Noro Steeked Capelet Knitting Pattern

Noro Steeked Capelet

What Is Being Made

The Noro Steeked Capelet is an intermediate-level knitted cape designed to drape elegantly over the shoulders. This garment features a shaped construction with finished measurements of 20 (24) inches circumference at the neck edge and 54 (58) inches circumference at the lower edge, with a total length of 14 inches. The capelet is worked in multiple pieces that are strategically seamed together to create a structured, flattering silhouette.

Construction and Techniques

This capelet employs the steeking technique, a specialized knitting method that allows knitters to work flat pieces and then cut steeks to create openings. The garment is worked flat on circular needles rather than in the round, making it accessible to knitters who prefer flat construction methods.

The steeking process involves several steps: First, a running stitch is worked up through the center stitch of a 5-stitch steek using waste yarn and a tapestry needle. A sewing machine is then used to create two straight lines positioned ¼ inch apart on each side of the running stitch to secure the steek edge. The waste yarn is removed, and the steek is carefully cut between the sewn lines using sharp scissors. The steek facing is then folded to the wrong side and sewn to the cast-on and bound-off edges of the center panels.

The capelet is constructed in distinct sections: front and back center panels are worked sideways in garter stitch, while steeked panels are worked in stockinette stitch from the top down. Side panels are picked up along the shaped edges of the front and seamed to the back. Short row shoulder shaping is incorporated to create a fitted neckline and proper drape across the shoulders.

Stitches Used

• Stockinette Stitch (St st) – Used for the steeked panels to create a smooth, classic fabric
• Garter Stitch – Used for the center and side panels to provide texture and structure
• Short Row Shaping – Employed for shoulder shaping to achieve a contoured fit at the neckline
• Running Stitch – Used with waste yarn to mark the steek line before cutting
• Seaming – Used throughout to join the various panels together

Materials and Tools

This project requires 7 (8) skeins of Noro Silk Garden in colorway #341, a luxurious yarn choice that provides beautiful color variation throughout the finished capelet. The yarn is worked at a gauge of 18 stitches and 26 rows over 4 inches in stockinette stitch using size 7 (4.5mm) circular needles in both 16-inch and 32-inch lengths.

Additional tools needed include stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats, a sewing machine with thread for securing the steeks before cutting, a tapestry needle for working the running stitch, and sharp scissors for the critical cutting step. Checking gauge before beginning is essential to ensure the finished capelet meets the specified measurements.