Twist Collective Chimayo Cape Knitting Pattern

Twist Collective Chimayo Capelet and Hat

What is Being Made

The Chimayo collection by Barbara Gregory includes two coordinating knitted pieces: a slip stitch capelet and a matching hat. The capelet features a flared silhouette, expanding from a fitted neckline to a wider lower edge, making it a versatile layering piece. The accompanying hat is designed to coordinate with the capelet, allowing crafters to create a complete set or knit pieces individually.

Capelet Specifications

• Circumference at neck edge: 20 inches (51 cm)
• Circumference at lower edge: 42 inches (106.5 cm)
• Length: 12¾ inches (32.5 cm)

Hat Specifications

• Head circumference: 19¼ inches (49 cm)
• Length: 8½ inches (21.5 cm)

Primary Techniques

Slip stitch mosaic knitting is the signature technique used throughout both pieces. This method creates the appearance of complex color work while simplifying the actual knitting process. In slip stitch mosaic patterns, each round is worked with only one color at a time. Stitches are selectively slipped purlwise without being knitted or purled, allowing stitches from previous rounds to visually appear as if they were worked in multiple colors. This creates an intricate, multi-color patterned fabric without the complexity of traditional stranded colorwork.

Stranded colorwork principles are employed in the construction, with the main color carried up the inside of the piece over rounds that feature contrast colors. This technique maintains color continuity and prevents long floats on the wrong side of the work.

Bottom-up construction is used for the capelet, beginning at the neckline and increasing outward to create the flared shape. The hat is worked in the round using circular needles, creating seamless tubular fabric.

Stitches and Pattern Details

The primary stitch used is the slip stitch, executed by transferring stitches purlwise to the right-hand needle without knitting or purling them. The working yarn is held to the wrong side of the fabric during slip stitches. Careful tension management is essential—the yarn should be carried loosely behind slipped stitches to prevent fabric puckering. Special attention is required when two stitches are slipped consecutively; stitches must be kept spread out on the right-hand needle to prevent the working yarn from gathering them together as the next stitch is worked.

Both pieces utilize chart-based pattern instructions. The charts indicate which color should be used for each round, with contrasting color stitches shown visually on the chart to guide slip stitch placement.

Materials and Yarn Information

The pattern is designed for Valley Yarns Northampton, a 100% wool yarn with 247 yards (226 meters) per 3½ ounce (100 gram) skein. Two colorway options are provided:

• Option 1: 2 balls #40 Ocean Heather (Main Color), 1 ball each #42 Lake Heather (Contrast Color 1), #03 Fawn (Contrast Color 2), #49 Brown Heather (Contrast Color 3)
• Option 2: 2 balls #45 Twilight Heather (Main Color), 1 ball each #26 Raspberry Heather (Contrast Color 1), #05 Light Grey (Contrast Color 2), #50 Medium Grey (Contrast Color 3)

The yarn quantities specified will produce both the capelet and hat as a coordinated set. Crafters who wish to knit only the hat require 1 skein each of the Main Color, Contrast Color 2, and Contrast Color 3.

Needles and Tools

The capelet is worked on a 24-inch (60 cm) circular needle in a smaller size, with the pattern indicating that additional needle sizes may be specified within the full instructions. Circular needles are essential for the bottom-up construction and the in-the-round techniques used throughout both pieces.

Color Work and Finishing

Contrast colors are cut and re-attached as needed throughout the pattern, with long tails left for weaving in during finishing. This approach simplifies color management compared to carrying multiple colors throughout the entire piece. The combination of slip stitch