Classic Elite Yarns Pualani Cape Knitting Pattern

Classic Elite Yarns Pualani: Summery Poncho with V-Neck and Hood

What Is Being Made

The Pualani is a summery poncho designed by Susan Mills and originally published in Rising Tide 1704. This garment features a flattering V-neck construction and a large hood, making it an ideal coverup for windy beach days or as a versatile layering piece for any season. The poncho combines both practical warmth and elegant styling in a single garment.

Garment Construction and Techniques

The Pualani is worked flat using the seamless construction method on circular needles, allowing for easy pattern management and minimal finishing. The poncho is constructed in three main pieces: a back panel, a front panel with V-neck shaping, and a hood that continues the stitch pattern established in the body. The back and front pieces are joined at the shoulders using the three-needle bind-off method, a professional joining technique that creates a secure, finished seam while working. This approach eliminates the need for seaming and provides a clean, polished appearance.

The garment is available in three sizes with corresponding stitch counts of 119, 129, and 139 stitches, allowing for customization based on desired fit and finished measurements. The back piece measures 18½ inches (20½ inches, 22½ inches) in length from cast-on, while the front is worked to 11½ inches (13½ inches, 15½ inches) before the V-neck shaping begins. This length differential creates the distinctive V-neckline characteristic of the design.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The Pualani features two primary stitch patterns that work together to create visual interest and texture:

• Twisted Rib: This pattern is worked over an odd number of stitches and alternates between knit-through-the-back-loop (k1-tbl) and purl stitches. Row 1 (wrong side) begins with k1-tbl followed by repeats of p1, k1-tbl across. Row 2 (right side) mirrors this with p1-tbl followed by repeats of k1, p1-tbl. The twisted rib creates a textured, elastic edge ideal for ribbed sections.
• Ridge Pattern: This multi-row pattern works over any number of stitches and creates horizontal ridges across the fabric. The pattern repeats over 16 rows: Rows 1–2 consist of purl stitches (creating a ridge on the right side), Rows 3–4 feature knit stitches, Rows 5–8 repeat Rows 1–4, and Rows 9–16 are worked in stockinette stitch. This combination of purled and knitted rows produces the distinctive ridge texture that gives the poncho its summery, textured appearance.

The Ridge Pattern is the primary stitch used throughout the body of the Pualani, creating the visual signature of the design while remaining straightforward enough for intermediate-level knitters to execute successfully.

Materials: Yarn and Needles

The Pualani is worked with Classic Elite Yarns' organic Seedling yarn, a soft and cozy fiber that provides comfort and breathability ideal for a summery poncho. The yarn's organic composition makes it an excellent choice for a garment intended as a beach coverup or layering piece.

The pattern requires longer circular needles for working the main body pieces and a shorter circular needle for the shoulder join. A spare needle is also needed for executing the three-needle bind-off join at the shoulders. The cable cast-on method is used to establish stitches at the beginning of both the back and front pieces, providing a sturdy, finished edge.

Skill Level

This pattern is rated as Intermediate, making it suitable for knitters with foundational skills who are ready to tackle pattern repeats, shaping, and joining techniques. The straightforward stitch patterns combined with the manageable construction method make this an accessible project for progressing knitters.