Buckle up, because today we’re going back in time to an era where fantastic capes were the epitome of fashion. Of course, we’re not talking about superhero capes. We’re talking about those stylish accessories with a beautiful flared drape that goes over the shoulders and back to add extra layer of warmth and dramatic flair. Here you’ll find some amazing vintage inspiration for free crochet cape patterns as well as plenty of fresh takes on the trend to make it more modern. 

Imagine draping yourself in a lacy capelet to add a touch of feminine elegance to any ensemble for the perfect special occasion outfit, or perhaps you’re more drawn to a chunky, oversized cape that doubles as a cozy cocoon on chilly days. We’ve scoured the crochet universe to bring you all the best free crochet cape and capelet patterns, whether you are looking for a stylish layer or just to keep warm. 

We’ve got plenty of different styles to choose from for all skill levels of crocheters. Whether you’re a beginner or advanced crocheter, everyone can get in on the fun of these free crochet cape and capelet patterns! For the easiest designs, keep an eye out for patterns that call for thick yarns and/or only use basic crochet stitches. Solid fabrics are generally more manageable than lacy ones. You just might surprise yourself with how fantastic your project works up!

So, grab your favorite yarn, pick up that trusty crochet hook, and join us in this exploration of creativity and comfort. From classic designs to trendy twists, these patterns are bound to become staples in your handmade wardrobe. Get ready to lose yourself in the world of free crochet cape and capelet patterns. 

Charlotte Bronte Cape

Fans of Victorian era romance novels or period pieces on TV are sure to feel themselves drawn to the magnetic allure of this flirty capelet. A textured yarn with soft color changes lends this project a feminine touch with a beautiful drape. You can make one for yourself using just single and double crochet stitches. This is one of those crochet projects great for beginners!

Designer: Lion Brand Yarn
Yarn: Lion Brand Homespun Thick & Quick (Super Bulky Weight #6)
Click here for the free crochet pattern!
_______________________

Mantella Cape

Here’s a perfect choice for a more modern take on the cape trend. Upgrade a basic blouse with the simple beauty of this cowl neck cape. It will keep your shoulders warm and it’ll make you look darn good at the same time. The pattern is worked flat in rows using basic stitches worked through the back loops only to create that tantalizing ribbed texture.

Designer: Airali Design
Yarn: Bulky Weight #5
Click here for the free crochet pattern!
_______________________

Royal

Whether you need a long dramatic cape for a Halloween costume or for an everyday Tuesday in the life of a fearless fashionista, you can’t go wrong with this stunning royalty inspired design. The smooth double crochet stitch fabric is embellished with a variety of stitches such as surface crochet and post stitches to create fanciful shapes.

Designer: Expression Fiber Arts
Yarn: Expression Fiber Arts Sincere Sock (Fingering Weight #1)
Click here for the free crochet pattern!
_______________________

Autumn Diamonds Cape

Everything is better with a hood attached and these free crochet cape and capelet patterns are certainly no exception. This bold and unique piece uses the tunisian entrelac technique often favored for warm and thick blankets. It’s an excellent introduction into the world of tunisian crochet that doesn’t require you to invest in a long crochet hook. It would also look good in so many various colors.

Designer: Noor’s Knits
Yarn: Furls Crochet Wander Yarn (Aran Weight #4)
Click here for the free crochet pattern!
_______________________

Scarlet Hooded Shawl

Pick any of the designs on this list, make it in a bright red yarn, and you’re sure to feel like the main character of a fairy tale. You know the one! This pretty red cape comes complete with a cozy hood and a slightly ruffled edge. The pattern calls for just single and double crochet stitches.

Designer: Selina Veronique
Yarn: Lion Brand Landscapes (Aran Weight #4)
Click here for the free crochet cape pattern!
_______________________

Hooded Cloak

Who says that you have to know all the intricate crochet stitches before you can make something that you really want to show off? Double crochet stitches have never looked better than in this beautiful, full bodied hooded cape for crocheters of all skill levels. It’s the perfect project for your next adventure to the Renaissance Faire or your next trip to the grocery store.

Designer: Crochet with illJay
Yarn: Yarn Bee Soft Secret Solids (Worsted Weight #4)
Click here for the free crochet pattern!
_______________________

Cherie Capelet

Ooh la la! You’re sure to feel next level flirty and feminine in this stunning lace cape design. This would be a widely loved addition for a special date night. You can make one for yourself using double and treble crochet stitches. Despite the type of yarn being thin weight, it works up fairly quickly thanks to the mesh nature of the stitchwork. A pretty pink ribbon trims the top of the main body of the design.

