This pattern listing is for Wintertide: A Nearly Winter Capelet , with provisional cast on, German short rows, and iCord & cabled edging. For the same core pattern with simple garter edging, see the sister pattern Frostnight: A Nearly Winter Capelet. Patterns are available in a bundle at a discount if you can’t decide - see the photos in the bundle to compare both edgings.
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Nearly Winter is a capelet designed for the shifting season, when the air grows crisp and the days shorten. The pattern unfolds in two stages, like the season itself. The Frostnight version offers an approachable beginning, with an easy garter edging. An adventurous beginner who is ready to learn a few new tricks should be able to pick up the flow and relax into each section. The Wintertide version carries the design further, weaving in richer detail for knitters who seek a more intricate challenge. You’ll start with a provisional cast on and work with German Short Rows and a knit-on icord and cabled edging, which will be mirrored on the neck edge. Both versions can be worked in the same yarns and bring equal warmth—the only difference lies in the path you take through the landscape of stitches. Whether you choose the quiet simplicity of Frostnight or the layered depth of Wintertide, your cape will hold the spirit of Nearly Winter: a companion for the threshold between autumn and winter.

The body-texture stitches in both patterns are the same, and not overly difficult in themselves, but the stitch count changes on each row. If you don’t already feel comfortable reading your knitting, this pattern will teach you how!! The layout of the texture stitches in each row will be worked according to the row below, and before you know it you’ll be an expert at stitch identification! A texture dictionary is included at the end of the pattern with every stitch fully explained, including video tutorials. Even if you don’t usually make gauge swatches, I highly recommend trying out these textures in a swatch to familiarize yourself with the new ones before you start the pattern.

There are 2 options for the panel that is centered in the work and goes up one arm – choose either a simple mock cable or the Lazy Braid. Both are beautiful and not too technical, and both are fully charted.

The capelet shape is slightly asymmetrical as knit, but it blocks into a softly rounded triangle. Detailed blocking instructions are included. I highly recommend using blocking wires, to ensure the final piece is even and the shoulders are nicely rounded.