Tahki Yarns Long Beach Poncho Top Knitting Pattern

Tahki Yarns Long Beach Poncho Top

What Is Being Made

The Long Beach Poncho Top is a sophisticated pullover poncho designed by Teresa Chorzepa. This garment features a relaxed, draped silhouette with a distinctive neck opening that creates a flattering layering piece. The poncho top is offered in three size ranges: Small/Medium, Large/XL, and 2X/3X, with finished widths ranging from 37½ inches to 45½ inches and lengths from 17½ inches to 19½ inches. The design combines a textured body with clean garter stitch borders, making it an elegant addition to any wardrobe.

Techniques Used

This pattern employs seamed construction and is worked flat on circular needles, making it accessible for knitters who prefer flat knitting over working in the round. The garment is created as a single rectangular piece that is later shaped to accommodate the neck opening. Key construction techniques include:

• Casting on a substantial number of stitches to establish the poncho's width
• Establishing stitch markers to maintain pattern sections throughout the piece
• Binding off stitches at the center for the neck opening, then casting on replacement stitches to maintain stitch count
• Blocking to final measurements for professional finishing
• Weaving in ends for a polished appearance

Stitches Used

The Long Beach Poncho Top utilizes two primary stitch patterns that work in harmony to create visual interest and structure:

• Garter Stitch: Formed by knitting every stitch on every row, garter stitch creates a textured, reversible fabric with horizontal ridges. This stitch is used for the borders (the first and last 15 stitches) and for the garter stitch sections that frame the neck opening and finish the edges.
• Ridge Stitch: A four-row repeat pattern that alternates between purl and knit rows to create a subtle, sophisticated texture. The Ridge Stitch pattern is worked as follows: Row 1 (Wrong Side) Purl, Row 2 (Right Side) Knit, Row 3 Knit, Row 4 Purl. This creates a distinctive ridged appearance that forms the main body of the poncho top.

Materials and Gauge

The Long Beach Poncho Top is designed to be worked in Tahki Yarns RIPPLE, a 100% mercerized cotton yarn. Mercerized cotton provides a lustrous finish, excellent drape, and breathability, making it ideal for a lightweight poncho top suitable for warm weather wear. The yardage requirements are 8 balls (1,136 yards) for Small/Medium, 9 balls (1,278 yards) for Large/XL, and 10 balls (1,420 yards) for 2X/3X. Each ball contains 1.75 ounces and 142 yards of yarn.

The pattern calls for one size 8 (5mm) circular needle measuring 29 inches or longer, along with stitch markers and a yarn needle for finishing. The recommended gauge is 15 stitches and 25 rows over 4 inches in Ridge Stitch. Achieving proper gauge is essential for obtaining the correct finished measurements, and knitters are advised to knit and measure a gauge swatch before beginning the project.