Nicolet Cape Knitting Pattern

Nicolet Cape in Berroco Mochi

What Is Being Made

The Nicolet is a knitted capelet designed by Amy Christoffers, worked seamlessly in the round from the neck down. This intermediate-level garment features a fitted neckband that transitions into a wider, flowing cape silhouette. The finished measurements offer four size options with lower edges ranging from 66½ inches to 82½ inches, and lengths from 18 to 22½ inches down the center front including the neckband. The neck opening measures 26½ inches, making this a versatile layering piece suitable for various body types.

Techniques Used

This capelet employs several key knitting techniques to achieve its construction and textured appearance. The garment is worked in the round using the magic loop method, which allows for seamless circular knitting on a long circular needle. The neckband begins with a tubular cast-on, a technique that creates a finished, professional edge without a visible seam. The primary stitch pattern utilized throughout the cape is Fisherman's Rib, a textured stitch that creates a thick, spongy fabric with excellent drape and elasticity. The pattern incorporates increases and color changes worked simultaneously, adding visual interest and shaping to the piece as it expands from the neck downward.

Stitches Used

The Nicolet features a combination of fundamental and specialty stitches. The neckband is worked in a basic ribbed pattern alternating knit and purl stitches (K1, P1 rib). The primary stitch throughout the body of the cape is Fisherman's Rib, which incorporates a special abbreviation K1rb (knit one row below)—a technique where the knitter inserts the needle into the stitch in the row below the one currently on the needle, creating the characteristic textured appearance and dimensional quality of Fisherman's Rib fabric.

Materials: Yarn, Needles, and Notions

This pattern calls for Berroco Mochi yarn, a luxurious blend available in three coordinating colorways for this design. The yarn requirements vary by size: the smallest size uses 1 ball each of the main color and contrasting colors, while larger sizes require 2 balls of the main color. The specific colors featured in the pattern are #3223 Blueberry (MC) as the main color, #3206 Green Tea (CC1), and #3206 Ice (CC2) as contrasting colors. Each ball of Berroco Mochi weighs 50 grams.

For needles, the pattern recommends a 40-inch or longer circular needle in size 9 (5.5 mm), worked using the magic loop technique. Alternatively, knitters who prefer not to use magic loop may substitute with 16-inch and 32-inch circular needles in the same size. The pattern requires a gauge of 12 stitches and 17 rounds over 4 inches in Fisherman's Rib, making gauge checking essential for accurate finished measurements.

Additional notions needed include two stitch markers in different colors to mark the beginning of the round and other important points in the pattern, and a tapestry needle for weaving in yarn ends and finishing the garment.