This classic shoulder cape is constructed by seaming together colourful granny square blocks to create a neat cape that will sit smartly around your shoulders. The modular nature of the granny square makes this a great project to crochet on the go.
MATERIALS
• Lion Brand Vanna’s Choice (100% acrylic; 200m/220yds per 100g/3½oz ball) aran-weight yarn
1 x 100g (3½oz) ball of shade 158 Mustard (A)
1 x 100g (3½oz) ball of shade 142 Rose (B)
1 x 100g (3½oz) ball of shade 102 Aqua (C)
2 x 100g (3½oz) balls of shade 099 Linen (D)
• 6mm (US J/10) crochet hook
• 3cm (1¼in) button
• Tapestry needle
FINISHED MEASUREMENTS
107cm (42in) wide around shoulders x 45cm (17½in) long
TENSION
1 granny square to measure 10cm (4in)
ABBREVIATIONS
See page 9.
For the Granny Squares
Block 1: Make 12 in the following colour sequence:
Foundation: Using yarn A and 6mm (US J/10) hook, make a magic ring. Work 3ch (counts as 1tr throughout), 2tr, [2ch, 3tr] 3 times, 2ch, join with a sl st in third ch of 3ch. Draw up tightly to conceal the hole. (12 sts and 4 ch-sps)
Round 1: Change to yarn B, 4ch (counts as 1tr and 1ch), *[3tr, 2ch, 3tr] in next ch-sp, 1ch; rep from * twice more, [3tr, 2ch, 2tr] in last ch-sp, join with a sl st in third ch of 4ch.
Round 2: Change to yarn C, 3ch (counts as 1tr), 2tr in first ch-sp, *1ch, [3tr, 2ch, 3tr] in next ch-sp, 1ch, 3tr in next ch-sp; rep from * twice more, 1ch, [3tr, 2ch, 3tr] in last ch-sp, 1ch, join with a sl st in third ch of 3ch.
Round 3: Change to yarn D, 1ch (does not count as st), 1dc in each st and ch-sp around, working [1dc, 1ch, 1dc] in each corner ch-sp, join with a sl st in first st. Fasten off.
Rep to make a total of 12 granny squares in this colour sequence.
Tip
Take time to block each granny square before seaming together – this will give them a more uniform shape and create a neater finish. Lay the finished squares out in the order they are to be joined to make seaming easier and to ensure you are adding the correct block each time.
Block 2: Make 16 blocks in the following colour sequence:
Foundation: Yarn A.
Round 1: Yarn C.
Round 2: Yarn B.
Round 3: Yarn D.
28 granny squares made in total.
Weave in ends and block the granny squares to measurements.
FOR THE CAPE
Lay the blocks out in strips in the order shown on the illustration (right), so from top-to bottom the order is:
Strip 1: Block 1, Block 2, Block 1, Block 2.
Strip 2: Block 2, Block 1, Block 2, Block 1, Block 2.
Strip 3: Block 2, Block 1, Block 2, Block 1, Block 2.
Strip 4: Block 2, Block 1, Block 2, Block 1, Block 2.
Strip 5: Block 2, Block 1, Block 2, Block 1.
Strip 6: Block 2, Block 1, Block 2.
Strip 7: Block 2, Block 1.
Using yarn D and 6mm (US J/10) hook and with WS together, begin joining the blocks into 7 separate strips working 1dc through each corresponding stitch.
Now join the strips of blocks together in the positions shown on the illustration (right). With WS together, work 1dc through each corresponding stitch.
FOR THE SHOULDER SEAMS
With RS facing you, lay the piece down so that the row of four Block 2 squares (orientated as diamonds) is at the bottom, and the row of six Block 2 squares is at the top. On the top row, align the open sides of the Block 2 squares marked “Join” on the illustration with WS together. Using yarn D and 6mm (US J/10) hook, join with 1dc in each st, to form the shoulder seams.
Make it yours
The length of the cape is easy to adapt by simply working a few more granny squares and adding them to the bottom. Remember to adjust yarn quantities to accommodate larger sizes.
FOR THE EDGING
Using yarn D and 6mm (US J/10) hook, with RS facing, rejoin yarn in top right corner of neck edge and work 1ch, 1dc in each st and [1dc, 1ch, 1dc] at points of granny squares around entire outside edge and join with a sl st in first st.
Next round: 1ch, work 1dc in each st and [1dc, 1ch, 1dc] at points of granny squares to last st, work 12ch to form a buttonhole loop and join with a sl st in first st. Fasten off.
MAKING UP AND FINISHING
Weave in any remaining loose ends and block to measurements.
Position button to align with buttonhole loop on corresponding side of cape and sew securely in place.
