Northern Lights Capelet
I knit this Northern Lights Capelet in the spirit of the earliest knitters, to bring light and warmth into the darker, colder months. Wear this cropped little cape under or over your coat, a streamlined layer that blocks arctic air from necks and shoulders and looks very pretty doing it!
Knit up in a soft palette of Purl Soho’s beautiful Flax Down, this Capelet is a blend of baby alpaca, extra fine merino and linen. The subtle shades of the Nordic-inspired colorwork glow like a February sunrise. A perfect cure for the winter blues! -Gina
If you love the yarn used in this project, you’ll love all of our other yarn, too! Explore our 35+ lovingly created yarn collections, in nearly every natural fiber and spectacular color you can imagine… Only available here at Purl Soho’s online yarn shop!
Designed by Purl Soho designer, Gina Rockenwagner.
Share your progress and connect with the community by tagging your pics with #PurlSoho, #PurlSohoBusyHands, #PurlSohoNorthernLightsCapelet, and #PurlSohoFlaxDown. We can’t wait to see what you make!
Materials
- Main Color (MC): 2 (3) skeins of Purl Soho’s Flax Down, 43% baby alpaca, 42% extra fine merino and 15% linen. Each skein is 219 yards/ 100 grams; approximately 438 (605) yards required.
- Contrast Colors: 5 skeins of Flax Down in five colors; approximately 60 grams per color required.
- US 5 (3.75 mm), 20- and 40-inch circular needles
- US 6 (4 mm), 32-inch circular needles
- 11 stitch markers, including one unique
Shop our wonderful collection of light worsted/ DK-weight yarn to find a suitable substitute for this project, and remember that it’s always a good idea to check your gauge before you cast on… Our All About Gauge Tutorial shows you how!
Want some color inspiration? Here’s what we like…
Colorway 1
(This is the colorway of the Capelet shown here.)
Main Color (MC): 2 (3) skeins of Heirloom White
Color A (CA): 1 skein of Artemisia Green
Color B (CB): 1 skein of Lichen Green
Color C (CC): 1 skein of Ballet Pink
Color D (CD): 1 skein of Sea Salt
Color E (CE): 1 skein of Pink Grapefruit
Colorway 2
Main Color (MC): 2 (3) skeins of Oyster Gray
Color A (CA): 1 skein of Heirloom White
Color B (CB): 1 skein of Toasted Charcoal
Color C (CC): 1 skein of Artemisia Green
Color D (CD): 1 skein of Pale Stone
Color E (CE): 1 skein of Storm Gray
Gauge
22 stitches = 4 inches in stockinette stitch with the larger needles
Sizes
Youth (Adult)
- Finished Circumference at bottom edge: 56 (60) inches
- Finished Circumference of neck opening: 16 (20) inches
- Finished Length from base of the neck to bottom edge: 11¾ (12) inches
- Finished Length of collar: 5 (6) inches
- Sample: The size pictured here is Adult.
Abbreviations
K1MC – With Main Color, knit 1
K1CA – With Color A, knit 1
K1CB – With Color B, knit 1
K1CC – with Color C, knit 1
K1CD – With Color D, knit 1
K1CE – With Color E, knit 1
Pattern
Make the Bottom Hem
Using the smaller, longer circular needles and MC, cast on 308 (330) stitches. We used a basic Long Tail Cast On.
Place the different-color marker and join to work in the round, being careful to not twist the stitches.
NOTE: These photos show the stitches on straight needles, but your work will be on circular needles!
Knit 6 rounds.
Purl 1 round.
Knit 6 rounds.
Fold the work at the purl ridge, bringing the purl sides together so that the cast-on edge meets the stitches on the needle.
Slip the first stitch knitwise.
Pick up and knit the first stitch of the cast-on edge.
Pass the slipped stitch over.
*Slip the next stitch knitwise, pick up and knit the next cast-on stitch, pass the slipped stitch over, repeat from * to end of round. [308 (330) stitches]
Knit the Colorwork
Continuing with the larger needles…
Join CA.
Round 1: *K1MC, K1CA, repeat from * to end of round.
Rounds 2-6: Repeat Round 1.
Cut CA and join CB.
Round 7: *K1MC, K1CB, repeat from * to end of round.
Round 8: *K1CB, K1MC, repeat from * to end of round.
Cut CB and join CC.
Round 9: *K1CC, K1MC, repeat from * to end of round.
Rounds 10 and 11: Repeat Round 9.
Round 12: *K1MC, K1CC, repeat from * to end of round.
Rounds 13 and 14: Repeat Round 12.
