String Mary Poncho Cape Knitting Pattern

String Mary Poncho

What Is Being Made

The String Mary Poncho is a luxurious knitted poncho designed by Lidia Karabinech. This elegant garment is constructed as a single rectangle that is seamed and folded to create the finished poncho silhouette. Available in two sizes—S/M and L/XL—the poncho offers a versatile layering piece suitable for various occasions. The finished measurements are 18 (20)" by 50 (54)" before seaming and folding into the final poncho shape.

Techniques Used

The Mary Poncho is worked flat on straight needles, meaning it is knitted back and forth in rows rather than in the round. The construction method is seamed, with the rectangular piece folded and sewn along specific points to create the poncho's draped neckline and body. The pattern includes a picked-up neckband worked on a circular needle for a finished edge. Removable stitch markers are used during finishing to ensure accurate seaming placement. The garment is gently blocked after completion to enhance drape and shape.

Stitches Used

The primary stitch throughout the Mary Poncho is the Broken Rib Stitch, worked over an odd number of stitches. This stitch creates visual interest and texture through an alternating knit and purl pattern that shifts every four rows. The Broken Rib pattern is as follows:

• Rows 1 and 3 (right-side rows): Knit 1, purl 1, repeat to last stitch, knit 1
• Rows 2 and 4 (wrong-side rows): Purl 1, knit 1, repeat to last stitch, purl 1
• Rows 5 and 7 (right-side rows): Purl 1, knit 1, repeat to last stitch, purl 1
• Rows 6 and 8 (wrong-side rows): Knit 1, purl 1, repeat to last stitch, knit 1

This eight-row repeat creates a subtle textured pattern that adds depth without overwhelming the luxury of the yarn. Edge stitches are maintained on each side of the work for a neat, finished appearance. The neckband is worked using a basic bind-off stitch applied in the knitwise direction on the wrong side for a polished finish.

Materials and Yarn

The String Mary Poncho is crafted using String GENEVA, a premium yarn blend composed of 90% cashmere and 10% lambswool. This luxurious fiber combination provides exceptional softness, warmth, and drape. The yarn is available in color 517103 mink, a sophisticated neutral tone. Each ball contains 1.75 ounces (50 grams) and yields 156 yards (142.5 meters) of yarn. The project requires 5 balls for size S/M or 6 balls for size L/XL.

Needles and Notions

Construction of the Mary Poncho requires US size 6 (4mm) needles to achieve the correct gauge. A US size 6 (4mm) circular needle measuring 16 inches (40 centimeters) is used specifically for picking up and binding off the neckband. Additional notions include stitch markers for placement guidance during seaming and a yarn needle for weaving in ends and seaming the garment together.

Gauge

The pattern specifies a gauge of 19 stitches and 28 rows equaling 4 inches (10 centimeters) when worked in the Broken Rib Stitch pattern. Achieving the correct gauge is essential for proper fit and drape of the finished poncho. Knitters are advised to take time to check gauge in pattern before beginning the project.

Construction Overview

The poncho begins with casting on 85 (95) stitches depending on size. The rectangular body is worked in rows of Broken Rib Stitch with edge stitches maintained on each end until the piece measures 50 (54) inches in length. The work is completed when the final row is either Row 4 or Row 8 of the pattern repeat. After binding off, the rectangle is folded at specific points marked with removable stitch markers and seamed along the fold between designated points on the schematic. The neckband is then picked up from the neck opening, worked in a single row, and bound off knitwise on the wrong side. Loose ends are woven in, and the finished poncho is gently blocked to enhance