Chunky Knit Shoulder Hug Capelet in a Weekend – Free Pattern
The Shoulder Hug Capelet: A Chunky Knit That’s Big on Style, Short on Time! Need a quick knit that looks like a million bucks but takes just a fraction of the time? Say hello to your new favorite layering piece—the Shoulder Hug Capelet! This free knitting pattern is stylish, simple, and oh-so-satisfying. Whether you’re knitting your first garment or you’re just in the mood for a fast, chunky project, this capelet is everything.
✨ It’s got drama.
✨ It’s got warmth.
✨ It’s got Marly-style sass.
And did I mention it’s free on the blog?
Affiliate Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you click on one of these links and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. This helps support the content and free patterns I provide here on MarlyBird.com. Thank you for your support—it means the world to me! 💖
🧵 Quick & Easy Capelet Knitting Pattern
You don’t need to be a knitting wizard to tackle this one. The Shoulder Hug Capelet is a beginner-friendly knit that uses chunky yarn & basic stitches. It’s the perfect “weekend project” that won’t leave you overwhelmed or tangled in a sea of charts and shaping.
Why You’ll Love It:
- Size inclusive design with cozy coverage
- Chunky yarn = faster finish + maximum squish factor
- It’s totally giftable… if you can bear to give it away 😜
🧥 How to Style the Shoulder Hug Capelet
Capelets are so on-trend right now. They’re showing up on runways and Pinterest boards left and right. The Shoulder Hug Capelet gives you a modern silhouette with minimal effort. Style it like this:
- Over a turtleneck and jeans for brunch with the girls ☕
- With a flowy dress and boots for that cozy cottagecore vibe 🍂
- Tossed over a fitted tee for a little extra flair at the office 💼
- Under your winter coat as a secret layer of warmth ❄️
And yes, it works great in both solids and heathers—go bold or stay classic. The texture of the chunky yarn really makes it pop.
🧶 Yarn Suggestions for This Capelet
You’ll want a bulky or super bulky yarn (category 5 or 6) that holds its shape but still has a soft drape.
Here are a few great options:
- Caron Tea Cakes – for that extra colorful and snuggly factor
- Lion Brand Heartland – tons of colors, easy to find
- Premier Basix Super Bulky – budget-friendly and bold
🧡 Get the Pattern: Free or PDF
Here’s the best part:
🎉 The Shoulder Hug Capelet is FREE on the blog (just sign up to access it—easy peasy).
🛍️ Want the convenience of an ad-free, printable version? You can grab the PDF on Ravelry for a few bucks and support the Marly magic.
❤️ Love Capelets? Try These Too:
If you love the shape, but want to expand your handmade wardrobe, check out these other fabulous capelet patterns from the Marly Bird collection:
🧶 Deschutes Capelet – A stunning textured capelet with flowy vibes.
🧶 Sassenach Capelet – Channel your inner Claire Fraser with this Outlander-inspired look.
🧣 Final Thoughts: Fast, Fashionable, and Fiber-Fun!
The Shoulder Hug Capelet is proof that you don’t need to spend weeks on a garment to get something beautiful and functional. It’s trendy, beginner-friendly, and the kind of pattern you’ll return to again and again—especially when you need a fast knit for a gift or a wardrobe refresh.
So grab your needles, pick your yarn, and give yourself a big ol’ Shoulder Hug. You deserve it. 💕
Designed by Marly Bird
SKILL LEVEL
Easy
MEASUREMENTS
Finished Measurement
- 23″ [58.5cm] circumference around neck
- 45 (50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75)” [114 (127, 140, 152, 165, 178, 190)cm] circumference around the bottom edge
- 10 (11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16)” [25.4 (28, 30.5, 33, 35.5, 38, 40.5)cm] in length from the pick up and knit edge to bind off
Gauge
10 sts and 14 rows = 4” (10cm) [2.5 sts and 3.6 rows per inch] Stockinette Stitch (in the round)
MATERIALS
Yarn
Bernat Softee Chunky: Ball Size Solids: 100g / 3.5 oz, 99 meters / 108 yards;
- Color A: 108 yds — All Sizes
- Color B: 216 (324, 324, 324, 324, 432, 432) yds
Needle
Size 13 (9mm), 24” and longer circular knitting needle
Notions
Stitch markers, tapestry needle, wool wash (optional)
Join our Newsletter
Get Free Pattern Links & Coupons!
ABBREVIATIONS
PM: Place Marker
YO: Yarn Over
SPECIAL STITCHES OR TECHNIQUES VIDEO HELP
How to Tink/Unknit if you make a mistake
NOTES
- Directions are for size XS; changes for sizes S, M, L, XL, 2XL, 3XL are in parentheses. When only one number is given then that number applies to all sizes.
- Make the marker for the start of the round noticeably different than the markers used around the rest of the piece.
- Slip all markers as you come to them, even when not specifically instructed to do so in the pattern.
- Change to longer needles when the stitches become uncomfortably snug on the shorter needles.
GROW
To Unlock Exclusive Subscriber Content click the Box below and join for free by simply adding your email and creating a password! If you are having troubles, clear your cache or reset your password or login to the Grow Publisher Portal.
>> Learn More About Grow Here <<
I’m thrilled to share this amazing pattern with you, many patterns on my blog are absolutely free! I kindly request that you don’t copy and paste or distribute this pattern. Prefer an ad-free experience? Buy a digital PDF pattern for a small fee from one of my online stores for a seamless crafting journey.
I appreciate your support and readership. You are the reason I can keep doing what I love and sharing it with others. So, thank you from the bottom of my yarn-loving heart! Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, meaning I get a commission if you decide to make a purchase through my links at no cost to you.
SHOULDER HUG CAPELET PATTERN
Collar
With Color A
Cast on 21 sts.
Row 1 (WS): P1, *K1, P1; repeat from * to end.
Row 2 (RS): K1, *P1, K1; repeat from * to end.
Repeat rows 1 and 2 until piece measures 24 (24, 24, 24, 26, 26, 26)” [61 (61, 61, 61, 66, 66, 66)cm] ending after a row 1.
Bind off in pattern leaving last stitch on needle. Do not cut yarn.
At this point, the piece measures approx 45 (50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75)” [114 (127, 140, 152, 165, 178, 190)cm] circumference around the bottom edge; and it measures approx 6.5 (7.5, 8.8, 10, 11, 12, 13)” [17 (19.5, 22.5, 25.5, 28, 31, 33.75)cm] in length from the pick up and knit edge.
You can thread a length of yarn through all the live stitches (like a lifeline) and try on the piece.
The piece should be able to fit over your head and around your shoulders and torso comfortably.
If yours is too snug and want to add more increases to the size you are making, just continue on in the established pattern with the increases every other row. Once you reach the width around that works for you, continue to the final body.
BE AWARE: adding more rounds will also result in more yarn used so you could run out.
If your piece feels just right around your shoulders and torso, continue on to the final body.
Final Body
Next: Knit around until piece measures 8 (9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14)” [20 (23, 25, 28, 30, 33, 35.5)cm] from pick up and knit edge.
If you want to have more length to your piece, you can add it now. But be aware that the final border adds another 2″ [5cm] to the piece.
Final Border
Round 1: *K1, P1; repeat from * around.
Repeat round 1 for 6 times more or until piece is desired length.
Finishing
Bind off in pattern.
Weave in all ends.
❤️ Your BiCrafty Bestie,
Marly Bird
Categories: Uncategorized
