Juniper Moon Farm Bonny Raglan Poncho Cape Knitting Pattern

Juniper Moon Farm Bonny Raglan Poncho

What Is Being Made

The Bonny Raglan Poncho is a knitted cape-style garment designed as part of Juniper Moon Farm's October Collection. This poncho features a raglan construction that creates elegant diagonal shaping from the neckline outward. The piece is designed to be worn with significant positive ease, offering a relaxed, comfortable fit suitable for layering. Available in three sizes—Small, Medium, and Large—the poncho provides finished bust measurements of 42, 46, and 50 inches respectively, with a length ranging from 21 to 22¼ inches depending on size.

Techniques Used

This knitting project employs several key techniques to achieve its distinctive silhouette and structure:

• Raglan Shaping: The poncho uses raglan construction, a classic tailoring method where sleeve cap shaping creates diagonal lines from the neckline. This technique involves strategic increases and decreases that form the characteristic raglan seams.
• Top-Down Circular Knitting: The garment is worked from the top down in the round using circular needles, allowing for seamless construction and the ability to try on the piece as it grows.
• Short Row Shaping: Short rows are incorporated to create shaping and structure in specific areas of the garment, adding dimension to the design.
• Ribbed Hem Construction: A ribbed hem measuring 3½ inches is worked to create definition and prevent rolling at the edges, providing both functional and aesthetic benefits.
• Yarn Over Increases: Yarn overs are used strategically throughout the body increases, creating decorative eyelet details that add visual interest while shaping the garment.

Stitches Used

The Bonny Raglan Poncho is constructed using fundamental knitting stitches that create a classic, wearable fabric:

• Stockinette Stitch: The primary stitch throughout the poncho, Stockinette stitch creates a smooth, flat fabric with a refined appearance. This stitch is worked in the round, producing a consistent texture across the entire piece.
• Ribbing: Knit and purl combinations create ribbed sections, particularly at the hem and cuff areas. Ribbing provides elasticity and helps the garment maintain its shape.
• Knit Two Together (k2tog): This right-leaning decrease is used for raglan shaping and cuff decreases.
• Slip, Slip, Knit (ssk): This left-leaning decrease provides balanced shaping alongside k2tog decreases.
• Yarn Over (yo): Creates intentional holes in the fabric that serve both decorative and functional purposes during increases.
• Purl Through Back Loop (tbl): Used selectively to create subtle texture variations and twisted stitches.

Materials

The Bonny Raglan Poncho is designed to be knitted with specific materials that contribute to its drape and wearability:

• Yarn: The pattern calls for Juniper Moon Farm Herriot Great yarn in color #106 Fern Green. The yardage requirements vary by size: 12 hanks for Small, 14 hanks for Medium, and 16 hanks for Large. Herriot Great is a worsted-weight yarn that provides excellent stitch definition and durability.
• Needles: The project requires US 9 (5.5mm) circular needles in two lengths—a 16-inch needle for smaller circumferences and a 32-inch needle for larger sections. Additionally, a set of five double-pointed needles in the same size is needed for sleeve cap shaping and finishing details.
• Gauge: The pattern is worked to a gauge of 16 stitches and 20 rows over 4 inches in Stockinette stitch after blocking, ensuring proper fit and drape of the finished poncho.

Construction Overview

The Bonny Raglan Poncho begins with casting on 104 stitches and joining to work in the round. The body is established with clear stitch markers dividing the front, back, and sleeve sections. Raglan increases are worked in a rhythmic pattern, with yarn over increases creating decorative detail while expanding the garment. Sleeves are eventually transferred to double-pointed needles for completion, and the cuff is finished with ribbing. The design showcases thoughtful shaping that flatters while maintaining the ease