Tahki Yarns Grey Birch Capelet Knitting Pattern

Tahki Yarns Grey Birch Capelet

What is Being Made

The Grey Birch Capelet is a sophisticated layering piece designed by Irina Poludnenko. This capelet features a classic silhouette with a fitted turtleneck collar and a gracefully draped body that falls to approximately 20½ to 22 inches in length. Available in six sizes ranging from Small to 3X, the capelet offers a bottom circumference between 46 and 56 inches, making it versatile for various body types and styling preferences.

Construction Techniques

The Grey Birch Capelet employs a strategic two-part construction method that combines bottom-up knitting with both flat and circular needle work. The lower body section is worked flat from side-to-side in a horizontal direction, then seamed at the center back to create the circular base. This approach allows for seamless pattern alignment and structural integrity. Once the lower body reaches the desired circumference, stitches are picked up along the garter stitch edge and the upper section is worked in the round using circular needles, creating the fitted turtleneck collar without interruption.

Stitches and Pattern Details

The capelet showcases beautiful cable work combined with textural contrast. The primary stitch patterns include:

• Cable Pattern: The lower body features prominent cable stitches worked across the piece, specifically using C8F (cable 8 front) and C8B (cable 8 back) techniques. These cables are created by slipping 4 stitches to a cable needle, holding them to either the front or back, knitting 4 stitches from the main needle, then knitting the 4 stitches from the cable needle. This creates the distinctive twisted rope texture characteristic of cable knitting.
• Garter Stitch: Used for both structural elements and the upper turtleneck section. When worked in the round, garter stitch is created by alternating knit and purl rounds, producing a reversible, textured fabric with horizontal ridges.
• Ribbing: K2, P2 ribbing provides elasticity and structure, particularly suited for the fitted neckline area.

The pattern also incorporates decreases using K2tog (knit 2 together) and P2tog (purl 2 together) techniques to shape the garment as needed.

Materials and Tools

This pattern calls for Tahki Yarns ARCTIC yarn, a premium blend composed of 70% organic virgin wool and 30% alpaca. This fiber combination provides warmth, softness, and a subtle sheen. The yarn is available in color #04 stone, a neutral grey tone that suits various wardrobes. Pattern requirements specify 6 to 9 balls depending on size, with each ball weighing 1.75 ounces (50 grams) and containing 82 yards (75 meters).

Essential tools include one size 10½ (6.5mm) circular needle measuring 24 inches (60 centimeters) long, stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats and construction sections, a cable needle for managing cable stitches, and a yarn needle for seaming and weaving in ends. Gauge is critical: 18 stitches and 18 rows equal 4 inches in cable pattern, while 11 stitches and 20 rows equal 4 inches in garter stitch.

Pattern Structure Overview

The lower body begins with a cast-on of 59 stitches and follows an 8-row repeat pattern. The pattern alternates between knit rows, purl rows with a garter stitch edge, and cable rows that create the visual interest. The piece is worked until it reaches the specified circumference for the chosen size, then bound off knitwise. The cast-on and bind-off edges are then seamed together at the center back. Following this, stitches are picked up along the garter stitch edge to begin the upper turtleneck section, which is worked in the round to completion.