Malabrigo Iris Cape Knitting Pattern

Malabrigo Iris Poncho with Fringe

What Is Being Made

The Malabrigo Iris is a flowing poncho designed by Laura Zukaite, featured in Malabrigo's Book 17: Ponchos & Familia collection. This garment is a versatile layering piece crafted from luxurious merino yarn, measuring 24 inches along the long edge (excluding fringe) and 17 inches along the short edge. The poncho is finished with decorative fringe for an elegant, finished appearance.

Techniques Used

This poncho is created using lace knitting and seaming techniques, worked flat on straight needles rather than in the round. The construction begins with a lace border pattern that establishes the decorative foundation of the garment. A distinctive purl ridge fold technique is employed, where the knitted piece is folded along a purl ridge line and stitches are joined using a 3-needle bind-off method, creating a structured yet flowing silhouette. The fringe is added using a crochet hook, providing a refined finishing touch.

Stitches Used

The pattern incorporates several key stitch techniques:

• Lace decreases: SSK and pass (slip, slip, knit and pass slipped stitch over) and SK2P (slip, knit 2 together, pass slipped stitch over) create the openwork design
• Yarn overs (yo): Used throughout the lace border pattern to create decorative holes and increase stitches
• Purl ridge: A horizontal ridge created by knitting on the wrong side, used as a fold line for the 3-needle bind-off join
• Slip stitch (sl): Used at the beginning of rows for a neat edge finish
• Stockinette and reverse stockinette: Background stitches supporting the lace pattern

Materials: Yarn and Needles

This project uses Malabrigo Washted, a superwash merino wool yarn that combines luxury fiber content with practical machine-washable properties. The yarn comes in 3½ ounce hanks, each containing approximately 210 yards of yardage. The pattern calls for 4 hanks in colorway #866 Arco Iris, providing approximately 840 yards total for the complete poncho.

Needles and tools required include one pair of size 8 (5mm) straight needles for the main knitting, one spare size 8 needle for the 3-needle bind-off join, and a size D/3 (3.25mm) crochet hook for adding the fringe edging. Additional notions include stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats and a stitch holder for managing live stitches during construction.

Gauge and Skill Level

The recommended gauge is 18 stitches and 24 rows over 4 inches in stockinette stitch using size 8 needles. Achieving proper gauge is essential for obtaining the correct finished measurements. This pattern is rated as Beginner to Intermediate in difficulty, making it accessible to knitters with basic skills while offering enough lace work to provide an engaging challenge for those developing their technique.