Cascade Yarns A Deep Purple Poncho Cape Knitting Pattern

Cascade Yarns Eco+ Deep Purple Poncho

What Is Being Made

This is a knitted poncho designed by Shannon Dunbabin, featuring a sophisticated deep purple colorway. The finished poncho measures 27 inches wide by 54 inches long, making it an elegant layering piece suitable for various occasions. The design combines classic ribbed edging with a decorative cable pattern throughout the body, creating visual interest and textural depth.

Craft and Skill Level

This is an intermediate-level knitting project, appropriate for knitters who have mastered basic stitches and are ready to work with cable techniques. The pattern requires attention to detail when executing cable crossings and maintaining consistent tension throughout the piece.

Knitting Stitches and Techniques

The poncho employs several fundamental knitting stitches and techniques:

• Knit stitch (K) – The basic foundation stitch used throughout the pattern
• Purl stitch (P) – Creates texture contrast and forms the ribbed edges
• Ribbing – A 1x1 knit-purl alternating pattern used for the initial six rows, creating an elastic edge that frames the poncho
• Cable stitch (C4B) – A four-stitch cable crossed to the back, created by slipping two stitches to a cable needle, holding it behind the work, knitting the next two stitches, then knitting the two stitches from the cable needle. This technique is worked periodically throughout the cable pattern to create the distinctive twisted texture
• Cable pattern – A repeating motif that alternates between plain knit-purl rows and cable crossing rows, establishing a regular rhythm across the width of the poncho

Pattern Structure

The poncho begins with casting on 109 stitches, followed by six rows of 1x1 ribbing to establish a stable, finished edge. The main body features a cable pattern that repeats across the width. The cable pattern works over eight rows, with cable crossings occurring on row 7 of each repeat cycle. This creates a balanced, symmetrical appearance with cables spaced evenly throughout the piece.

Materials and Yarn Specifications

This project uses Cascade Yarns Eco+, a yarn composed of 100% Peruvian Highland Wool. The yarn is supplied in 250-gram skeins containing 478 yards (437 meters) of yardage. Two full skeins in color #3479 (Grape) are required to complete the poncho. The deep purple hue provides a rich, versatile color that complements various skin tones and wardrobe palettes.

Tools and Gauge

The pattern calls for US 9 (5.5 mm) knitting needles or the size necessary to achieve the specified gauge. A cable needle is essential for executing the cable crossings. A yarn needle is used for weaving in ends and finishing. The required gauge is 16 stitches by 22 rows over 4 inches (10 centimeters) when measured in the blocked cable pattern, ensuring the finished poncho achieves the intended dimensions and drape.

Finishing Considerations

The gauge specification notes that measurements should be taken after blocking in the cable pattern, indicating that blocking is an important finishing step. This process helps even out the stitches, sets the cable texture, and ensures the poncho reaches its intended finished size and has optimal drape and appearance.