String Rachel Poncho Cape Knitting Pattern

String Rachel Poncho

What Is Being Made

The String Rachel Poncho is a sophisticated, wearable cape designed by Pam Grushkin. This knitted poncho features a relaxed, elegant silhouette that drapes beautifully over the shoulders. Available in three sizes—S/M, M/L, and L/XL—the poncho measures approximately 27 to 31 inches wide and 24½ to 25½ inches in length, making it a versatile layering piece suitable for various occasions and body types.

Construction Method

The Rachel Poncho is constructed using a bottom-up, seamed, worked-flat approach. Rather than being knitted in the round, this design is created in two separate panels that are later seamed together. This method allows for precise shaping and control over the finished garment. The two panels are worked flat on circular needles, then carefully joined at the center front and back, with strategic openings left for the neck and armholes. The seaming technique uses the purl bumps along the inside edges, creating a neat and professional finish.

Stitches Used

The Rachel Poncho employs two primary stitch patterns:

• Stockinette Stitch (St st)—The main body stitch, created by knitting on right-side rows and purling on wrong-side rows. This creates the smooth, classic fabric that forms the center of each panel.
• Garter Stitch (garter st)—Used for the edging details, created by knitting every row. This textured stitch provides structure and definition to the outer edges and fold-back bands of the poncho.

The pattern also incorporates slipped stitches at the edges for a polished selvage, enhancing the overall appearance when seaming panels together.

Techniques and Details

Several intermediate knitting techniques are employed throughout this design:

• Stitch Markers are used strategically to denote pattern sections and placement points for seaming, including markers for the neck opening and armholes.
• Blocking is essential to achieve the finished measurements and ensure proper drape. The pattern specifies blocking to exact dimensions before seaming.
• Seaming is performed using the purl bumps method, a technique that creates invisible seams by working through the horizontal bumps on the wrong side of stockinette fabric.
• Folding and Finishing of garter stitch edges adds a refined detail, with edges folded back so the wrong side faces outward before final seaming.

Materials and Yarn

The Rachel Poncho is designed to showcase the luxurious qualities of String Amalfi yarn. This premium blend contains 14% cashmere, 25% lambswool, 22% silk, and 39% viscose, creating a fabric with exceptional softness, drape, and subtle sheen. The yarn is available in color #515759 and comes in 50-gram balls with 180 yards of yardage per ball. Depending on size, the poncho requires 6 to 8 balls of yarn.

Needles and Notions

Construction requires one size 7 (4.5 mm) circular needle measuring 24 inches long, though needle size may be adjusted to achieve the specified gauge. Additional notions include stitch markers for pattern placement, locking stitch markers for securing key points, and a yarn needle for weaving in ends and seaming panels together.

Gauge and Fit

The pattern specifies a gauge of 18½ stitches and 27 rows over 4 inches in stockinette stitch, blocked. Achieving proper gauge is essential for obtaining the correct finished measurements and ensuring the poncho drapes as intended. The pattern emphasizes taking time to check gauge before beginning.