Shibui Knits Dunham Cape Knitting Pattern

Shibui Knits Dunham Ruana

What is Being Made

The Dunham is a generous rectangle-shaped ruana—a statement wrap piece designed to be worn draped elegantly over the shoulders. This one-size garment features divided fronts and measures 46.75" in width with a 32.5" back length from shoulder, making it a versatile layering piece suitable for various occasions and body types.

Construction and Techniques

The Dunham is worked flat in one piece using a bottom-up construction method. The pattern begins at the back hem and continues upward to the neck, after which the left and right fronts are worked separately. This approach allows for precise shaping and customization of fit.

The garment features several refined finishing techniques. The piece begins and ends with a simple reverse stockinette rolled edge, creating a polished, elegant border. Slipped-stitch side edges are incorporated throughout, providing clean, professional-looking selvages. The back neck includes deliberate shaping for a great fit on the shoulders, ensuring the ruana drapes beautifully when worn.

Stitches Used

The primary stitch pattern is stockinette stitch (St st), which creates a smooth, classic fabric. Reverse stockinette stitch is used for the rolled edge detail. Slipped stitches are worked at the side edges for a refined finish. The pattern employs the German Twisted Cast-On method for the initial stitches, a technique that creates a particularly durable and attractive cast-on edge.

Materials and Tools

The Dunham is knit using two yarns held together throughout:

• Shibui Knits Nest: 75% Fine Highland Wool and 25% Alpaca, 175 yards per 50-gram skein; 10 skeins required
• Shibui Knits Silk Cloud: 60% Kid Mohair and 40% Silk, 330 yards per 25-gram skein; 5 skeins required

The combination of these two premium yarns creates a truly luxurious fiber blend. The fine wool and alpaca base provides warmth and structure, while the kid mohair and silk add softness, sheen, and an irresistible drape.

Needles required include a Size 8 (5 mm) circular needle in 32" or 40" length and a Size 9 (5.5 mm) circular needle in 32" or 40" length. Additional tools include stitch holders, removable stitch markers, and a tapestry needle for finishing.

Gauge and Finished Dimensions

The pattern specifies a gauge of 17 stitches and 26.75 rows over 4 inches in stockinette stitch after blocking, using one strand of Nest and one strand of Silk Cloud held together on a Size 9 needle or the size needed to obtain gauge. The finished ruana measures 46.75" in width and 32.5" in back length from the shoulder.

Skill Level

This pattern is rated Easy +, making it accessible to knitters with basic skills while offering enough interest and refinement for more experienced makers. The straightforward stockinette construction combined with the elegant shaping and finishing details creates a sophisticated garment without excessive complexity.