Marjoram Poncho Cape Knitting Pattern

Marjoram Poncho in Berroco Sesame

What is Being Made

The Marjoram Poncho is a beginner-friendly knitted cape-style garment designed by Amy Christoffers from Berroco Book #407. This poncho features a modern construction method that builds the piece in multiple geometric sections, creating a sophisticated layered silhouette. The finished poncho measures 26, 30, or 34 inches in width and 30 inches in length (not including the collar), offering three size options to accommodate different body types and styling preferences.

Techniques Used

The Marjoram Poncho employs an innovative modular construction technique that differs from traditional top-down or bottom-up poncho methods. The garment is built in six distinct sections that are worked sequentially, with each new section picked up from the edges of the previous one. This approach creates clean, integrated seams and allows knitters to visualize their progress as the poncho takes shape.

The pattern utilizes directional knitting, with arrows on the included diagram indicating the direction in which each section should be worked. Sections 1 through 4 are completed first in order, followed by Section 5 (the lower border). Section 6 is then worked straight to the shoulders, where shaping is accomplished using short rows, a technique that creates gradual increases without visible steps. The shoulders are finally joined using the 3-needle bind-off method, which creates a strong, professional seam while simultaneously binding off stitches.

Stitches Used

The Marjoram Poncho is constructed almost entirely in Garter Stitch, making it an ideal project for beginners. Garter Stitch is created by knitting every row, producing a textured, reversible fabric with distinctive horizontal ridges. This stitch is forgiving, requires minimal shaping experience, and creates a fabric with excellent drape and structure suitable for a poncho silhouette.

The pattern requires basic knitting skills including casting on, knitting, picking up stitches along edges, binding off, and short-row shaping. The use of stitch holders or waste yarn helps manage live stitches during construction, and a stitch marker aids in tracking progress.

Materials and Gauge

The Marjoram Poncho is designed to be worked in Berroco Sesame, a yarn that provides excellent stitch definition and drape. The project requires 7, 8, or 9 balls of Berroco Sesame (100 grams each) depending on the size selected, shown here in colorway #7406 Salt & Pepper.

The pattern calls for size 8 (5.00 mm) knitting needles and a 16-inch circular needle in the same size. Additional notions include three stitch holders or waste yarn for holding stitches, a spare needle size 8 or smaller, and one stitch marker. The recommended gauge is 18 stitches and 36 rows over 4 inches in Garter Stitch. Checking gauge before beginning is essential to ensure the finished poncho meets the intended measurements, as variations in individual knitting tension can affect the final dimensions.

Skill Level and Construction Overview

Rated as an Easy/Beginner