Juniper Moon Farm Cape Knitting Pattern

Juniper Moon Farm Meabh Hooded Poncho

What Is Being Made

The Meabh is a hooded poncho from the Winter Breeze Collection, designed by Ursula O'Connor. This garment is a versatile layering piece that combines the comfort of a poncho with the practicality of a hood. Available in two sizes—Small/Medium and Large/X-Large—the poncho features a finished width at its widest point of 42 inches (106 cm) for the smaller size and 46 inches (117 cm) for the larger size. The front length extends to 22 inches (56 cm) in the Small/Medium and 26 inches (66 cm) in the Large/X-Large, creating a flattering silhouette that works for various body types.

Techniques Used

The Meabh poncho is constructed using a combination of knitting techniques that create both structural integrity and visual interest. The garment is worked flat on straight needles for the main body sections, allowing knitters to work back and forth in rows. The pieces are then seamed together to form the complete poncho shape. The hood is worked in the round using a circular needle, which creates a seamless, comfortable fit around the head and neck area. This mixed approach—combining flat and circular knitting—demonstrates intermediate knitting skill and allows for precise shaping of different garment sections.

Stitches and Cable Work

The Meabh showcases cable stitches as a primary design element, featuring an intricate cable pattern that repeats over 14 stitches and 20 rows. The cable work includes several specialized techniques:

• C4F and C4B (4-stitch cables): These classic cable crosses slip 2 stitches onto a cable needle, then knit the next 2 stitches before working the held stitches, creating the distinctive twisted rope effect that defines cable knit garments.
• T3B and T3F (3-stitch twists): These twisted stitches combine knit and purl stitches to create diagonal lines that add depth and movement to the cable pattern.
• T2B and T2F (2-stitch twists): Smaller twisted stitches that provide detail and variation within the larger cable motif.
• C2F and C2B (2-stitch cables): Subtle cable crosses that enhance the overall texture without overwhelming the design.

The pattern alternates between stockinette stitch (knit on right side, purl on wrong side) and reverse stockinette stitch (purl on right side, knit on wrong side) to frame and highlight the cable work. This creates a sophisticated, three-dimensional fabric with excellent drape and visual appeal.

Materials and Gauge

The Meabh is designed to be worked with Juniper Moon Farm Herriot Great yarn in colorway 129 Atlantic, requiring 5 hanks of 100g each. Herriot Great is a substantial yarn that works beautifully for this project, providing the weight and structure necessary for a poncho that drapes elegantly while maintaining its shape.

The pattern calls for size US 8 (5mm) knitting needles and size US 9 (5.5mm) knitting needles, allowing for ribbed edgings worked on the smaller needles and main fabric on the larger needles. A size US 9 (5.5mm) circular needle is used for the hood worked in the round. A cable needle is essential for executing the cable stitches throughout the pattern.

The recommended gauge is 16 stitches and 21 rows over a 4-inch (10cm) square in stockinette stitch using size US 9 (5.5mm) needles. Achieving proper gauge is crucial for obtaining the correct finished measurements and ensuring the poncho fits as designed.

Pattern Characteristics

The repeating cable pattern creates a rich, textured fabric that showcases the knitter's skill with cable techniques. The combination of knit, purl, and cable stitches produces a fabric with excellent elasticity and recovery, meaning the poncho will maintain its shape through regular wear and washing. The seamed construction allows for precise shaping and the ability to customize fit, while the circular knit hood provides comfort and eliminates the need for seaming in that delicate area.