AMANO Pampa Poncho Cape Knitting Pattern

AMANO Pampa Poncho

What is Being Made

The AMANO Pampa Poncho is a rectangular knit garment designed by Martha Wissing for the Fall Winter 16/17 collection. This poncho is constructed by folding a flat-knit rectangle in half and seaming the top edge to create a neck opening, resulting in a versatile layering piece that drapes elegantly over the shoulders.

Construction Techniques

This poncho combines seamed and seamless construction methods. The garment is worked flat using a circular needle to accommodate the large number of stitches required for the wide rectangular shape. The designer uses a circular needle not for working in the round, but rather as a tool to hold the cast-on stitches comfortably. After the flat rectangle is completed, finishing involves folding the piece in half with the textured panel positioned on the bottom, then seaming an 18-inch section along the top edge while leaving a 12-inch neck opening for comfortable wear.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns Used

The AMANO Pampa Poncho features multiple stitch patterns that create visual interest and texture:

• Ribbed stitch (K1, p1 Rib): Used in the border sections to create structure and definition
• Reverse Stockinette stitch (Rev St st): Creates a textured panel that becomes the focal point when folded
• Garter stitch: Provides additional textural elements throughout the design

The pattern repeats rows 1 and 2 until the piece reaches 60 inches in length, with the final row being a wrong-side row before binding off in pattern to maintain stitch consistency.

Materials and Tools

The poncho requires AMANO yarn and is worked using a circular needle to manage the 72 cast-on stitches. The pattern specifies using the long tail cast-on method to begin the project. Finishing techniques include steam blocking to measurements and weaving in ends for a polished appearance.

Design Details

The garment begins with casting on 72 stitches and incorporates stitch markers to define different sections of the pattern. The textured panel in the center (50 stitches) contrasts with the ribbed border sections, creating a balanced and intentional design. The finished poncho measures 60 inches in length before seaming, providing generous coverage when worn.