I don’t know about you, but I have a serious soft spot for anything that gives off storybook vibes. A child in a hooded cape? Instant fairytale energy.
This Winter Berry Hooded Cape delivers all the cozy, whimsical charm without complicated construction. The color-blocked stripes work up in simple half double crochet, and the hood attaches with basic seaming. No fussy shaping, no confusing decreases, just straightforward rounds that grow bigger as you go.
If you’ve been wanting to make something that looks impressive but won’t leave you tangled in confusion, this is your project. Let me walk you through every stitch.
About This Hooded Cape Crochet Pattern
This cape is worked from the top down, starting at the neckline and expanding outward to create that beautiful A-line silhouette you see in the photos. The construction is simpler than it looks. You’ll work the body in joined rounds, increasing at four evenly spaced points to build the flare naturally.
The hood is made separately as a flat rectangle, then folded in half and seamed across the top. Once that’s done, you attach it to the neckline. A braided tie with tassels finishes the front closure, and a decorative picot edging trims the hem in that gorgeous burgundy.
The color blocking happens in four sections: deep burgundy for the hood and trim, dusty rose for the upper cape, cream for the middle, and forest green for the lower section. The result is a garment that looks designer but works up with basic stitches.
This pattern is sized for children approximately ages 4 to 8, hitting at mid-thigh on a child of average height. I’ve included customization tips at the end if you need to size up or down.
Skill Level
This is an intermediate pattern. You should be comfortable with working in joined rounds, making clean color changes, and basic seaming. If you’ve made a hat or a simple sweater before, you have all the skills you need.
True beginners might find the construction order and finishing steps challenging, but don’t let that scare you off. Everything is explained step by step, and there’s nothing here you can’t learn as you go.
Finished Measurements
Neckline circumference: 22 inches / 56 cm
Cape length (shoulder to hem at center back): 18 inches / 46 cm
Hood height: 10 inches / 25.5 cm
Hood depth (front to back): 9 inches / 23 cm
Hem circumference: approximately 62 inches / 157.5 cm
Materials Needed
Yarn:
All colors should be worsted weight (size 4) yarn.
Hook: US size J / 6.0 mm crochet hook
Notions:
Yarn Suggestions
Lion Brand Pound of Love works beautifully here. It’s budget-friendly, machine washable, and has excellent stitch definition.
Cascade 220 Superwash is perfect if you want something softer. The superwash wool is gentle against a child’s skin and machine washable.
Paintbox Yarns Simply DK used with the J hook creates a slightly looser drape that suits the cape silhouette nicely.
Avoid yarns with a strong halo like mohair blends. They’ll obscure the dense texture of the half double crochet stitches. Always check washability when making items for children.
Gauge
14 hdc x 10 rows = 4 inches / 10 cm, worked in rows with a J/6.0 mm hook, blocked.
Gauge matters for this pattern. If your gauge is off, the neckline might be too small to fit over a child’s head or too large to sit properly on the shoulders. Take time to swatch before you begin.
Abbreviations and Stitch Definitions
ch = chain: wrap yarn over hook, pull through loop on hook
sl st = slip stitch: insert hook, yarn over, pull through stitch and loop on hook in one motion
sc = single crochet: insert hook, yarn over, pull up loop (2 loops on hook), yarn over, pull through both loops
hdc = half double crochet: yarn over, insert hook, yarn over, pull up loop (3 loops on hook), yarn over, pull through all 3 loops
hdc2tog = half double crochet 2 together (decrease): insert hook into next stitch, yarn over, pull up a loop (3 loops on hook), insert hook into following stitch, yarn over, pull up a loop (5 loops on hook), yarn over, draw through all 5 loops
st(s) = stitch(es)
rnd = round
RS = right side
WS = wrong side
t-ch = turning chain
pm = place marker
Special Techniques
Picot Edging
This creates the decorative scalloped border you see along the hem.
Step 1: Work 1 sc into the first stitch.
Step 2: Chain 3.
Step 3: Slip stitch into the first chain made (the one closest to the hook) to form a small picot knot.
