Madelia Cape Knitting Pattern

Madelia Cape in Berroco Millefiori Light Luxe

What is Being Made

The Madelia is an intermediate-level knitted capelet designed by the Berroco Design Team. This garment is a fitted cape that tapers from a wider bottom circumference to a narrower neckline, creating an elegant layering piece. The capelet is worked flat in two separate pieces—front and back—that are constructed from the bottom up, then joined at the neckline and shoulders.

Finished Measurements and Sizing

The Madelia capelet is available in eight sizes with the following specifications:

• Neck opening: Ranges from 24 inches (61 cm) to 30 inches (76 cm) depending on size
• Bottom circumference: Ranges from 46 inches (117 cm) to 67 inches (170 cm), providing generous coverage
• Length: Ranges from 15 inches (38 cm) to 18 inches (45.5 cm), creating a short, shoulder-covering silhouette

The sample shown in the pattern is knitted in the size with a 55-inch (139.5 cm) bottom circumference.

Knitting Techniques Used

The Madelia capelet employs several fundamental knitting techniques suitable for intermediate-level crafters. The garment uses decreasing as a primary shaping method, with decreases worked at regular intervals to create the tapered silhouette from bottom to top. Decreases are strategically placed near the edges and distributed throughout the fabric to ensure even shaping. The pattern also requires working flat on circular needles, a common technique for constructing garments in separate pieces that are later assembled. Knitters must maintain consistent tension and carefully follow the decrease sequence, which varies slightly across different sizes to achieve proper proportions.

Stitches Used

The Madelia capelet features a distinctive Pattern Stitch that repeats over a multiple of 2 stitches. This stitch pattern alternates between simple knit rows and textured rows that incorporate slip stitches with yarn manipulation:

• Row 1 (Right Side): Knit all stitches for a smooth stockinette appearance
• Row 2: Knit 1, then repeat a sequence of slipping 2 stitches to the right needle with yarn in front, bringing yarn to back, slipping the same 2 stitches back to the left needle, and knitting them together. This sequence is repeated across the row, ending with a knit stitch

This two-row repeat creates subtle texture and visual interest while remaining manageable for intermediate knitters. The pattern stitch is worked consistently throughout both the front and back pieces, with decreases integrated into the knit rows to maintain stitch pattern integrity while shaping the garment.

Materials: Yarn and Needles

Yarn: The Madelia capelet is designed to be knitted with Berroco Millefiori Light Luxe, a premium yarn offered in 100-gram balls. The pattern calls for the colorway #8849 Tutti Frutti. Yarn requirements vary by size, ranging from 4 balls for the smallest size to 6 balls for the largest sizes, providing approximately 400 to 600 grams of yarn depending on the finished dimensions selected.

Needles and Notions: Knitters will need a 32-inch (80 cm) circular needle in size 5 (3.75 mm) or the size required to achieve the specified gauge. A single stitch marker is also required to track pattern repeats or construction points.

Gauge and Construction Notes

The pattern specifies a gauge of 26 stitches and 32 rows over 4 inches (10 cm) when worked in the Pattern Stitch. Achieving accurate gauge is essential for proper fit, particularly given the precise measurements required for the neckline opening. The pattern instructions emphasize checking gauge before beginning to ensure accurate finished measurements and proper garment proportions.

The back piece begins with a cast-on of 150 to 218 stitches depending on size, worked even in Pattern Stitch for 2 inches (5 cm) before decreasing begins. The decrease sequence is carefully structured, with decreases worked every 4th row for a specified number of times, followed by decreases on every right-side row to complete the shaping. This graduated decrease approach creates a smooth, professional taper from the wide bottom to the fitted neckline.