Rowan Float Cape Knitting Pattern

Rowan Float Knitted Cape by Kim Hargreaves

What Is Being Made

Rowan Float is a knitted cape and poncho design created by Kim Hargreaves. This garment is available in five sizes ranging from extra small to extra large, with bust measurements from 81 cm to 102 cm (32 to 40 inches). The Float cape features a sophisticated construction with divided front openings and shaped shoulders, making it a versatile layering piece suitable for various occasions.

Construction Technique

The Float cape is constructed using a bottom-up, seamed, and worked flat approach. This method means the knitter begins at the lower edge and works upward toward the shoulders, creating separate pieces that are later seamed together. Working flat on straight needles allows for precise shaping and pattern control throughout the garment, particularly important for maintaining the decorative stitch pattern while simultaneously decreasing stitches for the fitted silhouette.

Stitches and Stitch Pattern

The Float cape features a distinctive lace pattern that forms the primary visual interest of the design. The pattern is created using yarn overs and lift-over decreases, a technique where a yarn over is lifted over the following stitches to create an open, airy effect. The pattern sequence includes:

• Moss stitch sections, which provide textured edging and structural stability in key areas
• Yarn overs (yrn) combined with purl stitches to create the lace openwork
• Lift-over decreases, where yarn overs are lifted over the last two stitches and off the right needle to form decorative holes
• Knit and purl combinations that work together to establish the four-row pattern repeat

The pattern is maintained consistently throughout the garment while simultaneous decreases shape the cape at the sides and shoulders. Decreases occur at regular intervals—every sixth row initially, then every fourth row, then on alternating rows—to create the fitted shoulder and neckline shaping.

Materials and Tools

Rowan Float is designed to be knitted with Rowan Big Wool yarn, requiring 9 to 12 balls of 100-gram skeins depending on the size selected. The yarn is photographed in Ice Blue 021. Knitters will need two pairs of needles: one pair of 10mm (US 15) needles and one pair of 12mm (US 17) needles. The pattern also calls for 22mm size buttons for fastening the front opening. The use of larger needles with a chunky-weight yarn creates a fabric with good drape and allows the lace pattern to be clearly visible.

Pattern Features

The design includes a divided front opening that requires careful stitch management, with stitches placed on holders at specific points to allow for separate front panel construction. The back and side fronts are shaped independently, with shoulder shaping achieved through strategic cast-offs at the beginning of right-side rows. The pattern provides detailed row-by-row instructions for multiple sizes, ensuring proper fit across the range of measurements.