Berroco Olneyville Cape Knitting Pattern

Berroco Olneyville Knit Poncho

What Is Being Made

The Berroco Olneyville is a knitted poncho designed by Amy Christoffers, featured in Book #409. This intermediate-level project creates a versatile layering piece with finished measurements of approximately 24 (25¾, 27½)" across and 24 (25¾, 27½)" long after seaming. The poncho is worked flat before being seamed, resulting in a garment that measures 48 (49, 51)" in length before the final seaming step brings it to its finished dimensions.

Techniques Used

This poncho is constructed using several key knitting techniques that define its construction and visual appeal:

• Bottom-up construction: The poncho is worked from the bottom edge upward, allowing knitters to try on and adjust fit as they progress
• Worked flat: Rather than working in the round, this project is created on flat needles, then seamed together at the end
• Striped colorwork: The design incorporates horizontal stripes created by strategically changing yarn colors throughout the sections
• Seamed assembly: Multiple sections are knitted separately and then seamed together to create the final poncho shape
• Multi-strand yarn holding: The pattern uses yarn held double (two strands together) in some sections and single strands in others to create color blocking and varied texture

Stitches Used

The Olneyville poncho is primarily constructed using Garter Stitch, the fundamental knit stitch that creates a textured, reversible fabric. Garter stitch is worked by knitting every row, whether on right-side or wrong-side rows. This stitch choice makes the poncho suitable for intermediate knitters, as it requires only basic stitch knowledge while still producing an elegant finished garment. The gauge for this project is 14 stitches and 24 rows per 4 inches in Garter Stitch with yarn held double, after blocking.

Materials: Yarn and Needles

The Olneyville poncho calls for Berroco Providence yarn, a worsted-weight option available from Berroco, Inc. The yarn requirements vary by size:

• 5 (5, 6) balls of #1106 Roger Williams in the main color (MC)
• 2 balls each of #1125 River Walk (CC1) and #1130 Cliffwalk (CC2) for all sizes

Each ball of Berroco Providence contains 50 grams of yarn. Knitters will need a 24-inch circular needle in size 9 (5.50 mm) or the size required to obtain the specified gauge. Additional notions include 2 removable stitch markers or safety pins and a tapestry needle for seaming and finishing.

Pattern Notes

Checking gauge is essential before beginning this project to ensure accurate finished measurements. The pattern is worked in three distinct sections with color changes that create visual interest. Knitters should hold yarn strands as specified in each section—sometimes working with two strands of the main color held together, and other times combining one strand each of two different colors. This technique creates the signature striped effect of the Olneyville poncho.