Shibui Knits Boulevard Cape Knitting Pattern

Shibui Knits Boulevard Textured Cape

What is Being Made

Boulevard is a hybrid cape design that combines the elegance of a traditional cape with refined cap sleeves, creating a chic and one-of-a-kind silhouette. This textured cape is designed to move with the wearer and offers generous ease, making it a versatile layering piece. The garment is available in three sizes to fit bust measurements of 32.5–34.5 inches (XS/S), 36.5–40.5 inches (M/L), and 44.5–48.5 inches (XL), with finished bust circumferences of 50, 54, and 60 inches respectively.

Techniques Used

Boulevard is constructed using a bottom-up, seamed, and worked-flat knitting approach. The pattern begins with a Folded Hem at the base, and the back and front pieces are worked flat on straight needles before being joined at the shoulders. The cap sleeves and casings are added after the main body sections are complete. Casings are worked with two strands of yarn held together and finished with a Whip Stitch seam. This construction method allows for precise shaping and detailed texture work across the front of the garment.

Stitches Used

The pattern employs two primary stitch patterns to create visual and textural interest. The back of the cape is worked in Stockinette Stitch, providing a smooth, classic foundation. The front sections feature a Texture Stitch pattern that spans the front of the garment, adding dimensional detail and visual complexity to the design. Both stitch patterns are worked to the same gauge of 23 stitches and 32 rows per 4 inches after blocking, though different needle sizes are used to achieve this gauge in each stitch pattern due to the yarn combination.

Materials and Yarn

Boulevard is designed to be knit with two premium yarns held together as a single strand throughout most of the construction. The primary yarn is Shibui Knits Cima, a luxurious blend of 70% Superbaby Alpaca and 30% Fine Merino, with 328 yards per 50-gram skein. The secondary yarn is Shibui Knits Staccato, composed of 70% Superwash Merino and 30% Silk, providing 191 yards per 50-gram skein. One strand of each yarn is held together throughout the main body and texture work. The yardage requirements are 5 (6, 7) skeins of Cima and 7 (8, 9) skeins of Staccato, depending on size. For the casings, two strands of Cima are held together. The sample shown is displayed in Ivory.

Tools and Notions Required

• Size 4 (3.5 mm) circular needle, 32 inches or longer
• Size 5 (3.75 mm) needles for working Texture Stitch
• Size 7 (4.5 mm) needles for working Stockinette Stitch with the yarn combination
• Crochet hook
• Waste yarn
• Stitch markers
• Stitch holders
• Tapestry needle for finishing
• 3 hook and eye closures

Skill Level and Gauge Considerations

Boulevard is rated as an Experienced-level pattern, appropriate for knitters with solid foundational skills. A critical note for this pattern is that obtaining row gauge is as important as obtaining stitch gauge. Knitters must achieve both 23 stitches and 32 rows per 4 inches in the appropriate stitch patterns after blocking to ensure the finished garment has the correct dimensions and drape. The model pictured is 5 feet 7 inches tall and is wearing Size S with 19.5 inches of positive ease, providing a reference for how the finished cape will fit and move on the body.