Poncho with Fur Collar Cape Knitting Pattern

Poncho with Fur Collar Knit Pattern

What is Being Made

This downloadable knitting pattern from Lion Brand creates a cozy knit poncho with a split fur collar. The finished garment measures 30 inches wide at the lower edge and 27 inches in length, making it a one-size-fits-most design suitable for layering over other clothing. The poncho features a distinctive split collar detail that adds visual interest and texture to the neckline.

Skill Level and Sizing

This pattern is rated as Intermediate difficulty, making it suitable for knitters with some experience who are ready to tackle shaping techniques and color work. The one-size design provides versatility for different body types.

Techniques Used

The pattern employs several intermediate knitting techniques to construct the poncho:

• Stockinette stitch as the primary fabric base, created by knitting on right-side rows and purling on wrong-side rows
• Ribbed edging worked in knit 2, purl 2 rib pattern for structure and stretch at edges
• Decreasing shaping to create the fitted body silhouette, using both knit 2 together and slip, slip, knit decreases
• Shoulder shaping through strategic bind-offs that taper the upper garment
• Hand openings created by dividing stitches and working separate sections
• Color work combining the main color yarn with a contrasting fur yarn for the collar detail

Stitches Used

The pattern utilizes fundamental knitting stitches combined in specific ways:

• Knit stitch and purl stitch to form stockinette fabric
• Knit 2 together (k2tog) for right-leaning decreases
• Slip, slip, knit (ssk) for left-leaning decreases, which creates a balanced visual appearance when used on both sides of the garment
• Ribbing combining knit and purl stitches in alternating patterns for elasticity

Materials and Yarn

The pattern calls for Lion Brand Homespun yarn in the main color, requiring 4 skeins in shade #318 Sierra. The contrasting fur collar is created using Lion Brand Fun Fur, with 1 ball in shade #124 Champagne, though the pattern notes that alternative yarns and colors may be substituted based on personal preference.

Needles and Tools

Two sizes of knitting needles are required to achieve proper gauge and structure:

• Size 10.5 (6.5 mm) needles for the main fabric sections
• Size 9 (5.5 mm) needles for the ribbed collar and edging
• Stitch holders to temporarily hold stitches during construction of hand openings and other divided sections

Gauge Information

Proper gauge is essential for this pattern to achieve the correct finished dimensions. The main fabric worked in stockinette stitch on larger needles should measure 12 stitches and 18 rows per 4 inches. The ribbed sections worked with both yarns held together on smaller needles should measure 14 stitches and 18 rows per 4 inches. The pattern emphasizes the importance of checking gauge before beginning the project.

Construction Overview

The poncho is constructed in two main pieces—a back and front—that are shaped to create a flattering silhouette. The back begins with 90 cast-on stitches and features ribbed edge stitches on either side. After working even in stockinette stitch for 13 inches, the body is shaped through repeated decreases worked every other row for 24 times, reducing the stitch count to 40 stitches. Shoulder shaping is then completed through bind-offs of varying sizes. The front piece follows a similar construction method but includes divided sections for hand openings, allowing the wearer to slip their arms through while wearing the poncho.