Tahki Yarns Dovecote Capelet Knitting Pattern

Tahki Yarns Dovecote Capelet

What is Being Made

The Dovecote Capelet is a seamless, worked-in-the-round knitted capelet designed by Irina Poludnenko. This garment is a versatile layering piece that features a wider bottom circumference that tapers to a fitted neckline, creating an elegant shoulder covering. Available in three sizes—Small/Medium, Large/XL, and 2X/3X—the capelet offers bottom circumferences ranging from 47¼ inches to 54½ inches with corresponding neck circumferences from 19 inches to 21¾ inches. The finished height ranges from 17 to 19 inches depending on size.

Techniques Used

This capelet is constructed using bottom-up knitting methodology, meaning it is worked from the bottom edge upward toward the neckline. The seamless, worked-in-the-round technique eliminates the need for seaming, creating a smooth, continuous garment. The pattern employs strategic decreasing to shape the capelet from its wider base to the narrower neck opening. Knitters progress through the pattern using multiple circular needles of different lengths—a 32-inch needle for the initial cast-on and wider sections, transitioning to a 24-inch needle and finally a 16-inch needle as the stitch count decreases and the circumference becomes smaller.

Stitches Used

The Dovecote Capelet features two primary stitch patterns that alternate throughout the design:

• Stockinette Stitch (St st): Created by knitting all stitches in every round, this fundamental stitch produces a smooth, flat fabric with a characteristic V-pattern appearance on the right side. Stockinette stitch sections provide visual contrast and textural variation within the capelet.
• Fisherman's Rib: This textured stitch pattern is worked over a multiple of 2 stitches. Fisherman's Rib is created by alternating knit and purl stitches in Round 1, then in Round 2, knitting into the stitch one row below (abbreviated as K1-b) while purling the next stitch. This creates a dense, elastic fabric with excellent drape and insulation properties. The pattern repeats Rounds 1 and 2 throughout the designated sections.

The capelet alternates between Fisherman's Rib and Stockinette stitch sections, beginning and ending with Fisherman's Rib at the bottom edge and neckline for a finished appearance. Decreasing rounds using K2tog (knit 2 together) shaping are strategically placed to gradually reduce the stitch count and create the capelet's silhouette.

Materials

The Dovecote Capelet is knitted using Tahki Yarns ALDEN, a premium blend yarn composed of 50% fine merino wool, 25% super-fine alpaca, and 25% acrylic. This fiber combination provides warmth, softness, and durability. The yardage requirement is 3 balls for Small/Medium, 4 balls for Large/XL, and 4 balls for 2X/3X, with each ball containing 1.75 ounces and 250 yards of yarn in color #14 silver.

The pattern calls for size 5 (3.75mm) circular needles in three lengths: a 32-inch needle for the initial cast-on and wider sections, a 24-inch needle for mid-gauge sections, and a 16-inch needle for the narrower neckline area. Additional supplies include a stitch marker for tracking round beginnings and a yarn needle for weaving in ends. The recommended gauge is 22 stitches and 28 rows over 4 inches in Stockinette stitch.