Step 4: Work 1 sc into each of the next 2 stitches.
Step 5: Repeat steps 2 through 4 across the edge.
Braided Tie
Cut 12 strands of Color A, each 36 inches / 91.5 cm long. Divide into 3 groups of 4 strands. Align all ends evenly and tie an overhand knot at the top, leaving a 1 inch / 2.5 cm tail above the knot. Braid the three groups together firmly for approximately 10 inches / 25.5 cm. Tie an overhand knot at the end of the braid to secure. Trim the tail ends below the bottom knot to 2.5 inches / 6.5 cm to form a tassel. Separate and fluff the tassel strands. Make 2 identical braided ties.
Pattern Notes Before You Begin
1. The cape body is worked in joined rounds from the top down. The right side faces out throughout.
2. The hood is worked separately in flat rows, then folded and seamed at the top, and attached to the neckline after the cape body is complete.
3. All color changes are made on the last yarn over of the final stitch of a round before the new color is needed. Cut and join colors cleanly.
4. The ch-2 at the start of each round counts as the first hdc. The last stitch of each round is worked into the top of the ch-2 from the previous round.
5. The cape has a split at the center front, forming two open front panels. The tie closes the cape at the neckline.
6. Markers are placed at the 4 increase points. Move markers up each round.
Cape Body Instructions
The cape body begins at the neckline and is worked downward in rounds.
Setup
Using Color A and a J/6.0 mm hook, chain 80. Being careful not to twist the chain, slip stitch into the first chain to form a ring.
Foundation Round: Ch 2 (counts as first hdc). Hdc in each of next 77 ch around. Join with sl st to top of ch-2. (78 hdc)
Place markers at the following positions to mark increase points:
Increase Method: On each increase round, work 2 hdc into each marked stitch. This adds 4 stitches per increase round. Move markers into the first of the 2 hdc worked into the old marked stitch each round.
Color A Section (Neckline Band)
Rounds 1 through 3: Work even in hdc, no increases. Join each round with sl st to top of ch-2. (78 hdc each round)
At the end of Round 3, fasten off Color A. The hood will be seamed here after the body is complete.
Switch to Color B (Dusty Rose).
Color B Section (Dusty Rose Upper Cape)
Round 4: Join Color B with sl st to top of ch-2 of previous round. Ch 2, work 2 hdc into same st (increase at marker 1 position). Hdc across to marker 2, 2 hdc into marker 2 st. Hdc across to marker 3, 2 hdc into marker 3 st. Hdc across to marker 4, 2 hdc into marker 4 st. Hdc to end of round. Join with sl st to top of ch-2. (82 hdc)
Round 5: Ch 2, hdc into each st around, working 2 hdc into each of the 4 marked sts. Join. (86 hdc)
Round 6: Ch 2, hdc into each st around, working 2 hdc into each of the 4 marked sts. Join. (90 hdc)
Round 7: Ch 2, hdc into each st around, working 2 hdc into each of the 4 marked sts. Join. (94 hdc)
Round 8: Ch 2, hdc into each st around, working 2 hdc into each of the 4 marked sts. Join. (98 hdc)
Round 9: Ch 2, hdc into each st around, working 2 hdc into each of the 4 marked sts. Join. (102 hdc)
Round 10: Ch 2, hdc into each st around, working 2 hdc into each of the 4 marked sts. Join. (106 hdc)
Round 11: Ch 2, hdc into each st around, working 2 hdc into each of the 4 marked sts. Join. (110 hdc)
Round 12: Ch 2, hdc into each st around, working 2 hdc into each of the 4 marked sts. Join. (114 hdc)
Round 13: Ch 2, hdc into each st around, working 2 hdc into each of the 4 marked sts. Join. (118 hdc)
Round 14: Ch 2, hdc into each st around, working 2 hdc into each of the 4 marked sts. Join. (122 hdc)
Round 15: Ch 2, hdc into each st around, working 2 hdc into each of the 4 marked sts. Join. (126 hdc)
At the end of Round 15, fasten off Color B.
