Ella Rae Cape Knitting Pattern

Ella Rae Oilana Poncho

What is Being Made

The Ella Rae Oilana Poncho is a knitted cape-style garment designed by Wei Wilkins. This poncho is sized to fit Small through XX-Large, with finished widths ranging from 22 inches (56cm) to 29½ inches (74.5cm) and lengths from 18½ inches (47cm) to 20½ inches (53cm). The poncho features elegant lace patterning throughout and is constructed using a combination of flat and circular knitting techniques to create a sophisticated layering piece.

Techniques Used

The Oilana Poncho is constructed using bottom-up construction, meaning the garment is knitted starting from the lower edge and working upward. The design employs both worked flat and worked in the round techniques, allowing for versatile construction methods depending on the knitter's preference and the specific sections being created. The poncho incorporates lace work as a primary design element, creating an open, breathable fabric with decorative eyelet details.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The Oilana Poncho features two primary lace stitch patterns that create the distinctive openwork design:

• Left-Slant Net-Lace Pattern: Worked over a multiple of 3 stitches plus 3, this pattern alternates between knit and yarn over stitches with cable decreases (CL). The pattern repeats over 4 rows, creating a diagonal lace effect that slants to the left.
• Right-Slant Net-Lace Pattern: Also worked over a multiple of 3 stitches plus 3, this pattern mirrors the left-slant version using cable right decreases (CR) instead, creating a right-leaning diagonal lace effect.

The garment also incorporates Stockinette stitch (St st) as the base fabric, providing structure beneath the lace sections. The pattern includes the Back-Swing Bind-Off technique, a decorative edge finish that creates an elegant, flexible border suitable for a flowing poncho garment.

Materials and Tools

The Oilana Poncho requires 4 to 6 balls of Ella Rae Denim DK yarn (depending on size), specifically in shade 103 Natural. Denim DK is a medium-weight yarn suitable for creating drape and definition in lace work. The pattern calls for multiple circular needle sizes to accommodate different construction stages:

• Size US 7/4.5mm circular needles in both 24-inch (60cm) and 40-inch (100cm) lengths
• Size US 8/5mm circular needles in 40-inch (100cm) length
• Size US 6/4mm circular needles in 24-inch (60cm) length

Additional materials include a stitch marker for tracking pattern repeats and a tapestry needle for finishing. The pattern notes that LYKKE® needles are recommended for best results. The gauge for this project is 20 stitches and 27 rows over 4 inches (10cm) of Stockinette stitch using size US 7/4.5mm needles, making accurate gauge checking essential before beginning.