Cascade Yarns W Sweet Pea Cape Knitting Pattern

Cascade Yarns 220 Superwash Wave Sweet Pea Knit Poncho

What Is Being Made

The Sweet Pea is a girl's knit poncho designed by Tamara Moots for Cascade Yarns. This garment is constructed as a circular knit cape featuring a fitted yoke that gradually expands outward, creating a flattering draped silhouette. The poncho is available in four sizes ranging from small to extra-large, with finished chest measurements of 25 to 32 inches and lengths from 13 to 19 inches. The design is particularly suited for younger wearers and offers a comfortable, layered look that works well over other clothing.

Techniques Used

This intermediate-level knitting project employs several key techniques to achieve its distinctive shape. The poncho begins with a circular cast-on and is worked entirely in the round using circular needles, which allows for seamless construction. The yoke features strategic increases worked symmetrically across four marked sections, creating an evenly distributed expansion. The increase technique used is knit front and back (KFB), which creates new stitches while maintaining the fabric's integrity. Knitters will work increases on alternating rounds for multiple rounds to gradually widen the garment from the neckline outward. Once the desired width is achieved, the piece transitions to stockinette stitch worked in the round until reaching the desired length, after which a bottom ruffle is added before binding off.

Stitches Used

• Knit (K) – the primary stitch forming the stockinette stitch base
• Purl (P) – used in ribbing for the neckline
• Knit Front and Back (KFB) – the increase stitch used to expand the yoke sections
• Stockinette Stitch – the main fabric stitch worked in the round, creating a smooth, flat surface
• Ribbing – worked at the neckline using smaller needles to create an elastic, fitted edge

Materials and Tools

The Sweet Pea is knit using Cascade Yarns 220 Superwash Wave, a 100% superwash wool yarn. This yarn comes in 100-gram skeins with 220 yards of yardage per skein. The pattern requires 3 to 4 skeins depending on the size being made, with the example shown in color #114 (Spring). Knitters will need US 7 (4.5 mm) circular needles in both 16-inch and 24-inch lengths for the main body, as well as a US 5 (3.75 mm) circular needle for the neckline ribbing. Additional supplies include a yarn needle for weaving in ends, four stitch markers for tracking the increase sections, and standard knitting notions. The recommended gauge is 20 stitches and 24 rows per 4 inches in stockinette stitch when worked with the larger needles.