Capelet Meets Poncho

Five years ago I released my bulky-weight Capo (part capelet/part poncho!) layering top and over these years it’s become quite the popular pattern. But it was in need of a little revamp, specifically adding more sizes, tweaking a couple areas of the pattern and re-knitting it in a new yarn (since the original had been discontinued). And I’m thrilled to tell you that the updated version is now re-released!

Through these years I received a lot of requests for a lighter-weight version of Capo, for those wanting a more warm-weather-friendly option. So I decided to ALSO create a sport/DK-weight yarn version as well, named Capolette!. Both the updated Capo and the new Capolette patterns are now available, here on my website as well as Ravelry.

Let me tell you a bit more about both of these designs!

Construction

Both of these designs are constructed the same way. You start at the bottom hem and work in the round to the underarm. Then after create your armhole openings you continue working in the round up to the neck, working decreases at each side. It’s nice and simple, and perfect as a ‘first garment’ for more beginner knitters. As part of the pattern revamp, I also created a new video lesson that walks you through the whole process of creating your armhole openings.

Techniques & Tips

Creating Capo or Capolette is super simple. And even if you have never knit a garment before you can still make this! I created a Capo Tips page that outlines not only all of the techniques used and the armhole video lesson, but also tips on yarn options, gauge swatching and picking a size.

How to Wear It

Capo and Capolette are fun little layering tops that have so many different styling options. you can wear it over a dress or tunic, with jeans, with long or short sleeves underneath, or just a tank.

Because I like to layer, I made my Capo and Capolette on the shorter side. But you can easily lengthen simply by working more rounds between your hem and underarm (it’s quite a popular adjustment many people make!). In fact, many of my recent test knitters did just that. So in the next section below you can see some great length altering examples.