Checkpoint: After completing Round 15, the cape body should measure approximately 7.5 inches / 19 cm from the neckline foundation.
Switch to Color C (Cream/Off-White).
Color C Section (Cream Mid Section)
Round 16: Join Color C. Ch 2, hdc into each st around, working 2 hdc into each of the 4 marked sts. Join. (130 hdc)
Round 17: Ch 2, hdc into each st around, working 2 hdc into each of the 4 marked sts. Join. (134 hdc)
Round 18: Ch 2, hdc into each st around, working 2 hdc into each of the 4 marked sts. Join. (138 hdc)
Round 19: Ch 2, hdc into each st around, working 2 hdc into each of the 4 marked sts. Join. (142 hdc)
Round 20: Ch 2, hdc into each st around, working 2 hdc into each of the 4 marked sts. Join. (146 hdc)
Round 21: Ch 2, hdc into each st around, working 2 hdc into each of the 4 marked sts. Join. (150 hdc)
Round 22: Ch 2, hdc into each st around, working 2 hdc into each of the 4 marked sts. Join. (154 hdc)
Round 23: Ch 2, hdc into each st around, working 2 hdc into each of the 4 marked sts. Join. (158 hdc)
Round 24: Ch 2, hdc into each st around, working 2 hdc into each of the 4 marked sts. Join. (162 hdc)
Round 25: Ch 2, hdc into each st around, working 2 hdc into each of the 4 marked sts. Join. (166 hdc)
At the end of Round 25, fasten off Color C.
Checkpoint: After completing Round 25, the cape body should measure approximately 12.5 inches / 32 cm from the neckline foundation.
Switch to Color D (Forest Green).
Color D Section (Forest Green Lower Section)
Round 26: Join Color D. Ch 2, hdc into each st around, working 2 hdc into each of the 4 marked sts. Join. (170 hdc)
Round 27: Ch 2, hdc into each st around, working 2 hdc into each of the 4 marked sts. Join. (174 hdc)
Round 28: Ch 2, hdc into each st around, working 2 hdc into each of the 4 marked sts. Join. (178 hdc)
Round 29: Ch 2, hdc into each st around, working 2 hdc into each of the 4 marked sts. Join. (182 hdc)
Round 30: Ch 2, hdc into each st around, working 2 hdc into each of the 4 marked sts. Join. (186 hdc)
Round 31: Ch 2, hdc into each st around, working 2 hdc into each of the 4 marked sts. Join. (190 hdc)
Round 32: Ch 2, hdc into each st around, working 2 hdc into each of the 4 marked sts. Join. (194 hdc)
Round 33: Ch 2, hdc into each st around, working 2 hdc into each of the 4 marked sts. Join. (198 hdc)
Round 34: Ch 2, hdc into each st around, working 2 hdc into each of the 4 marked sts. Join. (202 hdc)
Round 35: Ch 2, hdc into each st around, working 2 hdc into each of the 4 marked sts. Join. (206 hdc)
Round 36: Ch 2, hdc into each st around, working 2 hdc into each of the 4 marked sts. Join. (210 hdc)
Round 37: Ch 2, hdc into each st around, working 2 hdc into each of the 4 marked sts. Join. (214 hdc)
At the end of Round 37, do not fasten off Color D yet.
Checkpoint: After completing Round 37, the cape body should measure approximately 17.5 inches / 44.5 cm from the neckline foundation.
Hem Picot Edging
Drop Color D (cut with a 6 inch tail and weave in later). Join Color A with sl st to the last st of Round 37.
Edging Round: Work picot edging as described in Special Techniques across all 214 sts of the hem edge. Work the picot repeat as: sc in first st, ch 3, sl st in first ch, sc in next 2 sts, repeat. This uses 3 sts per repeat. 213 sts accommodate 71 complete picot repeats. Work the final stitch as a plain sc to close the round cleanly. Join final sc to first sc with a sl st. Fasten off and weave in ends.
Hood Instructions
The hood is worked flat in rows, then folded in half and seamed across the top.
