Berroco Bosquet Cape Knitting Pattern

Berroco Bosquet Knit Poncho

What Is Being Made

The Berroco Bosquet is a knitted poncho designed by Amy Christoffers. This easy-to-intermediate level project creates a versatile layering piece with finished measurements of approximately 19 inches wide by 68 inches long after blocking and before finishing. The poncho is constructed as a long rectangular strip that is seamed to create the poncho silhouette, making it an accessible project for knitters looking to expand their garment-making skills.

Knitting Techniques Used

The Bosquet employs fundamental knitting techniques suitable for intermediate crafters. The primary construction method involves working a long rectangular panel in ribbed knitting, which is then shaped into a poncho through strategic seaming. The pattern uses a slip stitch edge technique to create neat selvage edges, with stitches slipped either with yarn in front or yarn in back depending on the row direction. The finishing process includes blocking to even out the fabric and careful seaming of the bound-off edge to the side edge at designated points to form the poncho's neckline and drape.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The Bosquet is worked primarily in knit one, purl one ribbing (k1, p1), which creates vertical columns of texture and provides excellent stretch and recovery. This ribbing pattern is worked consistently throughout the entire piece, creating a fabric that is both elastic and structurally sound. The ribbing is worked unstretched for gauge purposes, measuring 33 stitches and 29 rows over 4 inches. The pattern includes standard abbreviations for decrease techniques such as slip, slip, knit (SSK) and centered double decrease (CDD), though these are listed in the abbreviations section and provide reference for knitters familiar with more complex stitch work.

Materials: Yarn and Needles

This project uses Berroco Millefiori Light yarn in the colorway #6897 Hyacinth. The pattern requires 4 balls of yarn, with each ball weighing 100 grams, providing ample yardage for the full 68-inch length. Knitters will need straight knitting needles in size 6 (4.00 mm) or the size necessary to obtain the specified gauge. Achieving proper gauge is emphasized as essential to the success of the finished piece, ensuring that the poncho will have the intended finished measurements and appropriate drape.

Construction Overview

The poncho begins with casting on 159 stitches and establishing the ribbed pattern through a two-row setup. The ribber pattern is then repeated consistently until the piece reaches the full 68-inch length, ending on a wrong-side row before binding off in ribbing to maintain the textured edge. The finishing process involves blocking the piece as desired to even the fabric and set the stitches, followed by seaming the bound-off edge to the right side edge at marked points to create the poncho's distinctive shape and neckline opening.