Rowan Pioneer Cape Knitting Pattern

Rowan Pioneer Cape

What Is Being Made

The Rowan Pioneer Cape is a classic knitted cape design by Sarah Hatton, offered as a downloadable PDF pattern. This garment is a versatile layering piece that combines the elegance of a traditional cape silhouette with modern knitting techniques. The cape is constructed as a seamed garment with two identical pieces (back and front) that are joined together at the side seams, creating a sophisticated draped garment suitable for various occasions and seasons.

Sizing and Fit

The Pioneer Cape is available in five sizes ranging from Small to XXL to accommodate different body types. The width at the hem varies from 56 cm (22 inches) for the smallest size to 81 cm (32 inches) for the largest size. The length of the cape measures between 31 cm (12 inches) and 39 cm (15.5 inches) depending on the size selected. These measurements are taken with the garment laid flat, providing clear guidance for fit and drape.

Techniques Used

The Pioneer Cape is constructed using bottom-up knitting, meaning the garment is worked from the hem upward toward the neckline. The pieces are worked flat on straight needles rather than in the round, allowing for easy shaping and modification. The seamed construction method joins the two identical pieces together at the side seams during the finishing stage, creating clean, professional seams that contribute to the cape's polished appearance.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The pattern employs fundamental knitting stitches to create its elegant design. The main fabric is worked in stocking stitch (also called stockinette stitch), which alternates between knit rows and purl rows to create a smooth, classic fabric with a distinctive V-shaped texture on the right side. The cape features strategic decreasing techniques to shape the neckline and shoulders, using methods such as slip stitch, knit one, pass slipped stitch over (a left-leaning decrease) and knit two together (a right-leaning decrease). These decreases are worked symmetrically on both sides of the pieces to create balanced shaping. The edges are finished with garter stitch (knit every row), which appears in the initial cast-on rows and the final bind-off rows, providing a neat, non-curling edge that frames the garment.

Materials and Yarn

The Rowan Pioneer Cape is designed to be knitted with Rowan Big Wool, a substantial yarn that creates a fabric with excellent drape and warmth. The yardage requirements range from 3 x 100gm balls for the smaller sizes (Small and Medium) to 5 x 100gm balls for the largest size (XXL), allowing crafters to select the appropriate quantity based on their chosen size. The pattern specifically references the colorway Glum 056 as the shown example, though knitters may select alternative colors from the Rowan Big Wool range to suit their preferences.

Needles and Tension

The pattern calls for 1 pair of 12mm (US 1) needles, which are appropriately sized for working with the chunky Rowan Big Wool yarn. Achieving the correct tension is essential for proper fit and drape. The pattern specifies a tension of 8 stitches and 12 rows to 10cm (4 inches) measured over stocking stitch on 12mm needles. Knitters should work a tension swatch before beginning the cape to ensure their gauge matches the pattern specifications, as variations in tension can significantly affect the finished garment's dimensions and overall appearance.

Construction Process

The cape is constructed by creating two identical pieces. Each piece begins with casting on between 45 and 67 stitches depending on the selected size. The bottom edge is finished with 4 rows of garter stitch to create a neat, stable edge. The main body is then worked in stocking stitch, continuing until the piece reaches the specified length before beginning the neckline shaping. The neckline shaping involves strategic decreases worked at both edges of the piece, gradually reducing the stitch count to create the tapered neck opening. Once both pieces are complete, they are joined together at the side seams during the finishing stage, creating the complete cape garment.