Archer Cape Knitting Pattern

Archer in MODE at Rowan Colourmix – Seamless Knit Poncho

What is Being Made

The Archer is a seamless knit poncho designed by Quail Studio for MODE at Rowan. This garment is a versatile layering piece that combines classic poncho styling with modern construction techniques. The poncho features a split opening at the neckline and is available in nine different sizes, ranging from chest measurements of 71-76cm (28-30 inches) up to 152-157cm (60-62 inches), making it suitable for a wide range of body types and fit preferences.

Construction and Techniques

The Archer poncho employs a hybrid construction method that begins with flat knitting before transitioning to circular knitting. The garment is initially worked flat for the first 15 centimeters, which creates the split opening at the neckline. After this flat section is complete, the work is joined in the round using circular needles to continue construction seamlessly. This technique allows for efficient shaping while maintaining the desired neckline opening characteristic of poncho designs.

Raglan-style shaping is used to contour the shoulders and create a flattering silhouette. The decreases are strategically placed on either side of stitch markers and are worked at varying intervals depending on the size being knitted—some sizes require decreases every fourth round, while others use alternating round decreases. This graduated decrease schedule ensures proper fit across all nine size options. The pattern requires changing to progressively shorter circular needles as the stitch count decreases during the shaping process.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The primary stitch pattern used throughout the Archer is rib stitch, specifically a knit one, purl one (K1, P1) rib worked both flat and in the round. The rib pattern is established in the first two rows of flat knitting and is maintained consistently throughout the entire garment. Ribbing provides excellent elasticity and recovery, making it ideal for a garment that will be worn as a layering piece.

Shaping decreases are accomplished using slip, slip, knit (SSK) and knit two together (K2tog) techniques. These decreases are worked while keeping the rib pattern correct—knit stitches remain knits and purl stitches remain purls as they face the knitter. The neckband features a transition from rib stitch to garter stitch (alternating knit rounds and plain knit rounds), providing a finished edge that lies flat and neat.

Materials and Specifications

The Archer is knitted using Rowan Colourmix yarn in 50-gram balls. The yardage requirement varies by size, ranging from 4 balls for the smallest sizes (71-76cm chest) to 8 balls for the largest size (152-157cm chest). The pattern photographed sample was worked in the Cocoa Browns colorway, which provides a neutral, versatile option for this classic design.

Construction requires 5mm (US 8) circular needles in three different lengths: 40cm, 60cm, and 80cm. The use of multiple needle lengths allows the knitter to maintain proper tension and control as the stitch count changes during the raglan shaping process. Additional notions needed include stitch markers to track the raglan decrease lines.

Tension and Sizing

The pattern is designed to be worked at a tension of 16 stitches and 27 rows or rounds to 10 centimeters measured over the rib stitch pattern using 5mm needles. Achieving correct tension is essential for proper fit, as the poncho is sized to specific actual chest measurements ranging from 80.5cm to 160.5cm. The pattern provides detailed size specifications with both metric and imperial measurements, allowing knitters to select the appropriate size based on desired finished measurements rather than intended wearer chest size.

Difficulty Level

This pattern is rated as intermediate difficulty. Knitters should be comfortable with fundamental techniques including casting on, working rib stitch patterns, reading pattern instructions, using circular needles, and executing decrease stitches. The transition from flat to circular knitting and the need to maintain stitch pattern consistency while shaping require intermediate-level skills and pattern-reading ability.