Rowan Herriot Poncho Cape Knitting Pattern

Rowan Herriot Poncho by Martin Storey

What is Being Made

The Rowan Herriot Poncho is an advanced-level knitted poncho designed as a one-size garment with an actual width of 110.5 cm (43½ inches) when laid flat. This sophisticated layering piece combines classic poncho construction with intricate stitch patterning, making it a statement garment suitable for experienced knitters seeking a challenging and rewarding project.

Techniques Used

This pattern employs several advanced knitting techniques that require precision and attention to detail. The construction involves cable work, utilizing cable stitches that are manipulated using a cable needle to create textured, twisted effects throughout the garment. The poncho features shaping through decreasing, with strategic placement of paired decreases (P2tog) to create shoulder shaping and neckline definition. The pattern incorporates stitch pattern maintenance while shaping, requiring knitters to keep stitch patterns correct as they work decreases. Additionally, the design uses stitch holders to manage multiple sections simultaneously, including separate holders for left and right shoulder seams and the neckband, allowing for seamless integration of these components. The front and back pieces are worked separately with individual shaping before assembly, and the neckband is worked using a circular needle.

Stitches Used

The Herriot Poncho features a combination of fundamental and decorative stitches. Cable stitches are central to the design, specifically C4B (cable 4 back: slip 2 stitches onto cable needle and hold at back of work, knit 2, then knit 2 from cable needle) and C4F (cable 4 front: slip 2 stitches onto cable needle and hold at front of work, knit 2, then knit 2 from cable needle). These cable techniques create the textured pattern throughout the garment. The pattern also incorporates purl stitches and knit stitches as foundational elements. Paired decreases using P2tog (purl 2 together) are used extensively for shaping at the shoulders and neckline, creating clean, directional decreases that contribute to the garment's structure and fit.

Materials

The Herriot Poncho is worked using Rowan Moordale yarn, requiring 9 x 100gm balls. The primary colorway shown is Gooseberry 004, with an alternative colorway option in Pea 021 available for knitters seeking a different aesthetic. The pattern calls for specific needle sizes: a 1 pair of 3¼mm (no 10 / US 3) needles, a 1 pair of 4mm (no 8 / US 6) needles, a 3¼mm (no 10 / US 3) circular needle no more than 40 cm long, and a cable needle for managing cable stitches. The recommended tension is 25 stitches and 30 rows to 10 cm measured over pattern using 4mm (US 6) needles, which is essential for achieving the correct finished dimensions.