Patty's Knits Aspen Moguls Cape Knitting Pattern

Patty's Knits Aspen Moguls: Convertible Knit Wrap

Project Overview

The Aspen Moguls is a convertible wrap designed by Patty Nance, inspired by a memorable ski trip to Aspen, Colorado. This intermediate-level knitting project combines lace and seamless construction techniques to create a versatile rectangular shawl that can be worn multiple ways through the addition of buttons and button loops. The finished wrap measures 25 inches wide by 54 inches long, making it an elegant accessory suitable for layering or draping.

Construction Method and Techniques

This wrap is constructed as a seamless rectangle worked in five columns of intarsia, a technique that allows for complex stitch patterns using multiple colors or yarn variations. The seamless construction eliminates the need for seaming, creating a polished finished garment. The stitch pattern echoes the twists and turns of mogul skiing, providing visual interest throughout the piece.

The pattern requires intermediate knitting skills and assumes familiarity with several techniques:

• Crochet cast on for the foundation edge
• Crochet button loops for the convertible closure system
• Chart reading for following the intarsia pattern
• Intarsia experience, which is helpful though not strictly required

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The primary stitch used in this wrap is stockinette stitch, which serves as the base fabric. The gauge for stockinette stitch is 20 stitches and 28 rows over 4 inches in 10 centimeters. The lace pattern repeat measures 4.25 inches wide by 5 inches tall. The pattern incorporates a chart-based design that creates the mogul-inspired texture through strategic stitch placement across the five intarsia columns.

Materials and Yarn Requirements

This project requires 1100 yards of worsted weight gradient yarn. The sample shown in the pattern uses Jojolan Rhythm Superwash, a 100% Merino wool yarn that provides 110 yards per 50-gram ball. The model was knitted in Victoria Blue using 10 balls of yarn, demonstrating how the gradient effect enhances the mogul stitch pattern.

Additional materials needed include:

• Needles: US 7/4.5mm straight or 24-inch circular needles, sized to achieve the specified gauge
• Crochet hook: Size G/4.0mm for cast-on and button loop construction
• Yarn needle for weaving in ends
• 12 buttons approximately ½ inch (1.3 centimeters) in diameter
• 5 resealable sandwich baggies for organizing yarn during intarsia work

Gauge and Sizing

The pattern specifies a gauge of 20 stitches and 28 rows equals 4 inches in stockinette stitch. While gauge is noted as not critical for this pattern, achieving consistent gauge is still recommended as variations will affect both the yardage required and the final dimensions of the finished garment. Knitters are advised to take time to check gauge before beginning, and the pattern notes that it may be necessary to unravel the gauge swatch and reuse the yarn if adjustments are needed.

Convertible Wear Options

The Aspen Moguls wrap's versatility comes from its button and button loop system. Twelve buttons and crocheted button loops allow the rectangular wrap to be fastened and worn in multiple configurations, transforming it from a simple wrap into a more structured accessory that can be styled in different ways depending on the wearer's preference and occasion.

Skill Level and Pattern Format

This pattern is designed for intermediate knitters and is provided as a downloadable PDF. The pattern includes detailed yarn preparation instructions, chart-based pattern guidance for the five intarsia columns, and construction steps for adding the button closures. The downloadable format allows knitters to reference the pattern on devices or print it for easy access while working.