Malabrigo Zinnia Cape Crochet Pattern

Malabrigo Zinnia Crochet Convertible Tunic

What is Being Made

The Zinnia is a convertible crochet tunic designed by Lena Fedotova, featured in Malabrigo's Book 17: Ponchos & Familia - Flowing Garments In Merino Yarns. This garment functions as a versatile piece that can be worn as either a tunic or poncho, offering flexibility in styling. The pattern is available in five sizes: Small, Medium, Large, and X-Large, with the photographed sample shown in Medium size.

Construction Techniques

The Zinnia employs a combination of construction methods to create its flowing silhouette. The garment is worked using seamless construction techniques, combining both worked flat and worked in the round approaches. The upper piece begins with a chain foundation and is then worked in joined rounds. A distinctive textured pattern stitch is incorporated throughout, which is worked in joined rounds with strategic turning between rounds—turning to the wrong side for single crochet rows and to the right side for front post double crochet rows. This turning technique allows the pattern to be worked continuously in rounds while maintaining the textured appearance.

Crochet Stitches and Stitch Abbreviations

The pattern utilizes fundamental crochet stitches to construct the garment:

• Single Crochet (SC) – Used for texture rows worked from the wrong side
• Double Crochet (DC) – Forms the foundation and primary structure of the upper piece
• Front Post Double Crochet (FPdc) – Creates dimensional texture when worked from the right side
• Slip Stitch (SL ST) – Used to join rounds
• Yarn Over (YO) – Essential technique for all stitch formations

The pattern instructions are provided using U.S. crochet terminology, with corresponding U.K. and Australian crochet term equivalents noted for international crafters.

Yarn and Materials

The Zinnia is designed to showcase Malabrigo's premium yarns. The pattern calls for Rios by Malabrigo, a superwash merino wool available in 3½oz/100g hanks with approximately 210 yards (192 meters) per hank. The colorway requirements vary by size: Small and Medium sizes require 5 hanks in #049 Jupiter (A) and 3 hanks in #035 Frank Ochre (B), while Large and X-Large sizes require 6 hanks in Jupiter and 4 hanks in Frank Ochre. This two-color construction creates visual interest and allows for color blocking in the design.

Tools and Notions

Construction of the Zinnia requires a size I/9 (5.5mm) crochet hook or the size necessary to obtain the specified gauge. Additional notions include clip-on stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats and shaping points, and several yards or meters of elastic cord thread, which serves a functional purpose in the garment's construction.

Garment Measurements

The Zinnia is designed with generous, flowing proportions suitable for its convertible tunic or poncho styling:

• Lower Edge: 33 (35, 37, 39) inches / 84 (89, 94, 99) centimeters
• Bust: 41 (43, 45, 47) inches / 104 (109, 114, 119) centimeters
• Length: 31½ inches / 80 centimeters (before wearing)

Skill Level and Pattern Structure

The Zinnia is classified as an Easy Intermediate