Lana Grossa Poncho-Pullover Cape Knitting Pattern

Lana Grossa Poncho-Pullover in Alta Moda Alpaca

What is Being Made

This is a versatile poncho-pullover hybrid garment that combines the ease of a poncho with the fitted structure of a pullover sweater. Design 14 from Filati Classici 17, this piece is worked in a luxurious alpaca blend and comes in four sizes: 36/38, 40/42, 44/46, and 48/50. The garment features a classic pullover silhouette with neck shaping and shoulder construction, making it suitable for layering or wearing as a standalone piece.

Techniques Used

The poncho-pullover is constructed using bottom-up knitting, meaning pieces are worked from the cast-on edge upward. The garment is worked flat on straight needles rather than in the round, and pieces are seamed together after completion. This traditional construction method allows for precise shaping and control over the fit.

The pattern employs slip stitch selvage on the edges to create neat, finished side seams. On right-side rows, the first stitch is knitted through the back loop and the last stitch is slipped purlwise with yarn in back. On wrong-side rows, the first stitch is purled through the back loop and the last stitch is slipped purlwise with yarn in front. This technique ensures clean, professional-looking seams when pieces are joined with mattress stitch.

A decorative bind-off is used at the shoulders, creating a finished edge that is both functional and visually interesting. This bind-off technique involves knitting one stitch, working a knit two-together through the back loop, then slipping the last two stitches back to the left needle and repeating this sequence. This creates a structured, attractive shoulder finish.

The pattern includes neck shaping worked by placing center stitches on a holder and binding off stitches at each neck edge to create a comfortable neckline opening. Shoulder increases are incorporated to provide proper fit and support.

Stitches Used

The poncho-pullover features two primary stitch patterns:

• Rib Pattern (K1, P1): A classic one-by-one ribbing used for areas requiring elasticity and structure, such as cuffs and edges. This alternating knit and purl pattern creates vertical columns that stretch and recover well.
• Stockinette Stitch (St st): The main fabric of the garment, created by knitting all stitches on right-side rows and purling all stitches on wrong-side rows. This produces the smooth, flat surface characteristic of pullover sweaters and provides an excellent canvas for showcasing the luxurious alpaca yarn.

Materials

The poncho-pullover is knitted in Lana Grossa Alta Moda Alpaca, a premium yarn composed of 90% alpaca, 5% pure wool, and 5% polyamide. This fiber blend creates a soft, warm, and durable fabric. The yarn is available in Natural (color 14) and comes in a weight of 140 meters per 50 grams.

Yarn quantities required vary by size: 750 grams for size 36/38, 800 grams for size 40/42, 850 grams for size 44/46, and 900 grams for size 48/50. This allows knitters to select the appropriate yardage for their chosen size.

The pattern calls for size 6 mm and 7 mm needles in both straight and circular formats. Straight needles are used for working the flat pieces, while circular needles measuring 40 cm long in both sizes are used for the collar pickup and finishing. The transition from size 6 mm to size 7 mm needles partway through the front piece creates a subtle gauge change that contributes to the garment's shaping.

Finishing requires a tapestry needle for seaming pieces together using the mattress stitch method, which is worked one stitch in from each edge for a professional appearance.