The Winter Breeze Collection - Kate Poncho in Juniper Moon Farm

The Winter Breeze Collection - Kate Poncho by Juniper Moon Farm

What is Being Made

The Kate Poncho is a cozy, layered knit poncho designed as part of The Winter Breeze Collection. This intermediate-level knitting project creates a sophisticated cape-style garment that drapes elegantly over the shoulders. The poncho features a distinctive folded construction that adds visual interest and dimension to the finished piece. Available in two sizes—Small/Medium and Medium/Large—the Kate Poncho offers versatility for different body types and styling preferences.

Finished Measurements

• Width (at widest point): 50 (54) inches / 127 (137) centimeters
• Front length (to the longest point): 26 (30) inches / 66 (76) centimeters
• Neckband depth: 6 inches / 15 centimeters

Knitting Techniques Used

This poncho employs several fundamental and intermediate knitting techniques. The construction begins with a cast-on foundation, followed by garter stitch edging to create a stable, textured border. The main body utilizes a repeating stitch pattern that alternates between knit and purl stitches to create visual texture and interest. A key construction technique involves folding and seaming—the cast-off edge is folded back and stitched to the body between the cast-on row and a marked position, creating the poncho's distinctive layered silhouette. The neckband is worked in the round using a circular needle, employing a ribbed stitch pattern for elasticity and a polished finish.

Stitches Used

• Knit stitch (K): The fundamental stitch that forms the primary fabric
• Purl stitch (P): Used in combination with knit stitches to create the textured pattern
• Garter stitch: Formed by knitting every row, creating a bumpy, reversible fabric used for the top and bottom borders
• Stockinette-based pattern: An 8-row repeating pattern that alternates between purl-and-knit combinations (P1, K4 / P3, K2 sequences and their variations) to create visual texture
• Ribbed stitch (K1, P1): Used for the neckband to provide stretch and a professional, fitted finish

Materials: Yarn and Needles

Yarn: The Kate Poncho is crafted using Juniper Moon Farm Beatrix in color 05 Marble. This yarn comes in 50-gram balls, with the pattern requiring 5 balls for the Small/Medium size and 6 balls for the Medium/Large size. Beatrix is a versatile yarn choice that works beautifully for textured stitch patterns and drapes elegantly in a poncho silhouette.

Needles: The pattern calls for multiple needle sizes to achieve proper gauge and construction. A pair of size US 10½ (7mm) straight needles is used for the initial cast-on, garter stitch edging, and final border rows. A pair of size US 11 (8mm) straight needles is used for the main body pattern work. A size US 10½ (7mm) circular needle is required for picking up and working the neckband in the round.

Gauge

The pattern specifies a gauge of 13 stitches and 18 rows over a 4-inch (10-centimeter) square when working the main stitch pattern using size US 11 (8mm) needles. Achieving proper gauge is essential for the poncho to reach the correct finished measurements and drape as intended.

Construction Overview

The Kate Poncho is constructed in a single continuous piece with a clever folding technique. After casting on and working garter stitch borders, the knitter works the main body in the repeating 8-row stitch pattern until reaching a specific length (18 to 21½ inches), where a colored marker is placed. The pattern continues until the full length is achieved (42 to 46 inches), at which point the piece is bound off. The cast-off edge is then folded over and seamed to the body at the marker position, creating the poncho's distinctive layered effect. Finally, stitches are picked up around the neck opening and worked in ribbed stitch in the round to create