Ella Rae Cape Knitting Pattern

Ella Rae Tabitha Poncho

What is Being Made

The Ella Rae Tabitha Poncho is a knitted cape-style garment designed by Cheryl Murray. This poncho is sized for Small/Medium and Large/X-Large, with finished bust measurements of 53½ inches (136 cm) and 56 inches (142 cm) respectively. The poncho length measures 26 inches (66 cm) for the smaller size and 27 inches (68.5 cm) for the larger size. This is a versatile layering piece that combines classic poncho styling with contemporary lace detailing.

Techniques Used

The Tabitha Poncho is constructed using several key knitting techniques that create both visual interest and structural integrity:

• Bottom-Up Construction: The poncho is worked from the bottom edge upward, allowing knitters to try on the garment as it progresses and adjust length as needed.
• Worked Flat: Rather than being worked in the round, this poncho is knitted flat on circular needles, then seamed together. This approach provides greater control over stitch placement and pattern alignment.
• Seamed Assembly: Pieces are joined together using seaming techniques, with a specialized 3-needle bind-off method used for finishing edges securely.
• Lace Pattern Work: The design features an intricate lace pattern that can be worked from either written instructions or a provided chart, offering flexibility for different knitter preferences.

Stitches Used

The Tabitha Poncho employs a variety of fundamental and decorative knitting stitches to achieve its elegant appearance:

• Knit and Purl Stitches: Basic knit (k) and purl (p) stitches form the foundation of the lace pattern and create textural contrast.
• Cable Stitches: Two-stitch left cable (2-st LC) and two-stitch right cable (2-st RC) stitches add dimensional detail and visual movement to the fabric.
• Yarn Overs: Yarn overs (yo) are used extensively throughout the lace pattern to create the openwork characteristic of lace knitting, allowing yarn to pass over the needle to form decorative holes.
• Decreases: Knit two together (k2tog) and slip, knit, pass (SKP) decreases are paired with yarn overs to maintain stitch count while creating the lace motif.
• 3-Needle Bind-Off: This specialized finishing technique joins two sets of live stitches together while simultaneously binding them off, creating a secure and neat edge.

Lace Pattern Details

The lace pattern repeats over a multiple of 4 stitches plus 2 edge stitches. The 8-row repeat combines cable crossings with yarn-over decreases to create an openwork design. Rows alternate between right-side (RS) rows featuring the decorative elements and wrong-side rows that establish the pattern foundation. The interplay of cables and lace creates a sophisticated, flowing aesthetic suitable for a poncho silhouette.

Materials and Tools

Yarn: The pattern calls for 6 balls of yarn for the Small/Medium size and 7 balls for the Large/X-Large size. The recommended yarn is Ella Rae Denim DK in shade 106 Mid Wash, a medium-weight yarn that provides excellent stitch definition for lace patterns while offering durability and ease of care typical of denim-style yarns.

Needles and Notions: Construction requires two pairs of US 7/4.5mm circular needles—one 16-inch (40 cm) needle for working smaller sections and one 32-inch (80 cm) needle to accommodate the large number of stitches required for the poncho's width. A spare US 5/3.75mm needle is needed for the 3-needle bind-off finishing technique. The pattern recommends LYKKE® needles for optimal results. Additional notions include removable stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats and stitch holders for temporarily securing stitches during construction.

Gauge

The pattern specifies a gauge of 23 stitches and 24 rows over 4 inches (10 cm) when worked in the lace pattern using US 7/4.5mm needles. Achieving the correct gauge is essential for proper fit and drape of the finished poncho, as gauge variations will affect both the finished measurements and the overall appearance of the lace pattern.