Rowan Nara Cape Knitting Pattern

Rowan Nara Cape and Poncho by Sarah Hatton

What is Being Made

The Rowan Nara is a knitted cape and poncho design created by Sarah Hatton. This garment is worked in the round from the top down, beginning with a cowl neckline and expanding outward to create a flowing, layered silhouette. The design is available in three sizes: Small-Medium (to fit bust 81-97 cm / 32-38 in), Large (102-107 cm / 40-42 in), and Extra Large-Extra Extra Large (112-127 cm / 44-50 in).

Techniques Used

This intermediate-level knitting project employs circular knitting techniques, worked entirely in the round using circular needles. The construction involves strategic yarn color changes and yarn weight variations throughout the piece, creating a sophisticated gradient effect. The pattern demonstrates advanced techniques including working with multiple yarn strands held together, transitioning between different needle sizes as the fabric expands, and managing yarn joins at specific intervals to build the layered aesthetic.

The garment features a distinctive construction method where different yarn colors are introduced and removed in a planned sequence, allowing the knitter to create depth and visual interest. The piece begins with a double-stranded yarn foundation and progresses through several stages, each introducing or removing yarn strands to achieve different fabric densities and drape characteristics.

Stitches Used

The primary stitch pattern is a repeating lace motif worked over 10 rounds. The pattern combines the following essential stitches:

• Yarn forward (Yfwd) – creates eyelet holes that are central to the lace design
• Knit (K) – the fundamental stitch used throughout
• Slip, knit, pass slipped stitch over (sl 1, K1, psso) – a left-leaning decrease that pairs with yarn forwards to create the lace pattern
• Purl (P) – used in the cowl ribbing and cast-off edge

The 10-round pattern repeat consists of alternating pattern rounds and knit rounds. Each pattern round increases the number of stitches between the yarn forward and decrease, creating a graduated lace effect. The pattern reads as follows: Round 4 begins with *Yfwd, K1, sl 1, K1, psso, K3*, Round 6 progresses to *Yfwd, K2, sl 1, K1, psso, K2*, Round 8 continues with *Yfwd, K3, sl 1, K1, psso, K1*, and Round 10 completes the sequence with *Yfwd, K4, sl 1, K1, psso*. This graduated approach creates an elegant, expanding lace pattern that flows naturally from the neckline outward.

Materials: Yarn and Needles

The Rowan Nara is knitted using Rowan Kidsilk Haze, a luxurious yarn blend that creates a delicate, fluid fabric ideal for cape and poncho construction. The pattern calls for three coordinating colors from the Kidsilk Haze range:

• Yarn A: Blackcurrant (color 641) – 2 x 25gm for sizes S-M, 2 x 25gm for size L, and 3 x 25gm for sizes XL-XXL
• Yarn B: Degas (color 669) – 1 x 25gm for sizes S-M, 2 x 25gm for size L, and 2 x 25gm for sizes XL-XXL
• Yarn C: Pearl (color 590) – 1 x 25gm for all sizes

The pattern requires three circular needles in different sizes to accommodate the changing stitch counts and fabric requirements:

• 4mm (US 6) circular needle – no more than 80 cm long, used for the final narrower sections
• 5mm (US 8) circular needle – no more than 80 cm long, used for mid-weight sections
• 5½mm (US 9) circular needle – no more than 100 cm long, used for the initial cowl cast-on and early expansion rounds

Tension and Gauge

Achieving correct tension is essential for this pattern, as the garment relies on precise stitch counts for proper fit and