This graceful 1912 cape begins with a six-section crocheted yoke and develops into a shell-stitch body. Ribbon threaded through the yoke, neckline and outer edge provides the characteristic Edwardian finish.
Construction
The yoke is made first from six separate sections. Each section begins with a chain of 15 and is worked in half double crochet, widening one stitch in every row. The sections are then joined with chain-6 spaces.
Vintage Instructions
Yoke section: Chain 15, turn and work 14 half double crochet on the chain. Continue for 25 rows, widening 1 stitch in each row by working a stitch in the base of the turning chain. Make six sections.
Join the sections: Chain 6 and fasten by single crochet to the corner of one section; chain 6 and fasten to the next section. Continue back and forth until all sections are joined.
Cape body: Fasten yarn at the lower front corner of the yoke. Chain 3, skip 2 stitches and work a shell of 2 double crochet, chain 2, 2 double crochet in the next stitch. Across the front section, place shells in every 3rd stitch; on shoulder sections, place a shell in every alternate stitch; on back sections, place shells in every 3rd stitch.
For following rows, chain 3, turn and work shell over shell until the cape reaches the desired depth described in the source. If the neck is too large, work a firm row of single crochet to draw it in.
Ribbon Row & Border
Work a row of treble crochet with chain 2 between stitches around the cape for the ribbon. Across the lower edge, work shells of 6 treble crochet separated by single crochet. On the next row place a shell in the center of each shell below and double crochet in each single crochet between shells. The next shell row uses 8 treble crochet per shell and continues around the cape.
Finish with chain-3 loops fastened into every stitch of the final shell row. Thread ribbon through the yoke openings, around the cape and through the neckline, leaving ends for ties.
Crochet Board Editorial Note
The scan’s old typography can make the stated yoke depth difficult to read. The structural instructions are preserved here, but modern makers should judge the final depth by fit and compare frequently with the historical scan rather than relying on an uncertain numeral.
Vintage Source
Publication: Priscilla Wool Crochet Book
Editor: Lola Burks Hettich
Publisher: The Priscilla Publishing Company, Boston
Year: 1912
Original printed page: 16 (scan page 19)
Rights: Public-domain historical work. The Library of Congress states that books in this collection are in the public domain and are free to use and reuse.