Designer: Bella Coco Crochet
Yarn: Garnstudio DROPS Safran (Sport Weight #2)
Click here for the free crochet pattern!
_______________________

Icing on the Cape

Channel that main character energy into your everyday wardrobe with this sophisticated cousin to the poncho. The slate gray color goes well with everything and this accessory would complete both a casual outfit with jeans and a fancy outfit with a dress. You’ll be using single and double crochet stitches for this design along with picot stitches for the decorative edging.

Designer: Stitches n Scraps
Yarn: Furls Whims Merino Z Twist (Worsted Weight #4)
Click here for the free crochet pattern!
_______________________

Princess Double Layered Cape

Cosplay as your favorite red-haired princess with this fantastic double layer cape in bold shades of magenta and purple. Of course, you could also choose to rock this cape on your next excursion to the farmer’s market. You can make one for yourself using single and double crochet stitches.

Designer: Transatlantic Crochet
Yarn: Ice Yarns Lorena (60/40 blend)
Ice Yarns Elite Baby (DK Weight Yarn #3)
Click here for the free crochet pattern!
_______________________

Hooded Tunisian Capelet

Can I just say that if I made one of these cute little capelets for myself I would literally never take it off? It’s cute. It’s casual. What more could you want in a cozy crochet accessory? The pattern calls for tunisian knit stitch, tunisian purl stitch, and single crochet stitches. If you don’t know how to tunisian crochet, why not teach yourself something new this year!

Designer: Anika Gearhart-Edwards
Yarn: Caron Simply Soft Solids (Aran Weight #4)
Cascade Yarns ® Tangier (Aran Weight #4)
Click here for the free crochet capelet pattern!
_______________________

Girl’s Chic Hooded Capelet

Even kiddos can get in on the fun of all these fantastic free crochet cape and capelet patterns. This cute little cape has a toggle closure at the throat so it won’t fall off and little hand openings for extra moveability. The pattern uses a combination of regular, front post, and back post double crochet stitches.

Designer: Tamara Kelly for Yarnspirations
Yarn: Red Heart Chic Sheep by Marly Bird (Aran Weight #4)
Click here for the free crochet pattern!
_______________________

Curvy Girl Cape

Let’s get a little asymmetrical with our next cozy cape design. The self striping yarn in neutral colors for this design really highlights the lovely vertical lines of lightly textured crossed half double crochet stitches. It can be rotated every which way to switch up the look, so it’s actually multiple styles of cape all rolled into one. 

Designer: Nana’s Crafty Home
Yarn: Lion Brand Shawl in a Ball (Aran Weight #4)
Click here for the free and easy crochet pattern!
_______________________

Cordillera Cape

I have one word for this next cape design and that word is: wow! The generous length of this cape combined with the handy arm openings make this an elegant accessory fit for a night out on the town. It also looks just as good with jeans as you can see in the photo! The pattern uses a combination of half double crochet stitch and feather stitch.

Designer: Heart Hook Home
Yarn: Knit Picks Wool of the Andes Tweed (Worsted Weight #4)
Click here for the free crochet pattern!
_______________________

Plaid Cape

This next cape design takes the cake for the cutest thing I’ve seen on the internet today. It’s pink. It’s plaid. It’s perfect! The best part is that it’s actually fairly easy to make so long as you know how to single crochet, double crochet and change colors. It’s available in baby and children sizes. I wish it came in adult sizes too because I would totally rock it!

Designer: Winding Road Crochet
Yarn: Red Heart With Love (Solids) (Aran Weight #4)
Click here for the free crochet pattern!
_______________________

Snow Charming Cape

This picture is giving me major style inspiration for all of these free crochet cape and capelet patterns. Pair it with a dress, tights, and heels? Yes please! Regular double crochet stitches make up the majority of the cape while front and back post double crochet stitches create raised designs on the surface of the work.

Designer: Tamara Kelly for Furls Crochet
Yarn: Red Heart Hygge Charm (Aran Weight #4)
Click here for the free crochet pattern!
_______________________

The Red Riding Hood Cape

A stunning lace design lets you channel your inner Little Red Riding Hood even if you don’t live somewhere it’s actually cold enough to wear a cape regularly. I love the silhouette of this design with the straight swath across the back, the cascading front pieces that twirl naturally, and the dramatic oversized hood that won’t give you hat head like a tight hood will. Make one today using single and double crochet stitches!

Designer: Jenny and Teddy
Yarn: DK Weight #3
Click here for the free pattern!
_______________________

Skylark Capelet

Something this cute and casual is an absolute must make for your handmade wardrobe. It’s the kind of piece that says, “Oh this old thing? I just threw it on when I went out the door” but what you really mean is that you spent a lot of time on it and now you’re obsessed with it and wear it everywhere. The best part is that the pattern works up quickly in v-stitch mesh.

