Noro Lemon Tree Cape Knitting Pattern

Noro Lemon Tree: Knitted Cape, Hat, Wrap, and Shoulder Wrap Collection

Overview

The Noro Lemon Tree is a comprehensive knitting pattern collection by Jenny Watson Designs featuring four coordinating garments: a seamed cape, a knitted hat, a wrap, and a shoulder wrap. All pieces are crafted using Noro Hakone yarn in shade 7, creating a cohesive collection suitable for layering and versatile styling. The designs are worked flat on straight needles and feature straightforward construction techniques ideal for intermediate knitters.

Cape

Construction and Fit: The cape is available in three sizes—Small, Medium, and Large—with width measurements of 128cm (50½ inches), 136cm (53½ inches), and 148cm (58¼ inches) respectively. The full length is consistent across all sizes at approximately 42cm (16½ inches), creating a cropped, shoulder-skimming silhouette. The cape features a seamed construction method, with front and back pieces worked identically.

Techniques and Shaping: The cape begins with a cast-on of 64 [68:74] stitches using the thumb method. The lower edge is worked in garter stitch for 4 rows using 6mm (US10) needles, establishing a textured, rolled edge. The piece then transitions to 8mm (US11) needles and stockinette stitch, which continues throughout the main body. Strategic decreasing occurs at the center of rows, with multiple decrease sequences—including slip-stitch decreases and knit-two-together reductions—reducing the stitch count to 50 [53:58] stitches. This shaping creates a tapered silhouette that fits closer at the shoulders. The neckband is worked in 1x1 rib and cast off in rib for a neat, elastic finish.

Materials and Gauge: The cape requires 3 [4:5] 100-gram hanks of Noro Hakone shade 7. Tension is critical and must be maintained at 10 stitches and 14 rows to 10cm (4 inches) over stockinette stitch using 8mm (US11) needles. Knitters are advised to adjust needle size if tension deviates—using finer needles if stitches and rows are too loose, and larger needles if too tight.

Hat

Construction: The hat is a single-size design requiring just 1 x 100-gram hank of Noro Hakone shade 7. The pattern utilizes both 8mm (US11) and 6mm (US10) knitting needles, allowing for gauge control and varied stitch definition.

Materials: Stitch holders are recommended for managing stitches during construction, and a large pin is suggested for securing the hat during assembly or wear if desired.

Wrap

Dimensions: The wrap is offered in three sizes with measurements of 41cm × 107cm (16 × 42 inches) for Small, 41cm × 117cm (16 × 46 inches) for Medium, and 41cm × 127cm (16 × 50 inches) for Large. The consistent width of 41cm across all sizes creates a versatile rectangular wrap suitable for draping around the shoulders or wearing as a shawlette.

Materials: The wrap requires 4 [4:5] 100-gram hanks of Noro Hakone shade 7.

Shoulder Wrap

Dimensions and Use: The shoulder wrap provides an additional layering option with measurements of 41cm × 107cm (16 × 42 inches) for Small, 41cm × 117cm (16 × 46 inches) for Medium, and 41cm × 127cm (16 × 50 inches) for Large. This narrower, elongated piece is designed to drape elegantly across the shoulders.

General Techniques and Construction Methods

Stitch Techniques: The collection employs fundamental knitting stitches including knit (K), purl (P), and slip-stitch decreases (s1, K1, psso). Stockinette stitch forms the primary fabric, while garter stitch and 1x1 ribbing provide textural variation and structural definition at edges. Decreasing techniques—including knit-two-together (K2tog) and slip-stitch decreases—create shaping and fitted silhouettes.

Worked Flat Method: All pieces in this collection are worked flat on straight needles rather than in the round, simplifying construction for knitters who prefer traditional flat knitting. Seaming joins the front