Cut CC and join CD.
Round 15: *K1CD, K1MC, repeat from * to end of round.
Rounds 16 and 17: Repeat Round 15.
Round 18: *K1MC, K1CD, repeat from * to end of round.
Rounds 19 and 20: Repeat Round 18.
Cut CD and join CE.
Round 21: *K1MC, K1CE, repeat from * to end of round.
Round 22: *K1CE, K1MC, repeat from * to end of round.
Cut CE and join CA.
Round 23: *K1MC, K1CA, repeat from * to end of round.
Rounds 24–28: Repeat Round 23.
Cut CA.
Round 29: With MC, knit.
Shape the Yoke
With MC…
Round 1: [K26 (28), k2tog, place marker] 10 times, k26 (28), k2tog. [297 (319) stitches]
Round 2: Knit.
Round 3: *Knit to 2 stitches before next marker, k2tog, slip marker, repeat from * to end of round. [11 stitches decreased]
Repeat Rounds 2 and 3 until there are 8 (10) stitches between each marker, [88 (110) stitches]
FOR ADULT SIZE ONLY
Final Decrease Round: *Knit to 2 stitches before next marker, k2tog, slip marker, repeat from * to last marker before end-of-round marker, knit to end of round. [100 stitches]
Knit the Collar
Still with MC, changing to smaller, shorter circular needles and removing every marker, except the end-of-round marker…
Ribbing Round: *K2, p2, repeat from * to end of round.
Repeat Ribbing Round until collar measures 5 (6) inches.
Bind off loosely in pattern.
Weave in ends. Block gently and enjoy your Northern Lights Capelet!
Looking for more inspiration? Explore all of our free knitting patterns and knitting tutorials, buy one of our many knitting kits and yarn bundles, and shop for beautiful yarn. We have over 35 gorgeous natural fiber yarns in 100’s of magnificent colors, designed to bring integrity, beauty, and joy to your next knitting project and only available at Purl Soho!
This capelet is very pretty and soft looking! I think it would look awesome on a young girl about 10 to 12 years old!
This is stunning and so pretty and bright this time of year. Can you recommend another yarn. this would cost upwards of 160.00 to knit? Perhaps a kit as you wouldnt need much of the contrast colors!
Hi Diana-
Yes, you could cut down on the contrast colors by using only two and alternating them! So that would be 5 total skeins of yarn.
If you’d like other more budget friendly options just let us know!
Best-
Molly
Molly, I think I am going to do this, and only use two contrast colors with the white. I really like the desert blue. I’d like to pair it with a gray, but having not seen them in person, I’m having troubles. Which do you think would work best with that one? Or is there another color you might recommend with that one? Thanks!
Hi Erin!
If you want to have a lower contrast (like the sample), then I would suggest using Oyster Gray! If you want to have a high contrast between the 2 colors, then I think the Toasted Charcoal would be beautiful with the Desert Blue!
Happy Knitting!
Thomas
Hello,
I ordered the yarn for this project and have started it. Has anyone else reported issues with this yarn splitting? I’m trying to be ultra gentle with it, but I’m still on the hem section and it’s happened a couple of times. Maybe I just got a funky skein? Any helpful hints?
Hi Erin! We’re so sorry to hear that you’ve been having issues with our new Flax Down yarn. Since it is a one ply spin, it will always have a risk of splitting. You are right to give it a little extra care while knitting. If the skein seems damaged or its not coming out how you would have hoped, please feel free to send us a picture at [email protected] and we can get it straightened out. Happy knitting!
Just lovely!
I cannot tell you how much I love this site and your patterns. I love everything you make and I appreciate you sharing your love for all things crafty with us. I cannot wait to start this!
How feminine and delicate, yet so warm and protective!
does this come as a kit? where do I click to order? sorry, been a long day and I am just not seeing that option. thanks!
Hi Andrea-
This does not come in a kit, but all of the materials used are linked under the “Materials” section. The yarn can be found here (just in case you don’t want to scroll up!): https://www.purlsoho.com/purl/products/item/9658-Purl-Soho-Flax-Down
Please let us know if you have any questions. And if you’d like our website to put all the materials together for you just give us a call at 800-597-PURL or email [email protected]
Thank you so much!
Molly
What if I wanted to make it a bit longer? What would be the multiple of stitches?
Hi Mary-
This pattern is worked from the bottom up with no decreases until you reach the yoke section. So if you’d like to make it longer you can just knit a longer section before the yoke.
Please let us know if you have any other questions!
Best-
Molly
Bonjour,
J’adore ce poncho. Il est magnifique. Bravo !
