Rowan 01 Poncho Cape Knitting Pattern

Rowan 01 Poncho by Lisa Richardson

What is Being Made

The Rowan 01 Poncho is a versatile knitted cape-style garment designed to fit bust measurements ranging from 81–97 cm (32–38 in) through to 117–127 cm (46–50 in). This poncho features a classic construction with a shaped neck opening, making it an elegant layering piece suitable for various occasions and seasons.

Construction and Techniques

This poncho is worked flat from the bottom up using straightforward knitting techniques accessible to crafters with intermediate skill. The garment begins with a cast-on edge and progresses upward in rows until the neck opening is shaped, then continues straight to the cast-off edge. The bottom-up, flat-worked construction method allows for easy adjustments and a clean finish.

The shaping process involves casting off stitches to create the neck opening, then casting those stitches back on in the following row to maintain stitch count. This technique creates a neat, defined neckline without requiring complex decreasing or increasing methods.

Stitches Used

The primary stitch throughout the Rowan 01 Poncho is moss stitch, a fundamental textured stitch that alternates knit and purl stitches to create a dense, reversible fabric with subtle visual interest. Moss stitch is formed by working K1, P1 across the row, then reversing the pattern on the return row. This stitch is worked consistently from the cast-on edge through the neck shaping and to the final cast-off, creating a cohesive, uniform appearance across the entire garment.

Materials and Specifications

The Rowan 01 Poncho pattern calls for two complementary alpaca yarns held together as a single strand throughout the project:

• Rowan Alpaca Soft DK in Simply White 201: 6–9 balls of 50gm each, depending on size
• Rowan Alpaca Classic in Snowflake White 115: 6–9 balls of 25gm each, depending on size

Knitting is worked on 7mm (US 10½ / 11) needles, a size that balances the two-strand yarn combination to achieve the specified tension. The pattern specifies a tension of 13 stitches and 25 rows to 10 cm (4 in) measured over moss stitch using the recommended needles and yarn combination.

The alpaca fiber blend provides softness and warmth, making this poncho suitable for cooler weather while maintaining breathability. The two-strand construction creates a yarn weight and fabric density that drapes elegantly while remaining structured enough to hold its shape.

Sizing Information

Three size options are provided to accommodate different body measurements. The actual bust measurement of the finished garment laid flat ranges from 94.5 cm (37¼ in) for the smallest size to 111.5 cm (44 in) for the largest size, allowing for comfortable layering over standard clothing.