Berroco Camden Hills Poncho Cape Knitting Pattern

Berroco Camden Hills Poncho

What Is Being Made

The Camden Hills Poncho is a women's knitted poncho designed by Elizabeth Smith, featured in Berroco Portfolio Vol. 4. This garment is a sophisticated layering piece that combines a split hemline with a longer back length, creating an elegant silhouette suitable for intermediate knitters. The poncho is 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"). The finished circumference ranges from 56½" to 67" depending on size, with the back length extending from 27¾" to 29¾", making it a substantial and dramatic garment.

Construction Techniques

The Camden Hills Poncho employs a bottom-up knitting construction method that begins with separate front and back hems. Each hem is worked flat initially, then joined together to transition into in-the-round knitting. Once the split hems are complete, the body is worked in a single continuous piece up to the underarms. At the underarm level, the front and back sections are separated and worked independently to the shoulders. The poncho concludes with a three-needle bind-off technique, which securely joins the front and back shoulder sections together. This construction approach allows for precise shaping and ensures proper fit throughout the garment.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The primary stitch used throughout the Camden Hills Poncho is stockinette stitch (St st), which creates a smooth, classic fabric surface. The garment features a Chevron Eyelet Pattern worked on a multiple of 9 stitches. This decorative stitch pattern incorporates yarn overs and slip-stitch decreases (yo, sl 1, k1, psso) to create a delicate, openwork chevron design that adds visual interest and texture to the poncho. The eyelet pattern is worked flat during the initial hem sections, contributing both aesthetic appeal and subtle shaping to the garment.

Materials: Yarn and Needles

The Camden Hills Poncho is designed to be worked in Berroco Ultra Wool, a 100% wool yarn available in the colorway Fog (#33109). Yardage requirements vary by size: Small/Medium requires 5 balls, Large/X-Large requires 6 balls, and 2X/3X requires 7 balls. The pattern calls for two sizes of circular needles: 24" and 32" circular needles in size 8 (5.00 mm) for the main fabric, and 24" circular needles in size 7 (4.50 mm)—one size smaller—for ribbed edgings or finishing. Additional notions include stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats and a tapestry needle for weaving in ends. The recommended gauge is 18 stitches and 26 rows per round in stockinette stitch on the larger needle over a 4" swatch, and checking gauge before beginning is essential for achieving proper fit.

Skill Level and Design Notes

This poncho is rated at Intermediate difficulty, making it suitable for knitters with foundational skills who are ready to tackle more complex construction techniques. The garment demonstrates considerable positive ease, meaning it is intentionally designed to fit with extra room for comfort and drape. Knitters are advised to select their size based on the "To Fit Bust Size" measurements rather than finished measurements. The split hem design with a longer back creates a distinctive asymmetrical profile, while the transition from flat knitting to in-the-round work and the final three-needle bind-off provide valuable technique practice for intermediate-level crafters.