Carole Poncho Cape Knitting Pattern

Carole Poncho in Berroco Liana

What is Being Made

The Carole Poncho is a knitted cape-style garment designed by Amy Christoffers. This intermediate-level project creates a versatile poncho with finished measurements of approximately 24¾ inches (62 cm) long and available in four width options: 38, 44, 50, or 56 inches (96.5, 112, 127, or 142 cm) when worn. The poncho is designed with approximately 4–6 inches (10–15 cm) of positive ease for comfortable wearing.

Knitting Techniques and Construction

The Carole Poncho employs a distinctive sideways construction method, meaning the piece is worked horizontally from the left side edge to the right side edge rather than from top to bottom. This technique allows for interesting shaping and patterning possibilities. The pattern uses a two-ball working method throughout, with knitters alternating between two balls every other right-side row. This creates visual interest and texture variation in the finished piece. Stitches designated for the front opening are placed on waste yarn to be worked or finished later, allowing for flexibility in the final garment design.

Stitches and Stitch Pattern

The Carole Poncho features a repeating pattern stitch that works over a multiple of 10 stitches plus 1. The stitch pattern is a 19-row repeat that creates a dynamic, textured fabric with both solid and openwork sections.

• Knit (k): Basic knit stitch forming the foundation of the fabric
• Purl (p): Purl stitches used to create texture and definition in the pattern
• Yarn over (yo): Creates intentional eyelet holes and lace elements throughout the design
• Knit two together (k2tog): A right-leaning decrease used to shape and balance the pattern
• Slip, slip, knit (SSK): A left-leaning decrease that pairs with k2tog decreases for balanced shaping

The pattern alternates between rows of solid knit and purl texture and rows featuring paired decreases with yarn overs, creating a reversible openwork effect. Rows 1, 2, 11, 12, and 13 establish the basic stockinette foundation, while rows 3, 5, 7, 9, 15, 17, and 19 introduce the decorative decrease and yarn-over sequences that give the poncho its characteristic visual appeal.

Materials and Tools

The Carole Poncho is worked in Berroco Liana, a yarn that comes in 50-gram hanks. The project requires 10, 12, 14, or 15 hanks depending on the desired finished width, with the sample shown worked in color #8271 Marigold. Knitters will need a 36-inch (90 cm) or longer circular needle in size 6 (4 mm), or whatever size is necessary to achieve the specified gauge. A spare needle of the same size or smaller is recommended for holding stitches, along with 2 stitch markers and waste yarn for stitch placement. The pattern requires a gauge of 20 stitches and 29 rows over 4 inches (10 cm) in the pattern stitch; checking gauge before beginning is essential for accurate finished measurements.