Amitiés.
Yvette
Love it! Think I’ve just found my next project….. Can you let me know what weight this yarn is (4 ply, double knit, etc.) as I’m in the UK so would like to substitute with something I can get easily at my local yarn shop. Thank you!
Hi Gemma,
This is a lighter worsted weight yarn, so similar to an 8ply in the UK. Here is the info page about this particular yarn, which has more info. https://www.purlsoho.com/purl/products/item/9658-Purl-Soho-Flax-Down
Please let us know if you have any more questions!
Molly
What a pretty pattern!
Would it be possible to lengthen this into more of a “poncho” look? Love the colors and collar! Bet this would be extremely warm!
Hi Kris-
Yes, this is knit from the bottom up so if you’d like it longer just knit a longer before you shape the yoke. Thank you for your question!
Molly
wow! What a pretty cape! Isn’t there any women size? I really want to try adult size! 🙂
Hi Ashley-
Yes, this comes in both an adult and a youth size! For more information please go to the “Sizes” section of the pattern. Thank you!
Molly
Hi Molly
I cannot find the size option. I would like the required number of skeins and dimensions before passing an order.
thanks!
Thao
Hi Thao-
All of the size information can be found under the “SIZES” headline within this post. It’s right underneath the “colorways” and “GAUGE” headlines.
Thanks for getting in touch and please let me know if you have any more questions!
Best-
Molly
Is it possible to post PDF/printer friendly versions of your patterns? Thank you! beautiful…
Hi Rebecca-
If you’re on a desktop version of the site, you will find a “print” icon in the right column just below the date and tags. If you’re on a mobile version of the site, you will find a “print” icon below the pattern, after the comment box.
If the images aren’t showing up in the print screen, close out of the print screen, scroll to the bottom of the post so that all the images populate and then click the print button once again. At this point all of the images should be there!
Follow the easy on-screen instructions for customizing what parts of the pattern you want to delete for printing (for example, certain images or the list of materials).
Thank you, and please let us know if you have any more questions!
Molly
Why do I have such difficulty printing your beautiful patterns? I can get it to fit the page but cannot eliminate the Purl Bee heading that prints over the instructions on every page. Any suggestions? It may be obvious, but I am not a computer wiz.
Hi Josephine-
If you’re on a desktop version of the site, you will find a “print” icon in the right column just below the date and tags. If you’re on a mobile version of the site, you will find a “print” icon below the pattern, after the comment box.
If the images aren’t showing up in the print screen, close out of the print screen, scroll to the bottom of the post so that all the images populate and then click the print button once again. At this point all of the images should be there!
Follow the easy on-screen instructions for customizing what parts of the pattern you want to delete for printing (for example, certain images or the list of materials).
Please let us know if you have any more questions!
Molly
At the beginning of the pattern, it says knit 6 rows, purl 1 knit 6….fold in half ect…and in the picture it shows the knitting needle in the middle of the work….I’m Assuming that you take you knitting needle out and place it in these purl stitches….but then the edge is left with stiches “hanging” ( so to dork speak) ….so I guess my question is…there seems to be a step or two missing in the pattern, and I am wondering what they are….? Thank you, Jacquie
Hi Jacquie, Thanks for writing in with your question! I’ll try to explain another way of making this edge, I hope that will help to answer your question!
Cast on as directed.
knit 6 rows
purl 1 row
knit 6 rows
At this point you can slip a thin needle (US #2 or #3) through every stitch on the cast on edge.
You’re going to fold your work in half, with the cast on edge going to the back of the work so that the wrong sides are together. You’ll notice the work naturally wants to fold this way along the purl ridge you have knit.
The second needle that is threaded through the cast on edge will meet the first needle, hold both needles in your left hand.
Slip the first stitch on the front needle. Knit the first stitch on the back needle. Pass the slipped stitch over. Repeat for every stitch in the round, until the back needle is empty.
The directions in the pattern simplify the steps slightly so that you pick up from the cast on edge, rather than using a second needle. However, both methods will achieve the same result, so do whatever makes more sense to you! Let me know if my explanation is still confusing and I can try to clarify further! All my best, Gina
could you talk about the kind of cast off you used to make such a neat line along the collar edge?
