The Velvet Dusk Capelet Free Pattern – A Crocheted Embrace of Plush Textures
The Velvet Dusk Capelet Free Pattern – A Crocheted Embrace of Plush Textures
Wrap yourself in the luxurious warmth of the Velvet Dusk Capelet, a crochet design that drapes like a soft cloud over your shoulders. Its rich, textured stitches create a modern yet timeless silhouette perfect for cool evenings. Whether you're heading out for a crisp autumn walk or cozying up by the fire, this capelet adds an instant touch of elegance and comfort to any outfit. The alternating bands of deep plum and dusty rose, worked in plush velvet yarn, create a stunning visual rhythm that catches the light beautifully. Best of all, this pattern is beginner-friendly and worked in one seamless piece from the top down—no seaming required!
This capelet features a fitted neckline that flares into a gentle A-line silhouette, covering the shoulders and upper arms with graceful ease. The ribbed, braided texture from front post and back post double crochet stitches gives it a sophisticated, handcrafted look, while delicate treble crochet clusters add a lacy, airy touch between the solid bands. The scalloped picot edging completes the piece with a charming, feminine finish. Let's dive into this delightful project!
Materials Needed
Before you begin, gather the following supplies to ensure a smooth and enjoyable crochet session:
- Yarn: Bernat Velvet Yarn (or any bulky weight #5 yarn) in Deep Plum (Color A) and Dusty Rose (Color B) – 2 skeins each
- Hook: US Size J/10 (6.0 mm) crochet hook
- Gauge: 12 dc x 7 rows = 4 inches (10 cm) in pattern stitch (for best results, always check your gauge before starting)
- Extras: Yarn needle for weaving in ends, scissors, and a stitch marker (optional but helpful)
Pro Tip: Velvet yarn can be slippery, so take your time and keep your tension consistent. If you're new to post stitches, practice a small swatch first to get comfortable with the technique.
Step-by-Step Instructions
This capelet is worked top-down in one seamless piece, starting with a neckline and expanding outward. Follow the rounds carefully, and you'll have a gorgeous capelet in no time!
Abbreviations
ch = chain, sl st = slip stitch, sc = single crochet, hdc = half double crochet, dc = double crochet, fpdc = front post double crochet, bpdc = back post double crochet, tr = treble crochet, st(s) = stitch(es), rnd(s) = round(s).
Foundation & Neckline
With Color A, make a magic ring.
- Rnd 1: Ch 3 (counts as dc), 11 dc in ring. Sl st to top of ch-3 to join. (12 dc)
- Rnd 2: Ch 3, dc in same st, 2 dc in each st around. Sl st to join. (24 dc)
- Rnd 3: Ch 3, dc in same st, dc in next st, *2 dc in next st, dc in next st* repeat from * to * around. Sl st to join. (36 dc)
- Rnd 4: Ch 3, dc in same st, dc in next 2 sts, *2 dc in next st, dc in next 2 sts* repeat from * to * around. Sl st to join. (48 dc)
- Rnd 5: Ch 3, dc in same st, dc in next 3 sts, *2 dc in next st, dc in next 3 sts* repeat from * to * around. Sl st to join. (60 dc)
- Rnd 6: Ch 3, dc in same st, dc in next 4 sts, *2 dc in next st, dc in next 4 sts* repeat from * to * around. Sl st to join. (72 dc)
- Rnd 7: Ch 3, dc in same st, dc in next 5 sts, *2 dc in next st, dc in next 5 sts* repeat from * to * around. Sl st to join. (84 dc)
- Rnd 8: Ch 3, dc in same st, dc in next 6 sts, *2 dc in next st, dc in next 6 sts* repeat from * to * around. Sl st to join. (96 dc)
- Rnd 9: Ch 3, dc in same st, dc in next 7 sts, *2 dc in next st, dc in next 7 sts* repeat from * to * around. Sl st to join. (108 dc)
- Rnd 10: Ch 3, dc in same st, dc in next 8 sts, *2 dc in next st, dc in next 8 sts* repeat from * to * around. Sl st to join. (120 dc)
Note: The increases in Rounds 1–10 create a flat circle that will form the top of the capelet. If your circle starts to ruffle, your tension may be too loose; if it cups, tighten up slightly.
Body Pattern – Color A Section
Now we'll begin the beautiful ribbed texture that defines this capelet.
- Rnd 11: Ch 3, *fpdc around next st, bpdc around next st* repeat from * to * around, ending with fpdc around last st. Sl st to top of ch-3. (120 sts)
- Rnd 12: Ch 3, *bpdc around next st, fpdc around next st* repeat from * to * around, ending with bpdc around last st. Sl st to join. (120 sts)
- Rnd 13: Repeat Rnd 11.
