Chambers Poncho Cape Knitting Pattern

Chambers Poncho in Malabrigo Rasta

What is Being Made

The Chambers Poncho is a top-down circular knit poncho designed by Kalurah Hudson and published by Malabrigo Yarn. This garment features interlacing cables combined with brioche rib detailing throughout. The poncho is available in two sizes: X-Small/Small with a lower edge rib circumference of 46 inches (117cm) and length of 14 inches (35.5cm), and Medium/Large with a lower edge rib circumference of 52 inches (132cm) and length of 16 inches (40.5cm). The finished poncho is worked in the round from the top down, creating a seamless garment suitable for layering.

Techniques Used

This intermediate-level knitting project employs several advanced techniques. The primary construction method is circular knitting worked from the top down, which allows for easy fitting adjustments and eliminates seaming. The pattern incorporates brioche rib, a reversible textured stitch that creates elegant vertical lines and provides excellent stretch and recovery. Cable stitches are interlaced throughout the design, adding visual interest and dimension to the fabric. The pattern includes a tubular cast-on technique to create a professional, finished edge at the neckline.

Stitches Used

The Chambers Poncho utilizes a variety of specialized stitches to achieve its distinctive appearance:

• Stockinette stitch (St st) - the foundational stitch used for the main body
• Brioche knit (brk1) - knitting the next stitch on the left-hand needle together with a yarn over
• Brioche purl (brp1) - purling the next stitch on the left-hand needle together with a yarn over
• Slip 1, yarn over (sl1yo) - slipping one stitch purlwise while creating a yarn over to prepare stitches for brioche work
• 2-stitch right purl cable (2-st RPC) - slip 1 stitch to cable needle and hold to back, knit 1, purl 1 from cable needle
• 3-stitch right purl cable (3-st RPC) - slip 1 stitch to cable needle and hold to back, knit 2, purl 1 from cable needle
• 3-stitch left purl cable (3-st LPC) - slip 2 stitches to cable needle and hold to front, purl 1, knit 2 from cable needle
• 4-stitch right cable (4-st RC) - slip 2 stitches to cable needle and hold to back, knit 2, knit 2 from cable needle
• 4-stitch left cable (4-st LC) - slip 2 stitches to cable needle and hold to front, knit 2, knit 2 from cable needle
• 4-stitch right purl cable (4-st RPC) - slip 2 stitches to cable needle and hold to back, knit 2, purl 2 from cable needle

Materials

The Chambers Poncho is designed to be worked in Rasta by Malabrigo, a wool yarn. The pattern requires 4 hanks in colorway #703 Almond Blossom, with each hank weighing 5.3 ounces (150 grams) and containing approximately 90 yards (82 meters) of yarn.

The project requires two circular needles: one size 11 (8mm) circular needle and one size 17 (12.75mm) circular needle, each 24 inches (60cm) long, or sized to obtain proper gauge. Additional notions include stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats and shaping, and a cable needle for working the interlaced cable stitches throughout the design.

Gauge Information

Achieving proper gauge is essential for this project. The pattern specifies 8 stitches and 12 rounds to 4 inches (10cm) over stockinette stitch using the larger needle. When working the brioche rib sections with the smaller needle, the gauge is 8 stitches and 22 rounds to 4 inches (10cm). The significant difference in row gauge between the two stitch patterns reflects the dense