Rowan Bowland Cape Knitting Pattern

Rowan Bowland Knitted Poncho by Martin Storey

What is Being Made

The Rowan Bowland is a knitted poncho designed by Martin Storey. This garment measures 95 cm (37½ inches) wide when laid flat, creating a finished circumference of 190 cm (74¾ inches) all around, with a length of 78 cm (30¼ inches). The poncho is constructed using a bottom-up knitting method, making it an accessible project for knitters seeking to create a substantial layering piece.

Construction Techniques

The Bowland poncho employs a distinctive multi-section construction method. The garment is worked flat on needles rather than in the round, which allows for precise shaping and stitch definition. The pattern uses a bottom-up approach, beginning with the side sections and progressing toward the yoke area.

The construction involves creating two separate side sections that are later joined together. Each side section is worked independently to a specified length of 58 cm before the sections are united. This modular approach simplifies the knitting process and allows knitters to work with manageable stitch counts on their needles. Once the side sections reach their full length, they are joined to create the yoke, which is then completed by working the remaining stitches together while maintaining stitch pattern consistency across the join.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The Bowland incorporates several fundamental knitting stitches and stitch patterns to create visual interest and structure:

• Ribbing (K2, P2): The pattern begins with a 2x2 knit-purl rib worked over 20 rows total. This elastic stitch pattern is used at the cast-on edge and provides stretch and recovery to the fabric.
• Stockinette Stitch (St st): The primary fabric of the poncho is worked in stockinette stitch, which creates a smooth, classic knitted surface with horizontal rows visible on the reverse side.
• Moss Stitch: Moss stitch, an alternating knit-purl pattern, is used as a decorative border element. The pattern specifies 11 stitches in moss stitch at one edge of each side section, creating a textured frame.
• Garter Stitch (G st): A single stitch in garter stitch is maintained at the opposite edge, providing a subtle selvage detail.
• Cable Stitches: The pattern includes cable techniques, specifically C6B (cable 6 back) and C6F (cable 6 front). These stitches are created by slipping stitches onto a cable needle, leaving them at the back or front of work, knitting the next stitches, then knitting the held stitches. These cable crossings add dimensional texture and visual complexity to the yoke section.

Materials and Equipment

The Rowan Bowland is designed to be worked in Rowan Moordale yarn. The pattern requires 10 balls of 100 grams each, providing ample yardage for the completed poncho. The yarn is photographed in the colorway Nutmeg 011, though other Moordale colors are available.

Two sizes of needles are required for this project. The ribbed sections at the beginning are worked on 3¼mm (US 3) needles, which are the smaller size. Once the ribbing is complete, the knitter changes to 4mm (US 6) needles for the main stockinette and cable sections. Additionally, a cable needle is essential for managing the cable stitches that appear in the yoke.

Tension and Sizing

The pattern specifies a tension of 23 stitches and 30 rows to 10 centimeters, measured over stockinette stitch using the 4mm (US 6) needles. Achieving the correct tension is crucial for obtaining the finished dimensions. The cable panel, which measures 92 stitches, should measure 25 centimeters in width when worked to the specified tension.

Skill Level and Pattern Reference

This pattern is published by Rowan with pattern reference ZB246-00001 v.1 and is designed by Martin Storey. Additional yarn information and resources are available through knitrowan.com. The pattern uses standard knitting abbreviations and assumes familiarity with basic knitting techniques, cable work, and garment assembly.