- Rnd 14: Repeat Rnd 12.
- Rnd 15: Ch 3, dc in each st around. Sl st to join. (120 dc)
- Rnd 16: Ch 4 (counts as tr), tr in same st, skip 1 st, *2 tr in next st, skip 1 st* repeat from * to * around. Sl st to top of ch-4. (120 tr)
- Rnd 17: Ch 3, dc in each st around. Sl st to join. (120 dc)
Tip: When working front post and back post stitches, insert your hook around the post of the stitch from the previous round, not through the top loops. This creates the raised, braided effect.
Color B Section
Time to switch to Dusty Rose for a lovely contrast band.
- Rnd 18: Change to Color B. Ch 3, *fpdc around next st, bpdc around next st* repeat from * to * around. Sl st to join. (120 sts)
- Rnd 19: Ch 3, *bpdc around next st, fpdc around next st* repeat from * to * around. Sl st to join. (120 sts)
- Rnd 20: Repeat Rnd 18.
- Rnd 21: Repeat Rnd 19.
- Rnd 22: Ch 3, dc in each st around. Sl st to join. (120 dc)
- Rnd 23: Ch 4, tr in same st, skip 1 st, *2 tr in next st, skip 1 st* repeat from * to * around. Sl st to join. (120 tr)
- Rnd 24: Ch 3, dc in each st around. Sl st to join. (120 dc)
Color A Section (Repeat)
Switch back to Deep Plum to continue the pattern.
- Rnd 25: Change to Color A. Ch 3, *fpdc around next st, bpdc around next st* repeat from * to * around. Sl st to join. (120 sts)
- Rnd 26: Ch 3, *bpdc around next st, fpdc around next st* repeat from * to * around. Sl st to join. (120 sts)
- Rnd 27: Repeat Rnd 25.
- Rnd 28: Repeat Rnd 26.
- Rnd 29: Ch 3, dc in each st around. Sl st to join. (120 dc)
- Rnd 30: Ch 4, tr in same st, skip 1 st, *2 tr in next st, skip 1 st* repeat from * to * around. Sl st to join. (120 tr)
- Rnd 31: Ch 3, dc in each st around. Sl st to join. (120 dc)
Color B Section (Repeat)
Bring back the Dusty Rose for another soft band.
- Rnd 32: Change to Color B. Ch 3, *fpdc around next st, bpdc around next st* repeat from * to * around. Sl st to join. (120 sts)
- Rnd 33: Ch 3, *bpdc around next st, fpdc around next st* repeat from * to * around. Sl st to join. (120 sts)
- Rnd 34: Repeat Rnd 32.
- Rnd 35: Repeat Rnd 33.
- Rnd 36: Ch 3, dc in each st around. Sl st to join. (120 dc)
- Rnd 37: Ch 4, tr in same st, skip 1 st, *2 tr in next st, skip 1 st* repeat from * to * around. Sl st to join. (120 tr)
- Rnd 38: Ch 3, dc in each st around. Sl st to join. (120 dc)
Final Color A Section
One last Deep Plum section to complete the body.
- Rnd 39: Change to Color A. Ch 3, *fpdc around next st, bpdc around next st* repeat from * to * around. Sl st to join. (120 sts)
- Rnd 40: Ch 3, *bpdc around next st, fpdc around next st* repeat from * to * around. Sl st to join. (120 sts)
- Rnd 41: Repeat Rnd 39.
- Rnd 42: Repeat Rnd 40.
- Rnd 43: Ch 3, dc in each st around. Sl st to join. (120 dc)
- Rnd 44: Ch 4, tr in same st, skip 1 st, *2 tr in next st, skip 1 st* repeat from * to * around. Sl st to join. (120 tr)
- Rnd 45: Ch 3, dc in each st around. Sl st to join. (120 dc)
Edging
Finish your capelet with a delicate scalloped picot trim.
- Rnd 46: Ch 1, sc in same st, *ch 3, skip 2 sts, sc in next st* repeat from * to * around, ending with ch 3, sl st to first sc. Fasten off Color A.
Finishing
Weave in all ends carefully with your yarn needle. Block gently to shape if desired—this helps the stitches relax and drape beautifully. The capelet is designed to fall naturally over the shoulders, so no stiff shaping is needed.
And there you have it—your very own Velvet Dusk Capelet! This stunning piece is perfect for gifting or keeping for yourself. The plush velvet yarn and intricate texture make it a standout addition to any wardrobe. Happy crocheting!