Wildflowerknits Mirna Cape Knitting Pattern

Wildflowerknits Mirna Cape and Poncho

What is Being Made

The Mirna is a beginner-level cape and poncho design created by Kennita Tully. This garment features a sophisticated construction with finished measurements of 23.75 (27.75, 31.75) inches in width across the front and back, and 25 (27, 29) inches in finished length. The design is available in three sizes: Small, Medium, and Large, making it accessible for various body types and preferences.

Techniques Used

The Mirna employs a bottom-up construction method, meaning the garment is knit starting from the lower edge and progressing upward toward the shoulders and neckline. The cape is worked flat on straight needles rather than in the round, which simplifies the knitting process for beginners. The finished pieces are then seamed together to create the final garment structure. This approach allows for clear shaping and straightforward pattern repeats that are easy to follow.

Stitches Used

The Mirna incorporates two primary stitch patterns. Stockinette Stitch forms the main body of the cape, creating a smooth, classic fabric with alternating knit and purl rows when worked flat. Seed Stitch is used strategically throughout the design—it appears as decorative edging along the sides and forms the foundation for the collar. Seed Stitch is created by alternating knit and purl stitches within each row and between rows, producing a textured, bumpy fabric that adds visual interest and prevents curling at the edges.

The pattern also includes specific construction elements such as pocket linings and side tabs. The pocket linings are worked in Stockinette Stitch and set aside on stitch holders for later attachment. The side tabs are created using Seed Stitch on smaller needles, adding textural contrast and structural definition to the garment's silhouette.

Materials and Tools

The Mirna is designed to be knit with Tahki Yarns "Tahoe", a premium blend containing 32% nylon, 27% wool, 25% baby alpaca, and 16% yak. This fiber composition creates a yarn with excellent durability, warmth, and softness. The yardage requirement is 6 (7, 8) balls, with each ball providing 179 yards at a weight of 50 grams, allowing crafters to calculate total yardage needed for their chosen size.

The pattern requires Size US9 (5.5mm) knitting needles for the main body pieces and a Size US9 (5.5mm) 16-inch circular knitting needle for the collar. Smaller Size US7 (4.5mm) knitting needles are used for the side tabs to create a tighter, more defined edge. Additional tools include stitch holders for managing active stitches, stitch markers for tracking pattern sections, and a tapestry needle for seaming and finishing.

Gauge and Construction Details

The recommended gauge is 16 stitches and 22 rows over 4 inches (10 centimeters) in Stockinette Stitch pattern. Checking gauge before beginning is essential to ensure the finished garment matches the intended measurements. The back piece begins with a Long Tail Cast on of 95 (111, 127) stitches, followed by 3 rows of Seed Stitch for a textured foundation. Stitch markers are placed strategically to separate the Seed Stitch edging sections from the Stockinette Stitch body sections, simplifying the knitting process and ensuring consistent pattern placement across all sizes.

Shoulder shaping is accomplished through bind-offs, with 23 (29, 35) stitches bound off on each side, leaving 49 (53, 57) stitches on a holder for the collar. This structured shaping creates a fitted neckline while maintaining the cape's elegant drape.