Rowan Hinchinbrook Cape Knitting Pattern

Rowan Hinchinbrook Knitted Poncho by Martin Storey

What is Being Made

The Rowan Hinchinbrook is a knitted poncho designed by Martin Storey. This garment is worked flat on needles and features decorative cable panels combined with textured moss stitch sections. The poncho is available in three sizes to fit bust measurements of 81–97 cm, 102–117 cm, and 122–137 cm, with actual garment widths of 74 cm, 77 cm, and 80 cm respectively.

Techniques Used

The Hinchinbrook poncho employs several key knitting techniques to create its distinctive appearance:

• Cables: The design features cable panels that form the primary decorative element. Two different cable panel charts (Panel A and Panel B) are worked into the fabric, with Panel A repeated twice and Panel B positioned between them. The combined cable panel section measures 24 cm in width.
• Moss Stitch: Moss stitch (alternating knit and purl stitches) is worked throughout the garment, creating a textured background. The moss stitch appears at the hem edge, the upper edge, and surrounding the cable panels.
• Fancy Rib: The poncho begins with a fancy rib pattern that combines knit, purl, and cable stitches in a structured foundation.
• Seamed Construction: The garment is worked flat on straight needles and finished with seaming.

Stitches Used

The pattern incorporates the following stitches:

• Knit and Purl: The fundamental stitches used throughout the fancy rib and moss stitch sections.
• Cable Stitches: Worked using a cable needle to create the twisted, dimensional cable panels that form the centerpiece of the design.
• Moss Stitch: Created by alternating knit and purl stitches in a checkerboard pattern, providing texture and visual interest.

Materials and Yarn

The Rowan Hinchinbrook is knitted using Rowan Island Blend Fine yarn. The pattern requires 9, 9, or 10 balls of 50-gram weight depending on size selection. The yarn shown in the photographed sample is in the colorway Wedgewood 103.

Needles and Tools

The pattern requires the following needles and equipment:

• One pair of 2¾mm (US 2) needles for the initial cast-on and fancy rib foundation
• One pair of 3¼mm (US 3) needles for the main pattern sections
• A cable needle for working the cable stitches

Tension and Sizing

The pattern specifies a tension of 25 stitches and 45 rows to 10 cm when measured over moss stitch using 3¼mm (US 3) needles. Achieving the correct tension is essential for the poncho to fit properly and for the cable panels to display their intended dimensions.

Pattern Structure

The Hinchinbrook begins with a cast-on of 186, 210, or 238 stitches depending on size. The first section establishes a fancy rib pattern over 10 rows, creating a structured hem edge. The needles are then changed to 3¼mm (US 3), and the main pattern is introduced, combining moss stitch borders with the cable panel charts. The pattern maintains 7 stitches in moss stitch at one edge and 95, 119, or 147 stitches in moss stitch at the opposite edge, with the 84-stitch cable panel section positioned between these sections.