Filatura Di Crosa Vera Poncho Jumper Knitting Pattern

Filatura Di Crosa Vera Poncho Top

What is Being Made

The Vera Poncho Top is a lightweight, open-design poncho-style garment created by designer Rosemary Drysdale. This knitted piece is constructed as a single unified garment worked from the lower front edge to the lower back edge, creating a draped, relaxed silhouette. Available in six sizes ranging from Small to 3X, the poncho features a width at the lower edge from 27 inches (68.5 cm) for the smallest size up to 39½ inches (100.5 cm) for the largest, with lengths from shoulder varying from 14 inches (35.5 cm) to 19 inches (48.5 cm) depending on size selection.

Techniques Used

This design employs two primary knitting techniques to achieve its distinctive aesthetic. The garment is worked flat, meaning it is constructed on straight needles rather than in the round, allowing for a traditional two-sided construction. The primary decorative technique featured throughout the piece is lace knitting, specifically the Grand Eyelet Lace stitch pattern, which creates an open, airy fabric with characteristic eyelet details. The lace pattern is complemented by sections of garter stitch (created by purling every row), which provides structure and definition to the piece. The combination of these techniques creates visual interest while maintaining the breathable, lightweight quality essential to a poncho-style garment.

Stitches Used

The Vera Poncho Top utilizes several key stitches to construct its finished design. The Grand Eyelet Lace stitch is the primary pattern element, worked over a multiple of 4 stitches with a 3-row repeat. This lace pattern is created using fundamental techniques including yarn overs (abbreviated yo), which create the characteristic eyelets, and purl 4 together (P4tog), a decrease that works four stitches together through the front loops to shape and structure the lace openings. The pattern notes that Row 1 is worked using smaller needles with knit and yarn over combinations, Row 2 incorporates knit stitches and expanded stitches worked into the yarn overs from the previous row, and Row 3 is worked with a larger needle using stockinette knit to ensure stitches remain appropriately loose. Garter stitch sections frame the lace pattern, created by purling every row, providing a stable foundation and edge treatment. The cast-on edge begins with six rows of garter stitch before transitioning into the Grand Eyelet Lace pattern.

Materials

The Vera Poncho Top pattern specifies S. Charles Collezione ENYA yarn for construction. This yarn is composed of 64% cotton and 36% ramie, a natural fiber blend that creates a lightweight, breathable fabric ideal for a poncho-style garment. Each ball contains 1.75 ounces (50 grams) and provides 82 yards (75 meters) of yardage. The yardage requirements vary by size, ranging from 5 balls for the Small size to 8 balls for the XL and 3X sizes, with Medium and Large sizes requiring 6 balls. The color specified in the pattern is #01 pearl, a neutral shade.

The pattern requires two sets of needles: size 10½ (6.5mm) needles for the majority of the work, and one size 13 (9mm) needle used specifically for Row 3 of the Grand Eyelet Lace pattern to ensure stitches are worked loosely and maintain the intended drape. Additional tools include a safety pin for marking the right side, a stitch marker for pattern tracking, and a yarn needle for weaving in ends during finishing. The recommended gauge is 13 stitches and 14 rows over 4 inches (10 centimeters) when working the Grand Eyelet Lace pattern using the specified needles.