Hi Kathryn! I bound off “In Pattern”, which means you continue knitting in the same ribbing pattern for the bind off row, like so: k2, pass the first stitch over the second, p1, pass the second stitch over the third, p1, pass the third stitch over the fourth, k1, pass the fourth stitch over the fifth, etc. It’s also important to knit the bind off with a very relaxed tension so the edge remains stretchy. I naturally knit with a loose gauge, but if you tend to knit tightly, you can always use a needle 1 or two sizes larger in your right hand (the working needle) to ensure you make a stretchy edge. I hope that helps! Thank you for writing in! – Gina
Your fixes to save as a PDF are not working. I go to print from the bottom of the page, all pictures populate but you when you get the page to save all you get is swirling pink flowers where pictures should be. I am on a ipad. It did not used to be this hard to save your projects. I want the pictures for the tutorial of this pattern. Any other ideas?
Hi Debbie-
I’m so sorry to hear you’re having problems with this! We will look into this problem but in the meantime I would suggest that you try it from a non-mobile device and if that doesn’t work I’m afraid you might have to just copy and paste the pattern into a Word or Text doc and save it from there. Sorry that this isn’t ideal- and thanks for getting in touch with this issue!
Best-
Molly
This is such a lovely pattern! I wonder if you could tell me the yardage required for each of the contrasting colors? It seems like I would have a lot left over from each colored hank, but it’s so hard to tell from just a photo. Thanks so much!
Best,
Cynthia
Hi Cynthia! Thank you so much for your kind words and question. You will need approximately 55 yards of each contrasting color. I hope that helps! Please let me know if I can answer any other questions. All my best, Gina
Hi
Another great pattern. As a matter of interest can you use the hem on this project instead of the usual 2×2 rib?
Hi Fran! Great question! Depending on the context, you could certainly use this hem instead of 2×2 rib. It won’t have quite as much grip on something like a hat cuff as 2×2 rib would. But for sleeves, socks, and even a hat in the right fit, I think it would be great. Try it and let me know how it goes! And thanks for writing in! -Gina
Hi,
I’m knitting the pattern and loving it (although I used only three contrasting colors, because I’m not much of a pastels gal), but the hem persists in curling upwards – am I doing something wrong here or is that something that just happens?
Best,
Laura.
Hi Laura! Thanks for getting in touch! My hem curled while I knit the capelet, but once I blocked it, the curling relaxed. I did a full (but gentle) wash and wet block for this piece, the yarn responded very well. I hope that helps! Please let me know if I can answer any other questions. And I’d love to see a picture of your finished cape! – Gina
Hi I’ve just read through your very pretty pattern and all the following comments I just wanted to say what lovely service you have. Really extraordinary.
Thank you so much, Naomi! And extra thanks on behalf of my wonderful colleagues, who are incredible to work with behind-the-scenes as well!
Hello, I love love love this pattern I’ve been waiting for something like this to pop up and I can’t wait to start! I’m kinda new to the whole knitting thing and I’m slowly trying more things . My question is…is it possible to knitt this all in one color? Thanks a bunch!
Hi Karen, Thank you for your question! It’s definitely possible to knit this in one color. Simply replace the colorwork section with 29 rounds of stockinette stitch. All my best, Gina
Hello,
the pattern is so nice I am beginning it for the autumn/winter !
I have a quick question tough concerning the markers…. It’s only written “place the different-color marker and join…”.
Does the marker need to be at a specific place ? Like every 20st or something ?
Thank you !
Hello Sidney,
We’re so glad you like this pattern! The first marker you put is to distinguish the beginning and end of the rounds of knitting and should be a different color from all the markers you will place later. You will be carefully instructed where to place the markers in the section labeled “Shape the Yoke.” They are strategically placed to remind you where the shaping will be!
Happy Knitting! -Alyson
Hi Sidney,
Thanks for writing in! The “different-color marker” is your beginning of round marker and later on your will be placing markers of a contrast color to your beginning of round marker in order to differentiate your decrease points and the start of your round. I hope this makes sense.
Best,
Adam
Hi ,I really adore your caplet but I wish I could do it for my 2 grand daughters 3 and 5 years old. Do you happen to have a pattern of this caplet for their ages.. If not can you please guide me how to make it smaller for my two beautiful girls.
I thank you beforehand for your help
Hello,
I’ve been looking all over the place for a capelet pattern and am so glad I came by yours. Just wanted to know if I can knit this with straight needles as I’ve spent a lot of my budget on yarns already.
Hello Brenda!
We understand how building up your needle collection can be quite pricey! Unfortunately it would take a lot of work to re-work the pattern to be knit on straights, due to the shaping and the color work.
If you’re comfortable doing fair isle on the wrong side, you could give it a go, but it would definitely require some extra homework! Best of luck! -Alyson
Hi, how much of the Belangora would i need just to do the collar?
Thank you!
Hello, Emily!