Designer: Tori Gurbisz for Universal Yarn
Yarn: FibraNatura Radiant Cotton (DK Weight #3)
Click here for the free crochet pattern!
_______________________

Crown Capelet

Do you see any award show galas in your future, because, if so, you simply have to select a lace design from these free crochet cape and capelet patterns. Talk about statement pieces! This stunning pattern calls for just single and double crochet stitches but the stitch placement is more advanced so this would not be a great project pick for a beginner.

Designer: Anna R. Simonsen for Cascade Yarns
Yarn: Cascade Yarns ® Hampton (DK Weight #3)
Click here for the free crochet pattern!
_______________________

Rainbow Hero Cape

Circular capes space out their increases but this unique cape design puts the increases at the same spot each round to create a pretty zig zag edge. This one little change (combined with that gorgeous multicolor yarn) makes this cape one for the fantasy books! It can be made using just double crochet stitches.

Designer: JessieAtHome
Yarn: Think Bamboo Bamboo Fiber Yarn (Fingering Weight #1)
Click here for the free crochet pattern!
_______________________

Openwork Cape Shawl

Sometimes you can get lost in the sauce with all the different names for accessories. You can call this a cape, a shawl, or both. I don’t care as long as you call it cute because it certainly is! The lightly lacy design works up quickly using single and double crochet stitches. This would be a great lightweight accessory to have on hand for when spring rolls around.

Designer: Katherine Eng for Lion Brand Yarn
Yarn: Lion Brand Vanna’s Choice (Aran Weight #4)
Click here for the free crochet pattern!
_______________________

Hooded Cabled Cape

Go bold with stripes in our next exciting cape design. The pattern calls for single, half double, double, and treble crochet stitches with some stitches worked around the post to create the gorgeous cablework focal point running up the center back. This piece would be a total confidence boost to have in your closet!

Designer: JessieAtHome
Yarn: Lion Brand Scarfie (Bulky Weight #5)
Click here for the free crochet pattern!
_______________________

Erendruid

Blur the lines between everyday life and fantasy with free crochet cape and capelet patterns. You’ll feel like a character straight out of a fiction novel with this stunning design. Be the main character of your own story with this part solid, part lace cape complete with hood. It is made with single and double crochet stitches.

Designer: DROPS Design
Yarn: Garnstudio DROPS Andes (Super Bulky Weight #6)
Click here for the free crochet pattern!
_______________________

Enchanted Dreams Cape

All eyes will be on you when you walk into the room wearing this cape – especially if choose a similar shade of rich royal purple. I’m getting evil stepmother vibes from this design but like in a good way! The pattern calls for single, half double, and double crochet stitches with some stitches worked around the post.

Designer: Two Brothers Blankets
Yarn: Hobby Lobby I Love This Yarn! Solids (Aran Weight #4)
Click here for the free crochet pattern!
_______________________

Cordelia Capelet

You’ll never wear a boring cowl or scarf again when you have something this beautiful at your fingertips! Worsted weight yarn produces a semi-solid fabric with double crochet stitches. Pretty decorative shell stitches trim the edges of the piece to make it feel more finished. It’s a great accessory to have on hand when you need something lightweight.

Designer: Tian Connaughton
Yarn: Premier Yarns Everyday Worsted Solids, Marls & Heathers (Worsted Weight #4)
Click here for the free crochet pattern!
_______________________

Make a Hug Capelet

Super bulky weight yarn makes short work of this head turning capelet. You can probably finish this project in just a couple days. The thick and squishy fabric is oh so cozy and it provides a lot of warmth. It’s like a hug that you can wear! The best part is that the pattern is super beginner friendly and it calls for just double crochet stitches.

Designer: mallooknits
Yarn: James C. Brett Rustic Mega Chunky (Super Bulky Weight #6)
Click here for the free crochet pattern!
_______________________

Final Thoughts on Crochet Cape Patterns

Are you ready to lose yourself in the world of crochet and emerge with a fabulous cape or capelet that’s a perfect addition to your wardrobe? With this treasure trove of free crochet cape patterns at your fingertips, there’s no telling where your inspiration will take you. We hope you found your next new crochet project!

Don’t forget, sharing is caring! Send this free crochet pattern round-up to all your crochet friends so they can join in on the fun too! Bookmark this page or save the link to your Pinterest board for amazing crochet patterns. 

I’ll see you next week for another free crochet pattern round-up. Make sure to follow the blog so you never miss a post. <3

Happy Crocheting!