The photo shows a medium length but it could be made shorter for a capelet or longer for a full cape. The stitch pattern is easy to memorize so the crocheting goes along fairly fast. This cape has a flexible fit due to the drawstring at the neckline. This is a plus because the results for each starting chain will fit a range of sizes.
Abbreviations: ch = chain, chs = chains, ea = each, dc = double crochet, sc = single crochet, sp = space, st = stitch, sts = stitches, tr = treble
Materials: For length shown in the example, in size Medium, about 6 oz. worsted weight yarn with US size H hook. Plan to have an extra skein or two on hand, if you want to make a longer cape or the larger sizes.
Measurements: The top edge measures about 34 inches across for the size small, with the starting chain of 103 chains. The top edge measures about 41 inches across for the size medium, with the starting chain of 119 chains.
Gauge: 7 sc = 2 inches, two 4-dc groups = 2 inches (across top of stitches), 2 dc rows with 1 sc row = 1 1/2 inches
Stitches Used: double crochet - dc instructions
Single Crochet - Instructions link, with photos:
sc how-to
Treble - (used only in the edging). Instructions link, with drawings:
tr how-to
Pattern Notes: You will turn at the end of each row, unless noted otherwise. This copyrighted pattern is written in US
American English crochet pattern terms.
Starting chains given are for sizes x-small, with small, medium, large, x-large shown in parenthesis. Medium is about a size Misses 12-14. Each size could fit a range of sizes. Top row can be worn flat for the neckline to form more of a v-neck look or the drawstring at the top can be used to draw the cape tighter around the shoulders.
Starting Chain Sizes: x-sm (sm, med, lg, x-lg)
Starting Chains: chain 87 (103, 119, 135, 151)
Row 1: sc in 2nd ch from hook, sc in ea chain across.
Row 2: ch 3 (counts as first dc), dc in next sc, * ch 2, skip next 2 sc, dc in ea of next 2 sc **, repeat the directions between * and ** as many times as needed to go across the row.
Row 3: ch 1 to turn, sc in first dc, sc in next dc, * 2 sc in ch-2 sp, sc in ea of next 2 dc **, repeat the directions between * and ** as many times as needed to go across the row.
Row 4: ch 3 (counts as first dc), skip next 2 sc, 4 dc in next sc, * skip next 2 sc, 4 dc in next sc **, repeat the directions between * and ** until 3 or 4 sc remain in the row, then skip next 2 or 3 sc, dc in last sc. Note: Number of stitches left at the end of the row depends upon the size that you are making. Another alternate ending - with the size that you are making, these ending directions may work out best: when 6 sc remain, skip 2 sc, 4 dc in next sc, skip 2 sc, dc in last sc. When you are near the end of the row, you'll see which ending will work best with the starting chain that you used.
Row 5: ch 3 (counts as first dc), dc in next dc, * ch 2, skip next 2 dc, dc in ea of next 2 dc **, repeat the directions between * and ** as many times as needed to go across the row.
Rows 6 - 8: Repeat rows 3 - 5.
Row 9: ch 1 to turn, sc in first dc, sc in next dc, * 2 sc in ch-2 sp, sc in ea of next 2 dc **, repeat the directions between * and ** as many times as needed to go across the row.
Row 10: ch 3 (counts as first dc), skip next 2 sc, 4 dc in next sc, * skip next 3 sc, 4 dc in next sc **, repeat the directions between * and ** until 3 or 4 sc remain in the row, then
skip next 2 or 3 sc, dc in last sc. The number of sc left after the last repeat will vary, depending on the size that you are making. If needed, use another alternate ending shown in row 4.
Row 11: ch 3 (counts as first dc), dc in next dc, * ch 2, skip next 2 dc, dc in ea of next 2 dc **, repeat the directions between * and ** as many times as needed to go across the row.
Additional Rows: Repeat rows 9 - 11, as many times as needed to reach the length that you want.
Last Row: Repeat row 9.
Edging: ch 1, sc in first sc, * ch 2, skip next 2 sc, 3 dc in next sc, ch 1, tr in next sc, ch 1, 3 dc in next sc, ch 2, skip next 2 sc, sc in next sc **, repeat the directions between * and ** as many times as needed to go across the row. Do not end off yet. Do not turn. Next part is worked along the side edge.
Single Crochet Along Outside Edge: Note: If you need an explanation for working single crochet around the post of the double crochet, see photos at: http://crochet.about.com/library/blscdpost.htm
Instructions for working around outside edge: ch 2 for corner, then, working along next side, sc in end of first sc row, * (2 sc around post of dc on edge of next row) twice, sc in end of next sc row **, repeat the directions between * and ** as many times as needed to reach the end of this side, ch 2 for corner, sl st in remaining loop of ea ch of the starting ch until you reach the end of the top edge, ch 2 for corner, sc in end of first row, then repeat the directions between * and ** as many times as needed to reach the end of that side, ch 2 for corner, sl st in the first sc of the edging on the bottom edge. End off, leaving a strand for weaving in. Weave in the ends, to secure.
Drawstring: chain 180, (200, 220, 240, 260). End off, weave in ends. Make a knot on each end to secure. Weave drawstring through the holes in row 2.
