Berroco Terisita Cape Knitting Pattern

Berroco Terisita Knit Poncho

What is Being Made

The Berroco Terisita is a knitted poncho designed by Amy Christoffers, featured in Book #408. This intermediate-level garment is worked as a single piece from the neck downward, creating a versatile layering piece with finished measurements of approximately 55 (58¾, 62¾) inches around the lower edge and 19 (19½, 20) inches in length, not including the collar. The poncho features a fitted neckline that gradually expands toward the hem, making it suitable for various body sizes across three available dimensions.

Techniques Used

The Terisita poncho employs seamed construction and is worked flat rather than in the round, despite being created in a single continuous piece. The pattern utilizes strategic increases worked at marked intervals to shape the garment from the neck opening outward and downward. This top-down construction method allows knitters to try on the piece as it develops and customize the final length if desired. The use of stitch markers at regular intervals helps maintain pattern accuracy and ensures even shaping throughout the garment.

Stitches Used

The primary stitch pattern is stockinette stitch (St st), which creates a smooth, classic fabric with visible V-shaped stitches on the right side and horizontal bumps on the wrong side. Shaping is accomplished through strategic increases: M1R (make one right) and M1L (make one left) increases are placed symmetrically around marked sections to create the poncho's expanding silhouette. The pattern incorporates knit and purl stitches in the setup and transition rows, with basic knit stitches forming the majority of the fabric. The structured placement of increases at specific markers ensures balanced, geometric shaping.

Materials: Yarn and Needles

This pattern calls for Berroco Arno yarn, a worsted-weight option available in 50-gram balls. The Terisita requires 6 (6, 7) balls of Berroco Arno in colorway #5005 Taupe, depending on the size selected. Knitters will need circular needles measuring 29 inches or longer in both size 5 (3.75 mm) and size 7 (4.50 mm), allowing for gauge adjustment and comfortable manipulation of the increasing stitch count. Additional notions include 8 permanent stitch markers and 10 removable stitch markers or safety pins for tracking pattern repeats and trying on during construction. A tapestry needle is required for finishing. The recommended gauge is 21 stitches and 28 rows over 4 inches in stockinette stitch on the larger needles, and checking gauge before beginning is essential for achieving the correct finished measurements.