Okra Poncho Cape Knitting Pattern

Okra Poncho in Rowan Fine Lace

What is Being Made

The Okra Poncho is a knitted cape-style garment designed by Lisa Richardson. This poncho is worked as a single piece from the front hem upward and features a relaxed, draped silhouette. Available in five sizes to fit bust measurements ranging from 81-86 cm (32-34 in) up to 122-127 cm (48-50 in), the finished poncho has actual bust measurements of 158.5 to 198.5 cm (62½ to 78¼ in), creating generous, comfortable proportions. The garment includes a neckband worked in the round and side seams that are joined during finishing.

Knitting Techniques Used

This intermediate-level knitting project employs several key techniques. The poncho begins with a cast-on edge worked in garter stitch, providing a sturdy foundation. The main body is constructed using a combination of stocking stitch and charted lace patterning, allowing for visual interest and texture throughout the piece. Shoulder fold line markers are used to establish shaping and guide the construction. The neckband is picked up and worked in the round using a circular needle, incorporating alternating knit and purl rounds before casting off purlwise. The finishing process includes pressing and joining side seams from the cast-on and cast-off edges to marked points, creating the poncho's distinctive shape.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

• Garter Stitch: Used for the initial 6-row border at the hem and the 6-row border at the neckline, creating a textured, reversible fabric
• Stocking Stitch: Forms the base fabric for most of the poncho body
• Charted Lace Pattern: A 35-stitch pattern panel is repeated across the garment, with the pattern panel measuring 13 cm in width. This lace motif is worked symmetrically, appearing twice across each row
• Knit and Purl Rounds: The neckband alternates between knit and purl rounds for texture and definition
• Purlwise Cast-off: Used on the neckband for a finished edge

Materials: Yarn and Needles

The Okra Poncho is designed to be knitted using Rowan Fine Lace yarn. The pattern calls for 4 to 6 balls of 50-gram yarn, depending on the size being made (the sample photographed is shown in Vintage 926). The needle requirements include one pair of 3 mm (US 2/3) needles, one pair of 3¼ mm (US 3) needles, and a 3 mm (US 2/3) circular needle no longer than 40 cm. The recommended tension is 28 stitches and 38 rows to 10 cm measured over stocking stitch using the 3¼ mm needles, with the lace pattern panel measuring 13 cm across its 35 stitches.

Pattern Overview

This downloadable PDF pattern from Rowan provides complete instructions for creating a sophisticated, wearable poncho suitable for intermediate knitters. The design balances simplicity in construction with elegance in execution, making it an accessible project for those with foundational knitting skills who are ready to work with charted lace patterns and circular needle techniques.