About This Pattern
This cape is a rectangle with a job to do. It folds over the shoulders and closes with two buttons. I reach for it when a room turns cool, over a plain sweater or dress. It needs a steady hand for the Crumpled Griddle Stitch, a calm evening, and a hook that keeps your dc and sc columns lined up row after row.
In the basket
Yarn
Color
For Size S
Hook
Notions
Abbreviations
- ch
- chain
- sc
- single crochet
- dc
- double crochet
- st(s)
- stitch(es)
- rep
- repeat
- sl st
- slip stitch
- RS/WS
- right/wrong side
Vintage cape shoulder warmer in crumpled griddle stitch
Rs/Ws
Special Notes Sizes: S to 3XL (stitch and row counts vary by size)
Stitch Pattern: “Crumpled Griddle Stitch”: Alternate (dc, sc) across each row, always placing dc on top of dc and sc on top of sc in following rows.
Construction: Worked flat in one rectangle, folded, sewn, and buttons added for cape effect.
Pattern Instructions Main Cape Panel Foundation Row (Size S example; adjust chain and row counts for other sizes)
Make a slip knot .
Ch 40 (for Size S; adjust for other sizes).
- Round 1Ch 3 (counts as first dc); Sc in 4th ch from hook. Dc in next ch. Sc in next ch.Alternate dc, sc across the row.Row begins with a dc and ends with sc .
- Round 2Ch 1, turn (counts as sc). Sc in sc, dc in dc across the row: Sc in first st (top of last sc), dc in next st (top of last dc), sc in next st, dc in next st.Continue alternating.End row with a sc.
- Round 3Ch 3, turn (counts as dc). Dc in dc, sc in sc across the row: Dc in first st (top of last dc), sc in next st (top of last sc), dc in next st, sc in next st.Continue alternating.End row with a dc.Repeat Rows 2–3Continue to alternate Row 2 (sc start) and Row 3 (dc start) until you reach the required number of rows for your size.For Size S: Work 94 rows total .Always place dc on dc and sc on sc from previous row.
Border
- Round 1Ch 1 (counts as sc), turn project so RS is facing.
- Round 2Sc evenly along top edge: Sc in each st across.
- Round 3Corners: At the end of each edge, work 2 sc in corner st for a smooth turn.(2)
- Round 4Side edges: Sc evenly along (place sc at regular intervals if working into row ends; adjust as needed for balance).
- Round 5Continue all the way around, placing 2 sc in each remaining corner .(2)
- Round 6After finishing the round, sl st to first sc.Fasten off. Weave in ends.
Shaping and Button Placement
Fold panel as shown: lay flat, then fold over one short end by approx. 4″ to form a capelet shape. Sew on buttons: place and sew two 15 mm buttons symmetrically near the folded edge (approx. 4″ in from the short edge), using darning thread and a sewing needle for secure attachment; position the buttons so the folded “cape collar” can button through the border.
More pictures
Before the first stitch
- Confirm your size (S to 3XL) before starting the foundation row.
- Buy both skeins up front; running short mid-rectangle is hard to fix midway.
- Swatch the Crumpled Griddle Stitch first, so dc sits on dc, sc on sc.
Minutes per piece
- Main cape panel about 3-4 hours, because the stitch alternation needs steady counting across many rows
- Border and buttons about 1-2 hours, because corners need careful 2-sc turns and sewing takes patience
Other yarns that work
- Wool-blend aran weight Adds warmth and a softer drape. Use the same 5 mm hook; expect slightly more stitch give.
- Cotton-blend worsted weight Gives a crisper, cooler cape for layering. Drape is stiffer, so consider a size up for movement.
Where it ends up
- Wear it over a plain dress for an evening out; it pairs well with simple jewelry.
- Keep it by the door for cool porch sitting; it pairs well with a mug and a blanket.
- Layer it over a work blouse on chilly mornings; it pairs well with flat shoes.
Small notes
- Keep a stitch marker at the start of each row. It helps you spot where dc should land on dc.
- Use a 5 mm hook throughout. A looser hook will blur the griddle texture you are working for.
- Sew buttons with darning thread, not yarn. Yarn stretches and buttons loosen with wear.
- Test the button closure before sewing, so both buttons sit symmetrically and the fold closes cleanly.
- Weave in every end securely, especially the ends left after sewing on the buttons.
- If your tension runs tight, use a slightly larger hook for the border round so it does not pull in and constrict the capelet.
Little questions
Can I make this cape in any size from S to 3XL?
Yes, the pattern covers S to 3XL. Row and stitch counts change by size, so confirm the correct counts for your size before starting.
Why does the stitch pattern matter so much here?
The Crumpled Griddle Stitch relies on dc landing on dc and sc landing on sc. Losing that alignment changes the texture across the whole rectangle.
How many skeins do I actually need?
Plan on two skeins for most sizes. Yardage shifts by size, so confirm the amount needed for your size before buying.
What hook size gives the best result?
I used a 5 mm (US H/8) hook for this cape. A smaller hook will tighten the drape and change the fold.
Original pattern: https://redagapeblog.com/modern-free-crochet-vintage-cape-pattern/
About the Author
Tamsin Okoro Who writes the patterns at Yarn Gallery, how a pattern gets from the hook to the page, and what this site will never do.