Thank you for your question! You would need 3-4 balls of the Belangor angora to do just the collar for this caplete. I recommend getting 4 balls and if you don’t end up using the 4th ball you can always bring it or send it back for store credit or exchange as long as it is in it’s original condition and within 6 months of the purchase date!
Best wishes,
Kumeko
I love this caplet and hope to make it soon! If I made it in one color could I knit it flat? I was wondering if it would mess up the decreases. Thanks for the great patterns!
Hi Carina,
Thank you for your question! Unfortunately, even removing the color work, it would take a lot of work to re-work the pattern to be knit on straights, due to the shaping. Additionally, given the number of stitches, it would be challenging to fit them on straight needles.
I hope that this was helpful!
-Cassy
I would like to make a toddler version of this, say four to six years old, and wondered if the “youth” size would fit?
Hello, MB!
Thank you for writing in! Sorry for the delayed response! The youth would work for their ages, however if you’re worried about them being too flappy, I would subtract 28 stitches from the cast on number so that your decreases don’t need to be re-designed.
If you have further questions please let us know!
Best,
Kumeko
Bonjour Mesdames,
Je suis française et admire votre site et vos bonnes idées.
J’ai du mal à suivre vos explications malgré que j’ai certaines correspondances de points anglais/français mais sans doute pas tous. Est-ce possible, pour ce modèle, d’avoirla grille du jacquard, et essayerai de faire cette jolie cape. D’avance MERCI…
Hi Andree,
Merci pour votre question! Pardon pour ma Francais! Je ne suis pas sure que je comprend votre question mais je peut essayer de répondre. A cause de le jacquard, c’est difficle a changer ce capelet a une cape. Si vous voulez essayer quelque chose un peut difficle, on peut adjouter des mailles au milieu du front et apres “steek” (https://www.purlsoho.com/create/steek-with-knit-facing/).
Je souhaite que c’est un peut d’aide!
Cassy
I have always wanted to make this capelet for my daughter. Since I’ve been knitting for awhile now, I feel confident to attempt it. However, I’ve noticed the color choices for the flax down is limited and/or no longer being made. Do you have color recommendations or yarn recommendations that would work? Thanks!
Hi Emily,
Thanks for reaching out! Unfortunately a few of the colors we used for this capelet have been discontinued – I’m so sorry about that! We do still carry Flax Down, however, so you may be able to select a palette you like from our current colors. Another yarn that would work well is our Cashmere Merino Bloom, if you prefer those colors!
Best,
Julianna
I read that u mentioned for a longer cape, we just need to knit more rows before shaping the yoke….is it correct to say from your pattern instruction “ Round 29: With MC, knit.”, I will continue to knit from here to create more rows before the yoke.
Hi Pinkcitron,
Thanks for writing in! Yes, that is correct, sounds like you are on the right path!
Please let me know if you have any more questions!
Gianna
Such a beautiful capelet. I’m rather confused as too what size to make. I’m a small person..normally wear an extra small adult clothing. I cast out the 330 stitches… it seems huge. I’m am using a simply sweet yarn of mohair, wool and silk. My gauge reads 22 stitches per 4 inch on a size 5 needle. I need help.
Hi Laurie,
Thanks for reaching out. Based on the size of clothing you normally wear, then I’d recommend knitting the Youth size instead! You would only cast on 308 stitches, and the capelet will have a 56-inch circumference at its widest point. It’s definitely meant to fit with a lot of ease, but I think this size will fit you better. Hope this helps!
All the best,
Lili
Thank so much for your advice..
I do have a dilemma… I made another swatch with a size 6 needle. I ended up with 20 stitches In a 4 inch square. The pattern calls for 22 sets per 4 inch..Do I go down a size. Not sure about the yarn I’m using.
I’m having a hard time determining what needles to use.
Any suggestions?
Hi Laurie,
You’re welcome! And yes, I would definitely try going down a needle size or two! If you’re interested, we have a wonderful tutorial called All About Gauge which has some very useful information about choosing the right size needle for your project. Hope this helps!
All the best,
Lili
Hello! I came across this pattern recently and would love to knit it for my 7yo daughter. If I decided to size it down by omitting 22-33 stitches (or any multiple of eleven since the cast on number is a multiple of eleven) from the cast on, would the pattern still work? Thank you for your insight! Looking forward to starting this project!
Hi Jenny,
I’d recommend knitting with smaller needles and thinner yarn in order to modify this pattern. That way you will not need to rework any of the instructions at all but you could definitely adjust with any multiple of 11 as well! I hope this helps!
All the best,
Gavriella