Valley Yarns Somerset Knitting Pattern

Valley Yarns Somerset Poncho

What Is Being Made

The Valley Yarns Somerset is a luxurious drop-shoulder poncho designed by Julie Turjoman. This layering piece features a dramatic cable pattern running up the front and back, with a ribbed background that extends into the shoulders and turtleneck. The poncho is designed to fit with 6 to 8 inches of positive ease and falls at the mid-hip, making it an ideal fall and winter accessory for layering. The finished width measures 26 (31¼, 36¼) inches including a 10-inch neck opening, with a length of 24½ inches across three sizes: Small, Medium, and Large.

Techniques Used

The Somerset poncho employs several advanced knitting techniques suitable for experienced knitters. The garment is worked flat in rows from the bottom up, constructed in two separate pieces for the back and front that are later seamed together at the drop shoulders. After the main body pieces are completed, stitches are picked up around the neckline and worked in the round to create the turtleneck collar. This combination of flat and circular knitting allows for precise shaping while maintaining the dramatic cable pattern across both front and back panels.

Stitches Used

The Somerset features a sophisticated stitch combination centered on cable work. The primary stitches include:

• K2/P2 Ribbing: Used as the background stitch throughout the poncho and as the sole stitch for the turtleneck collar. This ribbing creates vertical lines that provide structure and elasticity, flowing seamlessly from the hem through the shoulders.
• Cable Stitch: A dramatic cable pattern with a 32-stitch repeat measuring 5¼ inches when blocked. The cables weave their way up both the front and back of the poncho, bordered by the ribbed background to create visual contrast and textural interest.

The hem begins with a 1-inch band of K2/P2 ribbing worked from the cast-on edge before transitioning into the main cable pattern. The turtleneck is worked entirely in K2/P2 ribbing and is designed to fold in half for a finished appearance.

Materials: Yarn and Needles

The Somerset calls for Valley Yarns Brodie, a sumptuous luxury yarn composed of 95% cashmere and 5% extrafine merino wool. Each ball contains 50 grams and yields 154 yards. The yarn requirement ranges from 9 balls for Size Small to 13 balls for Size Large, with the sample shown knit in Color 223 Silver Gray. Valley Yarns Brodie provides both beautiful drape and warmth, making it the ideal choice for this layering piece.

Needles required include US 7 (4.5mm) circular needles in both 16-inch and 32 to 40-inch lengths, or the size needed to achieve the specified gauge. Additional materials include stitch markers, a cable needle for managing the cable stitches, stitch holders for temporarily securing stitches, and a tapestry needle for seaming the pieces together.

Gauge and Finishing Details

The pattern specifies a gauge of 20 stitches and 28 rows over 4 inches when worked in K2/P2 Ribbing and blocked. The 32-stitch cable repeat measures 5¼ inches when blocked. The poncho features split side hems and is designed to be worn with 6 to 8 inches of positive ease for comfortable layering over other garments. The Long-Tail cast-on method is used to begin the back piece, providing a professional and elastic edge suitable for the ribbed hem.