Aslaug Poncho Cape Knitting Pattern

Aslaug Poncho in Juniper Moon Farm Dromedary

What is Being Made

The Aslaug Poncho is a Nordic-inspired knitted cape garment designed to fit bust measurements from 33 to 48¾ inches (84 to 124 centimeters). This advanced-level knitting project creates a sophisticated poncho with a finished length to shoulder of 15¾ inches (40 centimeters), making it an elegant layering piece suitable for various occasions and seasons.

Knitting Techniques

This poncho employs several key knitting techniques to achieve its finished design:

• Circular Knitting: The entire poncho is knitted in rounds using circular needles, which creates a seamless construction and allows for continuous pattern work without seams.
• Fair Isle Technique: The pattern incorporates fair isle colorwork, a traditional method of working with two colors within the same round to create intricate patterned designs. This technique is worked entirely in stockinette stitch across 46 rounds of patterned knitting.
• Strategic Increases and Decreases: The pattern uses carefully placed increases early in the construction (46 to 80 stitches depending on size) to shape the poncho's silhouette, followed by decreases worked as shown in the accompanying chart to create the proper fit and drape.
• Ribbed Edging: Both the cast-on edge and bind-off edges feature ribbed knitting, which provides elasticity and a finished, professional appearance.

Stitches Used

The Aslaug Poncho utilizes fundamental yet effective knitting stitches:

• Stockinette Stitch (St st): This is the primary stitch throughout the poncho, worked in rounds by knitting every round. Stockinette creates a smooth, classic fabric with a distinctive V-pattern appearance on the right side.
• Ribbed Stitch: Worked in a knit one, purl one (K1, P1) repeat throughout, the ribbing appears at the cast-on edge (worked for 1¼ inches or 3 centimeters) and at the bind-off edge, providing structure and elasticity.

Materials and Tools

The Aslaug Poncho is crafted using Juniper Moon Farm Dromedary yarn, a premium fiber choice. The yarn requirements vary by size: all sizes require 2 x 100-gram hanks of Juniper Moon Farm Dromedary in color 12 Night Owl (the primary color A), plus 1 x 100-gram hank of Juniper Moon Farm Dromedary in color 02 Sand Stone (the contrast color B for fair isle patterning).

The pattern calls for US 8/5mm circular needles measuring 31 inches (80 centimeters) in length, or the size necessary to obtain proper gauge. The pattern notes recommend LYKKE® needles for best results. Stitch markers are required to denote the beginning and end of each round during construction.

Gauge and Sizing

Proper gauge is essential for this advanced project. Over stockinette stitch worked flat, the gauge is 18 stitches and 26 rows per 4 inches (10 centimeters). When working the fair isle patterned stockinette stitch, the gauge is 23 stitches and 26 rows per 4 inches (10 centimeters), both measured using US 8/5mm needles. The poncho is available in five sizes: Small, Medium, Large, X-Large, and 2X-Large, accommodating a wide range of body measurements.

Construction Overview

The poncho begins with a cast-on of 170 to 280 stitches depending on size, worked on US 8/5mm circular needles. After ribbing for 1¼ inches (3 centimeters), the knitter works in stockinette stitch for 6½ inches (17 centimeters) before introducing the fair isle pattern from a provided chart. The chart is repeated 12 to 20 times across the first row depending on size, and the pattern continues for 46 rounds while simultaneously working decreases as indicated. Following the fair isle section, the knitter switches to the contrast color (Sand Stone) and works 4 additional rows in stockinette stitch with further decreases. The poncho concludes with ribbing worked for 1¼ inches (3 centimeters) and finished with a bind-off in rib. Light blocking on the wrong side completes the garment