Rowan Plume Poncho Cape Knitting Pattern

Rowan Plume Poncho by Martin Storey

What is Being Made

The Rowan Plume Poncho is an advanced-level knitted cape-style garment designed to fit bust measurements of 81-97 cm (32-38 in) or 102-117 cm (40-46 in). This circular poncho features a sophisticated construction with a ribbed lower edge that transitions into stockinette stitch and incorporates fairisle patterning throughout the main body. The finished circumference at the lower edge measures 155.5 cm (61¼ in) or 180 cm (70¾ in) depending on size.

Knitting Techniques Used

This poncho employs several advanced knitting techniques suitable for experienced crafters. The garment is worked in the round using circular needles and double-pointed needles, eliminating the need for seaming. The construction begins with a ribbed cast-on edge worked in a knit-purl pattern to create elasticity and structure at the lower edge. The pattern then transitions to stockinette stitch worked in rounds, where every round is knitted to create a smooth, flat fabric.

A key technique featured in this design is the fairisle method, a colorwork technique that allows two colors to be worked simultaneously within the same round. The fairisle patterning is worked from a chart and repeats across the width of the poncho, creating intricate decorative motifs. The pattern also incorporates strategic decreasing to shape the garment, with decreases worked at the start and end of pattern repeats on specific rounds to gradually reduce stitch count and create the poncho's silhouette.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The primary stitches used in the Rowan Plume Poncho include:

• Knit stitch (K) – the foundation stitch for stockinette stitch sections
• Purl stitch (P) – used in combination with knit stitches to create the ribbed edging
• Knit two together (K2tog) – a right-leaning decrease used to shape the garment and reduce stitch count at designated points
• Stockinette stitch (st st) – created by knitting every round, forming the smooth base fabric for most of the poncho
• Ribbing (K2, P2) – a two-by-two knit-purl pattern that creates the textured, elastic lower edge
• Fairisle pattern – a colorwork technique worked entirely in stockinette stitch using an 18-stitch pattern repeat that is repeated 19 or 20 times across each round

The fairisle section is worked from a chart and requires careful attention to color changes and pattern alignment across the circular rounds.

Materials: Yarn and Needles

The Rowan Plume Poncho is designed to be worked in Rowan Alpaca Soft DK, a yarn that provides the appropriate drape and stitch definition for this advanced project. Two colorways are specified:

• Yarn A – Charcoal (color 211) – 5 x 50gm balls required
• Yarn B – Rainy Day (color 210) – 2 x 50gm balls required

The needle requirements include a combination of circular and double-pointed needles to accommodate the in-the-round construction:

• 3¼mm (US 3) circular needle, 100 cm (40 in) long – used for the initial ribbed cast-on and early rounds
• Set of 4 double-pointed 3¼mm (US 3) needles – available for transition if needed
• 4mm (US 6) circular needle, 100 cm (40 in) long – the primary needle for the main stockinette and fairisle sections
• Set of 4 double-pointed 4mm (US 6) needles – used for working the fairisle pattern sections, with the option to use the magic loop technique on the circular needle as an alternative

The pattern specifies a tension of 25 stitches and 26 rows to 10 cm measured over the fairisle pattern using 4mm needles, and 22 stitches and 30 rows to 10 cm measured over