Lana Grossa Poncho Cape Knitting Pattern

Lana Grossa Poncho in Colorissimo & Ecopuno

What Is Being Made

This is a knitted poncho designed in two sizes (36–40 and 42–46) that combines decorative lace patterning with comfortable ribbed sections. The poncho is constructed as a flat-worked piece featuring a striking feather-and-fan lace motif worked in variegated yarn, with ribbed edging and shoulder shaping created through strategic bind-off and cast-on techniques.

Techniques Used

The poncho employs several key knitting techniques to achieve its finished structure:

• Seamless construction worked flat: The garment is knitted flat on straight needles rather than in the round, eliminating the need for seaming while maintaining a seamless appearance through careful edge treatment.
• Lace knitting: A feather-and-fan pattern creates an openwork design that adds visual interest and drape to the piece.
• Three-stitch selvage: Slip-stitch selvage edges (three stitches on each side) are maintained throughout to create neat, finished edges. These are worked by slipping stitches purlwise with yarn held appropriately for each row side.
• Shoulder shaping: The poncho incorporates shoulder definition through a bind-off and cast-on technique at the shoulder line, creating a structured neckline area.
• Stitch manipulation: Increases and decreases are worked evenly across rows to adjust stitch counts between pattern sections.

Stitches Used

The pattern employs fundamental knitting stitches combined in specific sequences:

• Feather-and-fan pattern: This classic lace stitch is worked from a chart and creates a repeating openwork design with a fan-like appearance. The pattern is repeated 8 to 9 times across the width depending on size.
• Ribbed pattern (P2, K2): A two-by-two rib alternating purl and knit stitches provides elasticity and structure in the non-lace sections. This rib is worked for 8 cm sections both before and after the lace motif.
• Stockinette stitch elements: Implied in the base structure supporting the pattern work.
• Slip stitches: Used exclusively in the three-stitch selvage for edge definition.

Materials

The poncho is constructed using two complementary Lana Grossa yarns that create visual and textural contrast:

• Lana Grossa Colorissimo: 400 g (smaller size) or 500 g (larger size) of this 100% extrafine Merino wool yarn in a multicolor colorway (Red/Petrol/Green/Pink/Light Green/Bordeaux, color 3). This yarn provides 300 meters per 100 grams.
• Lana Grossa Ecopuno: 150 g of this blended yarn containing 72% cotton, 17% Merino wool, and 11% baby alpaca in Brown Red (color 31). This yarn yields 215 meters per 50 grams and provides a natural, breathable complement to the Colorissimo sections.
• Size 4.5 mm needles: Straight needles in this size are used for flat knitting throughout the project.
• Cable needle: Included in the materials list, though specific cable techniques are not detailed in the provided pattern excerpt.

Pattern Structure and Construction

The poncho is worked in distinct sections that build upon each other. It begins with a ribbed cuff worked in Ecopuno yarn, establishing 192 or 216 stitches depending on size. The main body features the feather-and-fan lace pattern worked in the variegated Colorissimo yarn, creating a dramatic visual focal point. After the lace section reaches approximately 47–49 cm from the cast-on edge, the yarn is switched back to Ecopuno for additional ribbed sections. Shoulder shaping is achieved by binding off 62 stitches at the center front and casting them back on in the following row, creating the neckline structure. The poncho concludes with a final ribbed section worked in Ecopuno before binding off.