Berroco Arcadia Poncho- Portfolio Cape Knitting Pattern

Berroco Arcadia Poncho - Knitted Cape Design

What is Being Made

The Arcadia Poncho is a women's knitted poncho designed by Melissa LaBarre, available in three size ranges: Small/Medium (to fit bust 32-40"), Large/X-Large (to fit bust 42-50"), and 2X/3X (to fit bust 52-60"). This garment features a distinctive cowl neckline and is constructed as a single piece knitted from the top down. The finished poncho measures approximately 60½" (68¼"-75¾") around at the lower edge with a length of 21" (22"-23") not including the cowl, making it an elegant layering piece suitable for various occasions.

Techniques Used

This intermediate-level knitting project employs several key techniques to achieve its finished structure. The poncho is worked in the round using circular needles, beginning with a long-tail cast-on method. The construction progresses from top to bottom, starting with the cowl section and transitioning into the body. The pattern incorporates increases to create the poncho's characteristic flared shape, along with decreases to shape the cowl. Knitters will work with stitch markers to track the beginning of rounds and maintain pattern placement. The design includes charted pattern work integrated into the body section, requiring knitters to read and follow a visual pattern guide alongside written instructions.

Stitches Used

The Arcadia Poncho utilizes fundamental knitting stitches executed in the round. Garter stitch (alternating knit and purl rounds) forms the cowl section, creating a textured, reversible fabric with excellent drape. Stockinette stitch comprises the body of the poncho, providing a smooth, classic knit fabric. The pattern also incorporates knit two together (k2tog) decreases to shape the cowl, and increase rounds to expand the body width as the poncho extends downward. Chart-based stitch patterns are worked into the body section, though specific stitch details are referenced in the charted portion of the original pattern.

Materials and Specifications

This project calls for Berroco Vintage yarn in the colorway #5177 Douglas Fir. Yardage requirements vary by size: Small/Medium requires 6 hanks, Large/X-Large requires 6 hanks, and 2X/3X requires 7 hanks, with each hank weighing 100 grams. Knitters will need circular knitting needles in size 7 (4.50 mm), with both 24" and 36" lengths recommended to accommodate the increasing stitch count as the poncho widens. The pattern specifies using 4 stitch markers, with one in a different color to denote the beginning of each round.

Gauge and Pattern Notes

Achieving proper gauge is essential for this project's success. The pattern specifies 19 stitches and 24 rounds equal 4 inches in stockinette stitch, and 19 stitches and 36 rounds equal 4 inches in garter stitch. The pattern instructions emphasize checking gauge before beginning to ensure finished measurements are accurate. The poncho construction begins with a 7-inch cowl worked in garter stitch, followed by a decrease round that reduces the stitch count before continuing the cowl to 14 inches total length. The body section then transitions to stockinette stitch with integrated charted pattern work, with increases worked to create the poncho's signature silhouette.