Enchanted Forest Hooded Cape Free Pattern – Knit a Cozy Fairytale Wrap

Wrap yourself in the magic of the woods with this hooded cape, featuring a rich moss-green body and a delicate leaf lace border. Knitted in the round from the top down, this whimsical layer is perfect for crisp autumn days, cozy evenings by the fire, or simply adding a touch of fairytale charm to your wardrobe. The smooth stockinette body provides a clean canvas for the intricate cream-colored leaf lace at the hem, creating a stunning contrast that evokes the beauty of an enchanted forest. Whether you're a seasoned knitter looking for a rewarding project or a confident beginner ready for a challenge, this pattern will guide you through every step to create a truly magical garment.

Materials Needed

Before you begin your knitting adventure, gather the following materials. Having everything ready will make the process smooth and enjoyable.

• Yarn: Worsted weight yarn in two colors:
  • Main Color (MC) – Forest Green: Approximately 800g (about 1600 yards)
  • Contrast Color (CC) – Cream: Approximately 200g (about 400 yards)
• Needles:
  • US 8 (5mm) circular needles, 32-inch (80cm) or longer – for the cape body
  • US 8 (5mm) double-pointed needles (DPNs) – for hood decreases
• Notions:
  • Stitch markers (at least 2, one of which is unique for the beginning of round)
  • Yarn needle for weaving in ends
  • Scissors
  • Optional: One wooden toggle and a small loop of yarn for a closure

Gauge

18 stitches and 24 rows = 4 inches (10 cm) in stockinette stitch (knit every round) using US 8 (5mm) needles. Always take time to check your gauge – it ensures your cape will have the correct dimensions and drape.

Step-by-Step Instructions

This cape is knitted seamlessly from the top down, beginning with the hood and working down to the flared body. The leaf lace border is worked at the hem. Follow each step carefully, and you'll have a beautiful cape in no time.

Part 1: Knitting the Hood

1. Cast On: With your Main Color (MC) yarn and your long circular needle, cast on 80 stitches.
2. Join in the Round: Place a unique marker (Marker A) on your right needle to mark the beginning of the round. Join the round by knitting the first stitch from the left needle, being very careful not to twist your stitches. The cast-on edge should form a neat ring.
3. Work Stockinette: Knit every round in stockinette stitch (which is simply knitting every stitch) for 8 inches (20 cm). This will form the main body of the hood.
4. Shape the Back of the Hood: Now we'll shape the back of the hood to give it a nice rounded fit.
   • Place a second marker (Marker B) at the center back. To do this, count 40 stitches from Marker A and place Marker B between stitch 40 and 41. You now have 40 stitches on each side of Marker B.
   • Decrease Round: Knit to 2 stitches before Marker B. Work a k2tog (knit two together – decrease slanting right), then k1, slip Marker B, k1, then work an ssk (slip, slip, knit – decrease slanting left). Continue knitting to the end of the round. You have decreased 2 stitches.
   • Repeat this decrease round every 4th round for a total of 4 decrease rounds. After the 4th decrease, you will have 72 stitches remaining.
   • Work even (knit every round) for an additional 2 inches (5 cm).
   • Bind Off Loosely: Bind off all stitches loosely. This is the top of the hood. Cut your yarn, leaving a long tail for seaming later if needed.

Part 2: Knitting the Cape Body

1. Pick Up Stitches: Turn your work so you are looking at the cast-on edge of the hood (the bottom edge). Using your MC yarn and circular needle, pick up and knit 80 stitches along this edge. This is the neckline of your cape.
2. Set Up Round: Place a marker (Marker A) at the beginning of the round. This marks the center front of your cape. Knit one round even to establish your work.
3. Begin Increases (Creating the Flare): We will now increase stitches to create the cape's gentle A-line flare.
   • Increase Round 1: *Knit 8, m1 (make one – pick up the bar between the stitch you just knit and the next stitch, and knit it through the back loop)*. Repeat from * to * around. You will have added 10 stitches, bringing your total to 90 stitches.
   • Work Even: Knit 2 rounds even (no increases).
   • Increase Round 2: *Knit 9, m1*. Repeat from * to * around. You now have 100 stitches.
   • Continue the Pattern: Continue this pattern of increasing by 10 stitches each time. Each increase round, the number of knit stitches before the m1 increases by 1 (so next is *k10, m1*, then *k11, m1*, etc.). Between each increase round, work 2 to 3 rounds even in stockinette. This spacing creates a smooth, gradual flare.
   • Repeat these increase rounds until you have a total of 200 stitches on your needles. This will take about 12 increase rounds.
4. Work Even: Once you have 200 stitches, work even in stockinette stitch (knit every round) until the cape measures 18 inches (46 cm) from the hood pick-up edge. Try it on if you can – the length is customizable to your preference.

Part 3: The Leaf Lace Border

Now for the magical part – the delicate leaf lace border! Switch to your Contrast Color (CC) yarn. The lace pattern is a repeating 10-stitch motif. Since you have 200 stitches, the pattern will repeat exactly 20 times around.

1. Round 1: *K2tog, yo, k1, yo, ssk, k5*. Repeat from * to * around.
2. Round 2: *K2tog, yo, k3, yo, ssk, k3*. Repeat from * to * around.
3. Round 3: *K2tog, yo, k5, yo, ssk, k1*. Repeat from * to * around.
4. Round 4: *K2tog, yo, k7, yo, ssk*. Repeat from * to * around.
5. Round 5: *K1, yo, ssk, k7, k2tog, yo*. Repeat from * to * around.
6. Round 6: *K2, yo, ssk, k5, k2tog, yo, k1*. Repeat from * to * around.
7. Round 7: *K3, yo, ssk, k3, k2tog, yo, k2*. Repeat from * to * around.
8. Round 8: *K4, yo, ssk, k1, k2tog, yo, k3*. Repeat from * to * around.
9. Bind Off Loosely in Pattern: Bind off all stitches loosely, following the lace pattern as you go. For example, if the next stitch is a k2tog, bind off as if to knit (or purl) according to the pattern. This ensures the edge remains stretchy and doesn't pucker.

Part 4: Finishing Touches

1. Weave in Ends: Using your yarn needle, carefully weave in all loose ends on the wrong side of the work. Take your time to make them secure and invisible.
2. Blocking: This step is crucial for a professional finish. Soak your cape in lukewarm water with a gentle wool wash for about 20 minutes. Gently squeeze out excess water (do not wring). Lay the cape flat on a clean towel, roll it up to remove more water, then lay it out flat to dry. Gently stretch the lace border to open up the leaf pattern and shape the hood. Pin the edges if needed to achieve the desired shape. Allow it to dry completely.
3. Optional Closure: For a functional and charming touch, sew a wooden toggle to the inside of the cape at the neckline, and create a small loop of yarn (or use a purchased loop) on the opposite side to fasten it.

Congratulations! You've created your very own Enchanted Forest Hooded Cape. This beautiful, handcrafted garment is sure to become a treasured piece in your wardrobe, perfect for adding a touch of fairytale magic to any autumn day. Happy knitting!