stitch option

Materials and Yarn

The Andora Cape is made with Imperial Yarn Erin, a premium 100% wool yarn. Each hank contains approximately 225 yards (205 meters) and weighs 113 grams (4 ounces). Depending on size, you will need 4 to 5 hanks to complete the project. The yarn shown in the pattern photograph is color #326 Denim Dusk. The pattern notes that Imperial Yarn Columbia can also be used as an alternative, provided you check your gauge carefully to ensure proper fit and drape.

Needles and Gauge

This project requires two needle sizes to accommodate different stitch patterns and achieve the desired fabric characteristics. US 9 needles are used for the Broken Rib sections, while US 7 needles are referenced for Stockinette Stitch work. Achieving proper gauge is essential: the Broken Rib should measure 17 stitches and 25 rows per 4 inches on US 9 needles, while Stockinette Stitch should measure 21 stitches and 25 rows per 4 inches on US 7 needles. The pattern is classified as Intermediate skill level, making it suitable for knitters with some experience in cable work and seaming techniques.

Design Details

The cape begins with a cast-on of 111 to 137 stitches depending on size. The Cable Panel is established over the first 10 stitches and maintained throughout the body, while the remaining stitches are worked in Broken Rib pattern. Strategic decreases are worked partway through the piece to shape the cape, with decreases including p2tog, p2tog-tbl, and slip-stitch techniques. The result is a modern, comfortable cape that drapes elegantly and can be layered over any style for versatile everyday wear. The hidden inside front pocket adds practical functionality to this contemporary design.