Valley Yarns Polyphemus Knitting Pattern

Valley Yarns Polyphemus Striped Poncho

Project Overview

The Polyphemus is a dramatic striped poncho designed by Julie Turjoman that showcases the silky drape and softness of Valley Yarns Hampden yarn. This beginner-friendly knitting project features clean lines and simple shaping that reinforce fundamental sweater knitting skills. The generous, oversized fit makes it an ideal layering piece for casual, comfortable wear, and it is particularly well-suited for newer knitters looking to build confidence with basic techniques.

What Is Being Made

This is a poncho garment with a funnel neck, available in four size ranges: XS-S, M-L, XL-2XL, and 3XL-4XL. The finished bust circumference ranges from 60 inches to 87¼ inches with 20–30 inches of positive ease for an oversized silhouette. The length varies from 27 to 29 inches depending on size. The design includes a 4-inch split at each side for enhanced drape and movement.

Techniques Used

The Polyphemus employs several key knitting techniques suitable for beginner-level crafters:

• Worked Flat: The poncho is constructed by working back and forth in rows rather than in the round, making it accessible for knitters still developing their circular knitting skills.
• Two-Piece Construction: The garment is divided into Front and Back pieces, which are later joined using the 3-Needle Bind-Off method for the shoulders.
• Doubled Hem Finishing: A doubled hem is applied to the base edge to provide structure and prevent curling. This same technique is used to finish the armholes and split side hems, adding durability and a professional appearance.
• Striped Colorwork: The poncho features horizontal stripes created by alternating between multiple colors of yarn, adding visual interest while maintaining simplicity in execution.
• Funnel Neck: Stitches are picked up around the neck opening to create a fitted funnel-style neckline that frames the face.
• Side Seams: Seams are worked from the base of the armholes to the tops of the split side hems, creating structure while allowing the split sides to provide comfortable drape.

Stitches Used

Stockinette Stitch forms the primary fabric of the Polyphemus. This fundamental stitch creates a smooth, flat surface on the right side and is worked consistently throughout the body of the poncho. The stockinette stitch base allows the horizontal stripes to display clearly and showcases the yarn's silky texture and drape characteristics.

Materials: Yarn and Needles

The Polyphemus is knitted using Valley Yarns Hampden, a luxury blend composed of 50% Baby Alpaca, 35% Fine Merino Wool, and 15% Mulberry Silk. Each hank contains 50 grams and yields 95 yards. The yarn is worked in four coordinating colors:

• Main Color (MC): Sand, requiring 7 to 12 hanks depending on size
• Contrast Color 1 (CC1): Charcoal, requiring 5 to 8 hanks
• Contrast Color 2 (CC2): Lizard, requiring 2 to 4 hanks
• Contrast Color 3 (CC3): Blue, requiring 2 to 3 hanks

Two sets of circular needles are required: US size 5 (3.75 mm) needles for the main fabric and US size 4 (3.50 mm) needles for the doubled hem edges. Both sizes are available in 16-inch and 32–40-inch lengths to accommodate the varying widths of the front, back, and neck sections. The gauge is 20 stitches and 28 rows over 4 inches in stockinette stitch using the larger needle, blocked.

Additional Materials and Notions

Beyond yarn and needles, the project requires stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats, locking stitch markers for securing stitches during construction, stitch holders or waste yarn for temporarily securing live stitches, and a tapestry needle for weaving in ends and seaming pieces together.

Skill Level and Suitability

Rated as a