Rowan Bioko Cape Knitting Pattern

Rowan Bioko Cape by Lisa Richardson

What is Being Made

The Rowan Bioko is a knitted cape or poncho designed to fit bust measurements of 81-107 cm (32-42 inches) or 112-127 cm (44-50 inches). When laid flat, the finished garment measures 105.5 cm (41½ inches) or 125.5 cm (49½ inches) in actual width. This is a substantial, wearable piece created using a structured construction method that combines decorative lace patterning with stockinette stitch sections.

Techniques Used

The Rowan Bioko employs several key knitting techniques to achieve its design:

• Bottom-up construction: The garment is worked from the lower edge upward, allowing for easy length adjustments and a logical progression of shaping.
• Worked flat: Rather than working in the round, this piece is created on flat needles, requiring seaming to join sections together once knitting is complete.
• Lace patterning: Decorative lace sections are incorporated using yarn-forward increases and centered double decreases, creating an openwork design that transitions during the knitting process.
• Marker-based shaping: The pattern uses red and blue markers to track different stitch sections, allowing the knitter to systematically reduce the lace patterned areas while expanding the stockinette stitch sections as the garment grows in length.
• Seaming: After the flat pieces are completed, they are joined together using seaming techniques to create the finished cape structure.

Stitches Used

The Rowan Bioko incorporates fundamental knitting stitches combined to create both textured and decorative effects:

• Knit stitch (K): Forms the foundation of the stockinette stitch sections and creates the smooth, flat fabric that comprises much of the garment.
• Purl stitch (P): Used in alternating rows to create stockinette stitch texture and appears in pattern rows to structure the overall design.
• Yarn forward (yfwd): Creates intentional eyelet holes and lace openings by increasing stitches without adding bulk.
• Slip, knit two together, pass slipped stitch over (sl 1, K2tog, psso): A centered double decrease that reduces stitches while creating a decorative element central to the lace pattern. This technique is repeated across pattern rows to form the characteristic lace motifs.

Materials: Yarn and Needles

Yarn: The Rowan Bioko is designed to be worked in Rowan Island Blend Fine, a premium yarn requiring 10 balls for the smaller size or 11 balls for the larger size, with each ball weighing 50 grams. The pattern was photographed in the colorway Wedgewood 103. For specific yardage and fiber content details, consult knitrowan.com.

Needles: The pattern calls for circular needles in two sizes to accommodate the changing stitch counts and construction method. A 2¾mm (US 2) circular needle at least 100 cm long is used for initial cast-on and ribbing sections, while a 3¼mm (US 3) circular needle at least 100 cm long is used for the main body of the garment. A shorter 2¾mm (US 2) circular needle no more than 60 cm long may be needed for working smaller stitch counts as the piece progresses.

Tension and Gauge

The pattern specifies a tension of 26 stitches and 34 rows to 10 centimeters, measured over stockinette stitch using 3¼mm (US 3) needles. Achieving the correct gauge is essential for obtaining the intended finished measurements and drape of the cape.

Construction Overview

The back of the Rowan Bioko is constructed by establishing a 12-row lace pattern repeat that forms the foundation of the design. Marker placement divides the work into sections: outer sections worked in stockinette stitch and inner sections worked in the lace pattern. As the garment is worked upward, markers are progressively moved to gradually transition the lace patterned areas into stockinette stitch, creating a sophisticated visual progression. Once the lace sections have been reduced to their minimum width, the entire garment continues in stockinette stitch until it reaches the desired length of approximately 50 to 54 centimeters at the back.