Vintage Crochet Cape Wrap: Elegant and Timeless
This stunning Crochet Cape Wrap, originally published in Knit and Crochet Style Parade by Coats & Clark in 1954, is a sophisticated accessory that perfectly marries vintage charm with modern wearability. Designed to drape gracefully over the shoulders, this wrap is both stylish and functional, providing warmth and elegance for any occasion.
Crafted with Chadwick’s Red Heart Orlon “Fashion-Glo,” 3 Ply, in a soft pearl grey, this wrap features a beautiful shell stitch pattern that adds texture and visual interest. The design includes thoughtful details like an expansive 90-inch width and intricate edging, making it a statement piece for your wardrobe. Its customizable size and easy-to-follow pattern make it a delightful project for both beginner and experienced crocheters.
Whether paired with a formal evening gown or used as a cozy layer for a breezy day, this versatile wrap is sure to turn heads and showcase the beauty of vintage crochet artistry. Perfect as a gift or a personal treasure, this timeless piece captures the spirit of mid-century style while remaining a practical and elegant accessory for today’s fashion.
Crochet Cape Wrap Pattern
Materials
- Yarn: Chadwick’s Red Heart Orlon “Fashion-Glo,” 3 Ply, Art. E.265-M (8 skeins, 1 oz. each) in No. M.491 Pearl Grey.
- Hook: Clark’s O.N.T. Plastic Crochet Hook No. 6.
- Gauge: 1 shell and 1 sc make 1 3/4 inches; 1 row makes 1 inch.
Instructions
Foundation
- Chain to measure 90 inches (approximately 6 chain stitches per inch).
Main Cape Wrap Body
Row 1 (Right Side):
- Begin with a half shell: Draw the first loop of each dc up to 3/4 inch in height. In the 6th chain from the hook, work dc, ch 1, dc (half shell completed).
- Skip 4 chains, sc in the next chain, ch 1, skip 4 chains, make a shell in the next chain (5 dc, each separated by ch 1).
- Repeat the sequence from * until 15 shells are completed.
- After 15 shells, skip 4 chains, sc in the next chain. (Ch 1, skip 3 chains, shell in next chain, skip 3 chains, sc in next chain) 9 times.
- (Ch 1, skip 4 chains, shell in next chain, skip 4 chains, sc in next chain) 15 times.
- End with a half shell: In the next chain, make dc, ch 1, dc.
Mark the 16th and 24th shells as the beginning and end of the increased section, and the 20th shell as the center of the wrap. Chain 1, turn.
Row 2:
- Sc in the first dc, (ch 1, in the next sc make an open shell: dc, ch 5, dc; ch 1, sc in the center dc of the next shell).
- Repeat across the row, ending with an open shell in the last sc. Sc in the 5th chain of the turning chain. Chain 5, turn.
Row 3:
- Begin with a half shell in the first sc. (Sc in the ch-5 space of the next open shell, shell in the next sc) 15 times.
- Sc in the ch-5 space of the next open shell, ch 1, in the next dc of the same open shell make (dc, ch 1) 3 times, sc in the next sc, ch 1, in the first dc of the next open shell make (dc, ch 1) 3 times, sc in the ch-5 space of the same open shell (1 shell increased).
- (Shell in the next sc, sc in the ch-5 space of the next open shell) 7 times. Increase 1 shell. (Shell in the next sc, sc in the ch-5 space of the next open shell) 15 times.
- End with a half shell in the next sc. Chain 1, turn.
Row 4:
- Repeat Row 2.
Row 5:
- Work as in Row 3, increasing 1 shell over the center shell only. Chain 1, turn.
Row 6:
- Repeat Row 2.
Row 7:
- Work as in Row 5, increasing 1 shell over the 17th shell and the corresponding shell on the opposite side of the center marker.
Rows 8–10:
- Continue alternating Rows 2 and 3, increasing shells as specified.
Short Rows
- Attach a second skein of yarn to the ch-5 space of the 17th open shell, sc in the same space. (Shell in the next sc, sc in the ch-5 space of the next open shell) 6 times. Increase 2 shells over the next shell. (Shell in the next sc, sc in the ch-5 space of the next open shell) 6 times. Turn.
- Slip stitch across to the center dc of the first shell, sc in the center dc. (Open shell in the next sc, sc in the center dc of the next shell) 16 times. Break off.
- Attach yarn to the first sc of the short row. Work 2 more short rows without increasing. Break off.
Alternating Long and Short Rows
- Resume working 2 long rows followed by 4 short rows, increasing shells as needed to keep the wrap rounded and flat in the increased section.
- Always ensure increases correspond to shells before and after the center marker.
Continue this pattern until 18 long rows are completed. Break off.
Edging
- With the right side facing, attach yarn to the chain where the first half shell was made in Row 1.
- (Ch 1, dc) 7 times in the end sc of the second row. Ch 1, sc in the end sc of the next open shell row. In the end sc of the following open shell row, (ch 1, dc) 7 times.
- Repeat from * across the short side.
- At the outer edge of the shells, work in pattern across, then repeat the edging along the other short side. Break off.
Finishing
Enjoy the graceful drape and intricate detail of your Cape Wrap!
Press the completed wrap into shape through a damp cloth.
