This capelet is inspired by traditional sweaters with fair isle yokes. And just like traditional fair isle patterns, no more than two colors are used in a row at any one time. The end result is a stunning piece you’ll want to wear all season long.
Skill Level: Intermediate
Size: S/M (M/L, XL) Finished Bust Size 42 (46, 52)” to fit bust 34-38 (40-44, 46-50)”.
4-8” positive ease
Shown in size S/M
Gauge: 16 sts and 23 rows = 4” [10 cm] in Fairisle St st using smaller needle.
Materials
Yarn: Paintbox Yarns Simply Chunky (100% Acrylic; 149 yards [136 meters]/100 grams):
305 Slate Grey (A, 2 (3, 4) balls), 306 Granite Grey (B, 1 (2, 2) ball(s), 310 Coffee Bean (C, 1, 1, 1) ball, 301 Pure Black (D, 1 (1, 1) ball)
Needles: US size 9 (5.5 mm) 32” circular, US size 10 (6.0 mm) 32” circular
Notions: Tapestry needle
Pattern Notes
This design starts at the bottom with a deep rib.
When following charts, yarn is stranded loosely across the back. Where yarn is carried over more than 4 sts, weave it loosely over and under yarn on WS.
As in traditional fairisle patterns, no more than two colors are used in a row at any one time.
Pattern
Using A and larger needles, CO 180 (216, 252) sts. Join for working in the rnd, making sure that sts are not twisted. Place marker at start of rnd.
Rnd 1: *K2, p2; rep from * around.
Rnds 2-20: Rep Rnd 1. Rib should meas 3.5” from CO edge.
Change to smaller needles.
Rnd 22: Knit around in A.
Rep Rnd 22 until work meas 7” from CO edge.
Fairisle Chart 1
Repeats comprise of 9 sts. Number of pattern repeats: 20 (24, 28)
Start at the bottom Rnd 1 of Chart 1, working from right to left on every repeat.
Rnds 1-5: Follow chart using A and C.
Rnds 6-9: Follow chart using B and D.
Rnds 10-11: Using D only, knit
Rnds 12-16: Follow chart using C and D.
Rnds 17-18: Rep Rnds 10-11.
Rnds 19-22: Follow chart using B and D.
Rnds 23-26: Follow chart using colors A and C.
Rnd 27 (Dec): Keeping color pattern correct, knit sts in columns 1 and 9 between repeats together. (20 (24, 28) sts dec’d. 160 (192, 224) sts rem)
Fairisle Chart 2
Repeats comprise of 8 sts. Position column 4 of Chart 2 above column 5 (k2tog) of Chart 1.
Rnds 1-4: Follow chart using A and C.
Rnds 5-9: Follow chart using C and D.
Rnd 10 (Dec): Keeping color pattern correct, knit together sts in columns (2, 3) and (5, 6) on each repeat. (40 (48, 56) dec’d. 120 (144, 168) sts)
Rnds 11-12: With D only, knit
Fairisle Chart 3
Repeats comprise of 6 sts. Position column 6 of Chart 3 above column 4 of Chart 2.
Rnds 1-10: Follow chart using A and D.
Change to B.
Size S/M Only
Rnd 11 (Dec): K4, (k2tog, k1) 18 times, k5, (k2tog, k1) 18 times, k3. (84 sts)
Size M/L Only
Rnd 11 (Dec): *(K2tog) 3 times, k1, (k2tog) twice, k1; rep from * 11 more times. (84 sts)
Size XL Only
Rnd 11 (Dec): K2tog to end. (84 sts)
Neckline Options
The design pictured has a polo neckline; for those who don’t like collars high up around their necks, there is an alternative narrow option.
Polo neckline
Rnd 1: *K2, p2; rep from * around.
Rep Rnd 1 until rib meas 8”.
BO loosely in est rib.
Narrow Neckline
Rnds 1-9: *K2, p2; rep from * around.
Change to larger needles.
BO loosely in est rib.
Finishing
Weave in all ends invisibly at the back of capelet for at least 3”. Press on wrong side following ball band instructions. Fold over polo collar.
Hi. Although I’m a very experienced knitter I have never knitted with a chart. Is it possible to have this pattern with written instructions for the fair isle?
Where can I find the charts for the faire isle portion of the pattern?
Hi Emily, charts appear at the end of the pattern as big blue buttons and appear only for logged-in gold members. – Nicola, Editor
How can I print this pattern?
Hi Sue, you can use your browser’s print function of the print icon on the left of the page.
Chart 1 shows the center of the diamond motif is coffee bean, but in the photos they seem to be the lighter grey.
Hello Josephine! I’ve reached out to the designer for advice and she or I will reply as soon as possible. Thanks! – Nicola, Editor