Tahki Yarns Waterford Poncho Knitting Pattern

Tahki Yarns Waterford Poncho

Project Overview

The Waterford Poncho is a beginner-friendly knitted cape-style garment designed by Teresa Chorzepa. This poncho is constructed using a bottom-up, seamed approach worked flat on straight needles, making it an accessible project for knitters new to garment construction. The finished piece offers three size options—Small/Medium, Large/XL, and 2X/3X—with bust measurements ranging from 44 to 56 inches and lengths from 23 to 25½ inches.

Materials and Yarn

This pattern calls for Tahki Yarns Donegal Tweed, a 100% wool yarn in the colorway #831 fawn/autumn tweed. Knitters will need 5 to 7 skeins depending on size, with each skein containing 3.5 ounces and approximately 183 to 167 meters of yardage. The project requires size 8 (5mm) needles—one pair of straight needles for the main body pieces and one 16-inch circular needle for the neckband. Additional supplies include stitch markers and a yarn needle for finishing.

Gauge and Tension

The pattern is worked to a gauge of 17 stitches and 25 rows over 4 inches in Rib 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.

Stitches and Techniques

The Waterford Poncho employs two primary stitch patterns that create visual interest and texture:

• Seed Rib Stitch: A textured stitch worked over a multiple of 4 stitches plus 3. This stitch alternates knit and purl stitches in a specific sequence across rows, creating a subtle ribbed fabric with dimension. The pattern begins with Seed Rib for the initial 11 rows of the back piece.
• Rib Stitch: A classic 1x1 rib worked over a multiple of 2 stitches plus 1. This elastic, vertical-line stitch is used for the main body of the poncho after the initial Seed Rib section and provides stretch and recovery to the finished garment.

Construction Method

The poncho is worked flat in pieces from the bottom up using a seamed construction method. The back piece is cast on and worked in Seed Rib for 11 rows, establishing a textured foundation. The pattern then transitions to Rib stitch for 24 to 28 rows depending on size. Strategic increases are incorporated throughout the body—beginning with a make-one increase at each edge on the first increase row, then working additional increases every 8 rows for 1 to 4 times, followed by increases every 4 rows for 11 to 14 times. These increases shape the poncho and create the proper fit across the bust. After the body pieces are complete, they are blocked to measurements, shoulder seams are sewn together, and side seams are partially seamed from the bottom edge up to marked points, leaving openings for arm and body ease. A neckband is picked up and worked in the round using a circular needle, combining knit rounds with purl-knit-purl-knit sequences to create a ribbed edge that finishes the neck opening.

Finishing Details

The finishing process includes blocking all pieces to their specified measurements to ensure proper shape and drape. Shoulder seams are sewn using a yarn needle with mattress stitch or similar seaming technique. Side seams are partially sewn, beginning 4¾ to 5¾ inches from the bottom edge and extending to markers placed 8 to 9½ inches from the shoulders, creating the characteristic poncho silhouette with open sides. The neckband is worked in the round on a 16-inch circular needle, with stitches picked up evenly along the neck edge and worked in a combination of knit and purl rounds before binding off knitwise. All yarn ends are woven in to complete the garment.