Tahki Yarns Centerport Cropped Poncho Knitting Pattern

Tahki Yarns Centerport Cropped Poncho

What is Being Made

The Centerport Cropped Poncho is a lightweight, short-length poncho designed by Pam Grushkin. This garment offers a contemporary take on the classic poncho silhouette, featuring a cropped length that sits at approximately 15½ to 17½ inches depending on size. The poncho is available in three size ranges: Small/Medium, Large/XL, and 2X/3X, with corresponding width measurements of 28½ to 34¼ inches. This versatile piece is ideal for layering and provides comfortable coverage without the bulk of heavier garments.

Techniques Used

This pattern employs seamed construction and is worked flat, meaning the pieces are knitted on straight or circular needles in flat rows rather than in the round. The pattern incorporates the Three-Needle Bind-Off technique, a specialized method that seams two pieces together simultaneously as you bind off. This technique allows for joining shoulder seams or other edges while creating a finished edge in a single step. The pattern notes that the Three-Needle Bind-Off can be worked with right sides facing each other for a standard seam, or with wrong sides facing for a decorative seam visible on the right side of the garment.

Stitches Used

The primary stitch pattern used throughout the Centerport Cropped Poncho is the Lozenge Pattern. This textured stitch creates a diamond or lozenge-shaped motif across the fabric surface, adding visual interest and dimension to the finished garment. The pattern also incorporates standard decreases including k2tog (knit two together) and ssk (slip, slip, knit) for shaping the neckline. These decreases are strategically placed to create the fitted neck opening while maintaining the integrity of the lozenge pattern throughout the body of the poncho.

Materials

The Centerport Cropped Poncho is constructed using Tahki Yarns ARUBA, a blend of 80% cotton and 20% linen. This fiber composition creates a breathable, lightweight fabric ideal for warm-weather wear. The yarn is available in color #03 Olive Grove, a natural, earthy tone. Yardage requirements are 7 balls for Small/Medium, 8 balls for Large/XL, and 9 balls for 2X/3X, with each ball containing 1.75 ounces and 98 yards of yarn.

The pattern requires the following needles and notions:

• One size 10½ (6.5mm) circular needle, 32 inches long for main body knitting
• One spare size 10½ (6.5mm) circular needle, 24 inches long for the Three-Needle Bind-Off
• One size 10 (6mm) circular needle, 16 inches long for the neckband
• Stitch holders for managing stitches during construction
• A yarn needle for weaving in ends and finishing

Gauge and Construction Notes

The pattern specifies a gauge of 14 stitches and 22 rows over 4 inches in the Lozenge Pattern. Achieving the correct gauge is essential for obtaining the intended finished measurements. The neckline shaping involves binding off center stitches and then decreasing 7 to 8 stitches on each side of the neck opening on right-side rows. The pattern provides detailed instructions for shaping both the left and right neck edges, with specific stitch counts provided for each size range to ensure proper fit.