Pierrepont Poncho Cape Knitting Pattern

Pierrepont Poncho by Berroco

What is Being Made

The Pierrepont is a knitted poncho designed by Amy Christoffers, offered in three finished sizes with lower edges measuring 57", 61¾", and 66¼". This intermediate-level garment features a 22¾" neck opening and a center front length of 21 inches including the neckband. The poncho is constructed as a capelet-style piece, making it a versatile layering garment suitable for various occasions and seasons.

Construction and Techniques

The Pierrepont poncho is worked in the round from the neck down, a top-down construction method that allows for easy fitting adjustments and custom length modifications. The garment incorporates short row shaping at both the shoulders and lower edge to create the poncho's distinctive silhouette and drape. This technique involves wrapping and turning stitches to add depth and dimension without increasing the stitch count dramatically, resulting in a garment that sits elegantly on the shoulders.

The construction begins with a ribbed neckband worked on a 16-inch circular needle, which provides stretch and stability around the neck opening. After the neckband is complete, the piece transitions into stockinette stitch and expands outward through strategic increases and short-row shaping to achieve the wider lower edge.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

• Stockinette Stitch (St st) – The primary stitch pattern forming the main body of the poncho, created by alternating knit and purl rows when working flat, or knit rounds when working in the round
• Ribbing (K1, P2, K1) – Used for the neckband to create elasticity and a finished edge that hugs the neck comfortably
• Make One Right (M1R) and Make One Left (M1L) – Increase techniques used to shape the shoulders and create the gradual expansion toward the lower edge
• Make One Purl Left (M1pL) and Make One Purl Right (M1pR) – Purl-side versions of increase stitches used during the short-row shaping sections
• Wrap and Turn (w&t) – A short-row technique that prevents holes and creates smooth transitions in the shaped sections

Materials

This poncho is designed to be knitted with Berroco Ultra Wool Chunky, a bulky-weight yarn that works up quickly and creates a warm, durable fabric. The pattern calls for 2 to 3 balls of the main color (MC) in shade #43103 Wheat, depending on size, and 1 ball of a contrasting color (CC) in shade #4331 Hibiscus for accent details. Each ball weighs 100 grams.

Knitting needles required include both a 29-inch circular needle and a 16-inch circular needle, both in size 10½ (6.50 mm). The 29-inch needle accommodates the larger number of stitches as the poncho expands, while the shorter 16-inch needle is used for the initial neckband where fewer stitches are cast on. Two stitch markers in different colors help track pattern repeats and shoulder placement points.

Gauge and Finishing

The pattern specifies a gauge of 14 stitches and 17 rounds over 4 inches in stockinette stitch. Checking gauge before beginning is essential to ensure the finished measurements match the pattern specifications and the poncho drapes as intended. The pattern includes stitch markers to help track the left shoulder placement and guide the short-row shaping sections that define the garment's structure.

This intermediate-level project is ideal for knitters with experience in circular needle techniques, short-row shaping, and working with bulky-weight yarns. The poncho's top-down construction makes it a forgiving project that allows adjustments during the knitting process.