Stormi Poncho Cape Knitting Pattern

Stormi Poncho by Martin Storey

What is Being Made

The Stormi Poncho is a generous, draped knit poncho designed by Martin Storey for Rowan. This intermediate-level project creates a luxurious layering piece measuring approximately 140cm (55 inches) in length when laid flat, and 70cm (27½ inches) in width when folded in half. The poncho features a distinctive cowl construction with an integrated neckband, making it a versatile garment suitable for various occasions and seasons.

Techniques Used

This knitting project employs several key techniques to achieve its finished structure. The main body is constructed using a repeating stitch pattern worked over a long rectangular piece, which is then folded and seamed to create the poncho silhouette. The pattern incorporates yarn overs and knit-together decreases to create texture and visual interest throughout the fabric. The neckband is picked up directly from the main piece using a smaller needle size, demonstrating the technique of working perpendicular to existing stitches. Mattress stitch is used for seaming, a professional finishing method that creates nearly invisible seams. The pattern also references strand techniques for colorwork, indicating that tension management and proper yarn handling are important throughout construction.

Stitches Used

• Knit stitch (K) – the fundamental stitch forming the base fabric
• Purl stitch (P) – used in alternating sequences to create textured pattern rows
• Knit two together (K2tog) – a left-leaning decrease used in the pattern repeat
• Yarn over (yrn) – creates decorative eyelet holes within the pattern
• Ribbing (K2, P2) – used for the neckband to provide elasticity and structure around the neck opening

Pattern Structure

The cowl begins with 105 stitches cast on using 6mm needles. The main pattern repeat consists of six rows: the first four rows establish a basic knit and purl sequence (K1, P3 repeating), while rows five and six introduce the yarn over and decrease elements (K1, K2tog, yrn, P1 repeating). This six-row pattern repeat is continued until the piece reaches its full length of 140 centimeters. The neckband is worked separately after the main body is complete, using 66 stitches picked up along a designated neck opening, and worked in a 2x2 ribbing pattern for 30 centimeters before binding off.

Materials: Yarn and Needles

The Stormi Poncho is knitted using Rowan Brushed Fleece, a luxurious yarn that provides softness and warmth. The pattern requires 9 balls of 50-gram weight yarn (photographed in the colorway Cairn 263). Two needle sizes are required: 5mm (US 8) needles for the neckband ribbing, and 6mm (US 10) needles for the main cowl body. The gauge is established at 15 stitches and 21 rows per 10 centimeters over the pattern stitch using the 6mm needles, making this an intermediate project suitable for knitters with foundational skills and experience reading pattern instructions.