Berroco Jolana Cape Knitting Pattern

Berroco Jolana Cape and Poncho

What is Being Made

The Berroco Jolana is a versatile cape and poncho design created by the Berroco Design Team. This garment features finished measurements of approximately 30 inches wide by 56 inches long, with a comfortable wearing length of 28 inches. The design is rated as an Easy skill level project, making it accessible to knitters of varying experience levels.

Construction and Techniques

The Jolana is worked flat using a seamless construction method, meaning the entire garment is created in one continuous piece without requiring seaming. The pattern is worked from the front edges to the back edge in a single unit, eliminating the need for assembly and creating a smooth, professional finish.

The garment begins with two separate front sections that are each worked individually to the same length. The joining row combines both front pieces onto a single needle, after which the back section is worked across all stitches in one piece. This innovative construction approach simplifies the knitting process while maintaining structural integrity.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The Jolana is worked entirely in Garter Stitch, which is created by knitting every row. Garter Stitch is one of the most fundamental and versatile knitting stitches, producing a thick, textured fabric with horizontal ridges that creates excellent drape and structure—ideal qualities for a cape or poncho garment. The pattern uses stitch markers to help track the right side row and maintain consistency throughout the project.

Materials and Yarn

The Jolana pattern calls for 7 balls of Berroco Millefiori yarn in colorway #7891 Terra. Each ball weighs 100 grams. Berroco Millefiori is a premium yarn choice that adds visual interest and depth to the simple Garter Stitch construction.

The project requires straight knitting needles in size 8 (5.00 mm), with a spare needle of the same size needed for holding stitches during the joining process. The recommended gauge is 18 stitches and 30 rows equaling 4 inches in Garter Stitch. Checking gauge before beginning is essential to ensure the finished garment meets the intended measurements.

Pattern Details

Each front section begins with a cast-on of 68 stitches and is worked in Garter Stitch until the piece measures 28 inches from the beginning. The left front is worked first and remains on the active needle, while the right front is worked separately and held on a spare needle. On the joining row, both front sections are knit together to create 136 stitches total for the back section. The back is then worked in Garter Stitch for an additional 28 inches above the joining row before binding off.

Finishing is straightforward: all yarn ends are woven in, and the garment is blocked as desired to achieve the final shape and measurements. This simple finishing process completes the project without additional embellishment or complexity.