Using Color A and J/6.0 mm hook.
Foundation Chain: Chain 64.
Row 1 (RS): Hdc in 3rd ch from hook (the skipped 2 chs count as first hdc), hdc in each ch across. Turn. (63 hdc)
Rows 2 through 25: Ch 2 (counts as first hdc), hdc in each st across to last st, hdc in top of t-ch. Turn. (63 hdc each row)
After Row 25, do not turn. Do not fasten off.
Checkpoint: The hood panel should measure approximately 9 inches / 23 cm wide and 10 inches / 25.5 cm tall at this point.
Hood Top Seam
Fold the hood panel in half so that Row 25 aligns with the foundation chain edge, with RS facing out. Thread a yarn needle with Color A. Using a whipstitch seam along the top folded edge across the full 63-stitch width. Fasten off. Turn RS out.
Hood Face Opening Edging
Working around the front face opening edge of the hood with Color A, work 1 row of sc evenly around the entire face opening edge. Join with sl st to first sc. Fasten off.
Attaching the Hood to the Cape
1. Block the hood and cape body lightly before seaming.
2. Fold the hood so that the back seam sits centered at the back. The face opening faces forward.
3. With the cape neckline edge facing up, pin the bottom open edge of the hood to the neckline, distributing the hood’s 63 stitches evenly around the 78-stitch neckline. Leave approximately 7 to 8 stitches at each front opening edge with no hood attached.
4. Using Color A and a yarn needle, seam the hood to the neckline with a whipstitch from the WS. Fasten off and weave in all ends.
Tie Attachments
Thread one braided tie through the neckline fabric at each front edge, approximately 1 inch / 2.5 cm in from the front opening at the level of Round 2 on the neckline band. Secure the end of each braided tie by tying a knot against the fabric on the WS.
Cape Front Edge Finishing
Working along each front edge of the cape with Color A, work 1 row of sc evenly down each front edge from neckline to hem. Work approximately 1 sc per row end. Fasten off.
Size Customization Tips
For a smaller size (ages 2 to 4): Begin with a foundation chain of 68 (67 hdc at neckline). Work the same increase schedule, but stop the body at Round 32 instead of Round 37. Reduce the hood foundation chain to 56 and work only 20 rows. Adjust yarn quantities down by approximately 15 percent.
For a larger size (ages 8 to 12): Begin with a foundation chain of 92 (91 hdc at neckline). Work the same increase schedule, adding an additional 6 increase rounds in the green section through Round 43. Increase the hood foundation chain to 72 and work 28 rows. Adjust yarn quantities up by approximately 20 percent.
For adult sizing: Begin with a foundation chain of 120 (119 hdc at neckline). Work increases through approximately Round 55 for a hip-length capelet. Hood foundation chain should be 90 stitches worked for 34 rows. Yarn quantities will approximately double.
Finishing and Blocking
Weave in all ends securely, hiding color-change tails on the WS.
For wet blocking, submerge the finished cape in lukewarm water with a small amount of wool wash. Gently squeeze out excess water without wringing. Roll in a clean towel to remove moisture.
Lay flat on a blocking mat. Shape the neckline into a smooth circle and pin lightly. Stretch the hem gently outward to encourage the A-line flare. Shape the hood over a rounded form like a balloon or large ball. Allow to dry completely before removing pins.
Care Instructions
Acrylic yarn: Machine wash cold, gentle cycle. Tumble dry low or lay flat to dry.
Superwash wool: Hand wash in cool water with gentle soap. Lay flat to dry.
Always check your specific yarn label for the most accurate care guidance.
I hope you love making this Winter Berry Hooded Cape as much as I loved designing it. The color blocking makes it perfect for using up yarn from your stash, and that little one in your life is going to feel like they stepped right out of a storybook.
If you found this crochet pattern helpful, save it to your Pinterest boards so you can find it again when you’re ready to cast on. And if you make one, I’d absolutely love to see it! Drop a comment below or tag me on Instagram with your finished cape. Happy hooking!
