A basic, classic poncho with some little details – a crossed garter collar that can be worn up or down, front shaping that comes to a point, curved back shaping, and side slits for more freedom of movement.
More tailored, less hippy-chic! A poncho for minimalists :)
The suggested yarn gives the perfect amount of drape - if you substitute, look for something that knits to gauge without being too stiff or too loose. A bit of alpaca or silk with wool seems to be a good choice.
Skills required: increasing, simple short rows in garter
Sizes available: S-M (to fit a shoulder circumference up to about 122 cm), M-L (to fit up to about 132 cm). Shoulder circumference is measured around the shoulders with your arms at your sides
Gauge: 16 stitches and 24 rounds to 10 cm of stockinette stitch
Note: Though conversions to the metric system have been made on this page for your convenience, the pattern itself uses American measurements.
Contains:
- Knitting pattern for minimalist poncho/cape
- In-progress photos included
- Suitable for advanced beginners
Materials you need at home:
- Approximately 915/1010 m of aran weight yarn. Sample was knit in Cascade Eco Cloud (70% merino/30% baby alpaca)
- 5.5 mm/US 9 needles, or size needed to obtain gauge. You will need a 60 cm or smaller circular to start, and will want at least an 80 cm length as the stitches increase
- A double-pointed needle or second circular needle (any length) in the gauge size or smaller for temporarily holding a small number of stitches
- Stitch markers (see notes in pattern)
- Tapestry needle for weaving in ends
Laura Aylor
If ‘knitting designer’ had been one of the job choices for those aptitude tests they give you in high school, I wouldn’t have spent so many years trying to decide what I wanted to be when I grew up. My best subject in high school was math; my best classes in college were logic, drawing, and a commercial art class. After careers in computer programming/analysis and child-rearing, knit design snuck up on me, but I think it’s the perfect use of my odd skill set! I love every step of the process, from figuring out how to actually make what I’ve envisioned to putting the finishing touches on a pattern, not to mention all the knitting that comes in between!
I also love reading and hiking and spending time on Brier Island in Nova Scotia every summer.