Malabrigo Bluebells Cape Knitting Pattern

Malabrigo Bluebells Lace Border Poncho

What Is Being Made

The Malabrigo Bluebells is a flowing lace border poncho designed by Jacqueline van Dillen, featured in Malabrigo's Book 17: Ponchos & Familia collection. This garment is a seamed poncho constructed with a decorative lace border pattern along the edges and a stockinette stitch body. The finished poncho measures approximately 31½ inches along the long edge and 20 inches along the short edge, creating an elegant, draped silhouette suitable for layering.

Techniques Used

This poncho is worked flat on straight needles using several key knitting techniques. The construction begins with a cast-on edge followed by garter stitch ribbing to establish stability. The primary technique featured throughout is lace knitting, which creates an openwork decorative border pattern. The lace border pattern is worked repeatedly across the width of the piece, with the pattern rows cycled 14 times, then partially repeated once more to achieve the desired dimensions. The garment incorporates seaming to join the front and back pieces together, and uses a 3-needle bind-off technique for a secure, professional finish where the two pieces are held right sides together and bound off simultaneously.

Stitches Used

The Bluebells poncho employs fundamental and intermediate knitting stitches to create its structure and visual interest. Knit stitches and purl stitches form the foundation, arranged in a ribbed pattern (alternating knit and purl stitches) along the side edges to maintain elasticity and shape. The main body is worked in stockinette stitch, which creates a smooth, classic knit fabric. The defining feature is the lace border pattern, which uses yarn overs and decreases to create openwork designs. Slip stitches are used at the beginning of rows for a finished edge appearance.

Materials: Yarn and Needles

The Bluebells poncho is constructed using Malabrigo Sock yarn, a superwash merino wool available in 3½ ounce (100 gram) hanks, each containing approximately 440 yards (402 meters) of yardage. This project requires 4 hanks in colorway #412 Teal Feather. The yarn choice provides a soft, durable fiber suitable for garments with excellent drape and breathability.

The pattern calls for one pair of size 3 (3.25mm) needles, or the size needed to obtain proper gauge. A spare needle is required for the 3-needle bind-off technique used to join the front and back pieces. Additional notions include stitch markers to track pattern repeats and a stitch holder to temporarily secure stitches.

Gauge and Sizing

Proper gauge is essential for this project. The pattern specifies a gauge of 30 stitches and 42 rows over 4 inches (10 centimeters) in stockinette stitch using size 3 (3.25mm) needles. Knitters are strongly advised to knit and measure a gauge swatch before beginning the project to ensure the finished poncho achieves the intended dimensions of 31½ inches by 20 inches.

Skill Level

This poncho is rated as Beginner to Easy for overall skill level, with Intermediate experience recommended for yarn work. While the basic techniques are accessible to newer knitters, the lace pattern and seaming require some experience and attention to stitch counts and pattern placement.