The Kena Cape- Free Crochet Pattern

The Kena Cape is an oversized, cozy crochet design made from three simple rectangles that seam together effortlessly. Using any three colors of Lion Brand Heartland Yarn, it’s easy to customize and create a look that’s uniquely yours. Perfect for layering, this cape adds warmth, comfort, and a stylish touch to any outfit. Keep scrolling for the free version, head to the shop for a printable PDF or treat yourself to the kit from Lion Brand Yarn.

The Kena Cape is one of those effortless pieces you’ll find yourself reaching for again and again. Designed with comfort and simplicity in mind, this oversized cape is made from three easy rectangles that come together to create a cozy, statement layer you can throw on over just about anything. Whether you’re heading out on a crisp morning walk or curling up at home, the Kena Cape adds just the right amount of warmth without feeling bulky.

One of my favorite things about this pattern is how customizable it is. Using any three colors of Lion Brand Heartland Yarn, you can play with color combinations to create a look that feels completely your own—from subtle neutrals to bold, high-contrast stripes. The construction is beginner-friendly but still satisfying to make, resulting in a timeless piece that’s perfect for transitional weather and year-round layering.

When the weather gets colder I tend to want to stay in more and crochet. My favorite type of project is something mindless and simple. The Kena Cape is the perfect project when you want an easy comfort project to keep you company this Winter. I hope that you enjoy both making and wearing this beautiful cape.

The Kena Cape Crochet Pattern

Materials:

468-716 yards (2-3 skeins) of Lion Brand Heartland in Color A Grand Canyon [136-122G]

454-697 yards (2-3 skeins) of Lion Brand Heartland in Color B Mammoth Cave [136-125P]

578-859 yards (3-4 skeins) of Lion Brand Heartland in Color C Sequoia [136-126U]

US size H(5mm) crochet hook

Tapestry needle, scissors, tape measure

Abbreviations:

Ch(s)- chain(s)

st(s)- stitch(es)

sc- single crochet

sc2tog- single crochet two together

sc3tog- single crochet three together

dc- double crochet

RS- right side

WS- wrong side

Gauge:

14 dc sts X 7 rows = 4” X 4” in pattern stitch (Iris Stitch)

Notes:

1.Cape is made up of three panels in Iris Stitch. The panels are seamed together at the shoulders and then  border is worked all the way around using single crochet. The sides are then seamed together to create armholes and side slits.

2.ch 1s do not count as a stitch. Ch 3s do count as a stitch.

3.When measuring gauge and counting stitches, only count the dc stitches not the chs.

Video Tutorial:

Size:

XS/S: fits bust 28”-34” 468 yards/2 skeins (A), 454 yards/2 skeins (B), 578 yards/3 skeins (C)

M/L: fits bust 36”-42” 502 yards/2 skeins (A), 489 yards/2 skeins (B), 618 yards/3 skeins (C)

XL/2X: fits bust 44”-50” 573 yards/3 skeins (A), 558 yards/3 skeins (B), 698 yards/3 skeins (C)

3X/4X: fits bust 52”-58” 645 yards/3 skeins (A), 628 yards/3 skeins (B), 779 yards/4 skeins (C)

5X/6X: fits bust 60”-66” 716 yards/3 skeins (A), 697 yards/3 skeins (B), 859 yards/4 skeins (C)

Pattern:

Back Panel: make one

With Color A and 5mm hook, ch 115(123, 139, 155, 177)

Row 1(WS): [2dc, ch 1, 2dc] in 5th ch from hook, *sk 3, [2dc, ch 1, 2dc] in next ch, repeat from * across until 2 chs remain, sk 1, dc in last ch, turn. (114(122, 138, 154, 176)dcs

Change to Color B and ch 3, do NOT fasten off Color A.

Row 2(RS): [2dc, ch 1, 2dc] in each ch-1 sp across, dc in top of turning ch, turn. (114(122, 138, 154, 176)dcs

Change to Color C and ch 3, do NOT fasten off Color B.

Row 3: [2dc, ch 1, 2dc] in each ch-1 sp across, dc in top of turning ch, turn. (114(122, 138, 154, 176)dcs

Change to Color A and ch 3, do NOT fasten off Color C.

Repeat Row 3 for a total of 51 rows, changing color after every row and continuing to carry the colors up the sides as you go. The color order will continue A, B, C, A, B, C all the way up the panel. You’ll have a total of 17 color set repeats.

Row 52: continuing with Color C, ch 1, sc in 1st st, ch 2, *sc in ch-1 sp, ch 3, repeat from * across, ch 2,sc in top of turning ch.

Fasten off Color C leaving a long tail for seaming. Fasten off Colors A and B.

Front Panels: make two

With Color A and 5mm hook, ch 47(51, 59, 67, 75)

Row 1(WS): [2dc, ch 1, 2dc] in 5th ch from hook, *sk 3, [2dc, ch 1, 2dc] in next ch, repeat from * across until 2 chs remain, sk 1, dc in last ch, turn. (46(50, 58, 66, 74)dcs

Change to Color B and ch 3, do NOT fasten off Color A.

Row 2(RS): [2dc, ch 1, 2dc] in each ch-1 sp across, dc in top of turning ch, turn. (46(50, 58, 66, 74)dcs

Change to Color C and ch 3, do NOT fasten off Color B.

Row 3: [2dc, ch 1, 2dc] in each ch-1 sp across, dc in top of turning ch, turn. (46(50, 58, 66, 74)dcs

Change to Color A and ch 3, do NOT fasten off Color C.

Repeat Row 3 for a total of 51 rows, changing color after every row and continuing to carry the colors up the sides as you go. The color order will continue A, B, C, A, B, C all the way up the panel. You’ll have a total of 17 color set repeats.

Row 52: continuing with Color C, ch 1, sc in 1st st, ch 2, *sc in ch-1 sp, ch 3, repeat from * across, ch 2,sc in top of turning ch.

Fasten off Color C leaving a long tail for seaming. Fasten off Colors A and B.

Seaming Shoulders:

Lay Back Panel and Front Panels down with RS facing up and Rows 51 touching. Sew the front panels to the back panel using your preferred method of seaming. I suggest the mattress stitch.

Edging:

We will now be working 2 rounds of single crochet all along the edges of the cape.

Join Color C in the center of the back neckline with the RS facing you, ch 1.

Round 1: sc in same st as join and in each st until 1 st before interior corner, sc2tog, *work 2 sc into each row edge until exterior corner, 3sc into corner st, sc into each ch along bottom of panel until next exterior corner, 3sc into corner st, repeat from * twice more, work 2 sc into each row edge until 1 stbefore 2nd interior corner, sc2tog, sc into each st across neckline until 1st st of row, sl t to join.

Round 2: ch 1, sc in same st as join and in each st until 1 st before interior corner, sc3tog, *sc in each stuntil exterior corner, 3sc into corner st, repeat from * around until 1 st before interior corner, sc3tog, scacross, sl st to join.

Fasten off.

Weave in all ends.

Seaming Sides:

Lay Cape down with Front Panels folded on top of the Back panel at the shoulders.

With Color C, sew the sides together where indicated for your size.

Now you can wrap up in your new Kena Cape! If you make one I’d love to see it. Make sure to tag me @meghanmakesdo and use #thekenacape on social media.

As always you can find a digital PDF version of this pattern in my shop, Etsy and Ravelry or as a complete kit from Lion Brand Yarn.

Happy Crocheting,
Meghan