Created from a super-sized flat crochet circle with cleverly positioned armholes, this easy-make design is an elegant circular cape with a drapey shawl collar.
MATERIALS
• Caron Simply Soft (100% acrylic; 288m/315yds per 170g/6oz ball) aran-weight yarn
1 x 170g (6oz) ball in shade 9712 Soft Blue (A)
2 x 170g (6oz) balls in shade 9709 Light Country Blue (B)
1 x 170g (6oz) ball in shade 9710 Country Blue (C)
• 5mm (US H/8) crochet hook
• Tapestry needle
FINISHED MEASUREMENTS
132cm (52in) diameter
TENSION
12tr and 6 rows to measure 10cm (4in)
ABBREVIATIONS
See page 9.
FOR THE CAPE
Foundation: Using yarn A and 5mm (US H/8) hook, make a magic ring. Work 2ch (does not count as st), 12tr into the ring, join with a sl st in first st. Draw up tightly to conceal the hole. (12 sts)
Round 1: 2ch (does not count as st throughout), work 2tr in each st around, join with a sl st in first st. (24 sts)
Round 2: 2ch, [1tr in next st, 2tr in next st] around, join with a sl st in first st. (36 sts)
Round 3: 2ch, [1tr in each of next 2 sts, 2tr in next st] around, join with a sl st in first st. (48 sts)
Round 4: 2ch, [1tr in each of next 3 sts, 2tr in next st] around, join with a sl st in first st. (60 sts)
Rounds 5–15: Continue as set for a further 11 rounds. (192 sts)
FOR THE ARMHOLES
Round 16: 2ch, [1tr in each of next 15 sts, 2tr in next st] 3 times, 34ch, miss next 32 sts (armhole made), [1tr in each of next 15 sts, 2tr in next st] twice, 34ch, miss next 32 sts (armhole made), [1tr in each of next 15 sts, 2tr in next st] 3 times, join with a sl st in first st.
Make it yours
This design uses varying shades of one colour to create an ombré effect; try working with variegated yarns or different plain colours for a bright bold finish.
Round 17: 2ch, [1tr in each of next 16 sts, 2tr in next st] 3 times, working into the ch work 1tr in each of next 16 ch, 2tr in next ch, 1tr in each of next 16 ch, 2tr in next ch, [1tr in each of next 16 sts, 2tr in next st] twice, working into the ch make 1tr in each of next 16 ch, 2tr in next ch, 1tr in each of next 16 ch, 2tr in next ch, [1tr in each of next 16 sts, 2tr in next st] 3 times, join with a sl st in first st.
Round 18: 2ch, [1tr in each of next 17 sts, 2tr in next st] 12 times, join with a sl st in first st.
Round 19: 2ch, [1tr in each of next 18 sts, 2tr in next st] 12 times, join with a sl st in first st.
Rounds 20–33: Change to yarn B and continue in pattern as set, join with a sl st in first st.
Rounds 34–38: Change to yarn C and continue in pattern as set, join with a sl st in first st.
FOR THE BORDER
Continue with yarn C and work 1ch (does not count as st), 1dc in each st around outer edge, join with a sl st in first st. Fasten off.
Using yarn B and 5mm (US H/8) hook, join the yarn to the armhole and work 1ch (does not count as st), 1dc in each st around, sl st at end. Fasten off. Rep for second armhole.
MAKING UP AND FINISHING
Weave in all loose ends and block to measurements.
Tips
The circle is kept flat by working the same number of increases at the same place on each round. You can check where you are on the pattern by looking at the row below.
Y
To help keep track of the increase points, place a locking stitch marker in the stitch where the increase happens and move it up with each round.
