Valley Yarns Durham Knitting Pattern

Valley Yarns Durham Poncho by Julie Turjoman

What is Being Made

The Durham is a practical children's poncho designed for active kids ages 2-12 years. This layering piece features a mock turtleneck, raglan drop shoulders, and split sides that allow for ease of movement and comfortable wear. The poncho includes a functional front pocket for storing small treasures, making it both stylish and practical for neighborhood adventures. Generous sizing ensures the garment will be worn for multiple years as children grow.

Techniques Used

This poncho is worked using a bottom-up construction method, meaning knitting begins at the hem and progresses upward toward the shoulders and neckline. The garment is worked flat in two separate pieces—a back and front—using back-and-forth rows on circular needles rather than in continuous rounds for most of the body. The two pieces are later seamed together to create the finished poncho.

Additional shaping techniques include side shaping decreases that taper the garment, short rows used to shape the drop shoulders and create the raglan silhouette, and increases to accommodate the generous ease. The front features a V-shaped garter stitch texture motif on the upper body for visual interest. The pocket is worked sideways as an integrated component. The mock turtleneck is completed by working in the round from live stitches transferred from the neckline.

Stitches Used

• Stockinette Stitch: The primary stitch throughout the body of the poncho, creating a smooth, classic fabric
• Ribbing (K1/P1): Used for the hem cuff to create stretch and structure at the bottom edge
• Garter Stitch: Featured in a V-shaped motif on the front upper body for textural contrast and visual detail
• Decreases (ssk and k2tog): Used for side shaping and raglan shoulder shaping
• Short Rows: Employed to shape the drop shoulders and create the raglan construction

Materials and Yarn

The Durham is designed to be made with Valley Yarns Haydenville, a practical blend of 60% Superwash Merino and 40% Acrylic Microfiber. This fiber composition provides easy-care properties ideal for active children, with the superwash treatment allowing for simple machine washing and the acrylic microfiber adding durability and quick-drying characteristics. Yarn requirements range from 3 to 5 skeins depending on size, with each skein weighing 100g and containing 220 yards. The pattern shown is worked in Color 14—Soft Grape.

Needles required include US 7 (4.5 mm) circular needles in both 16" and 24" lengths, plus double-pointed needles for the neckline, used for the main fabric at the working gauge. US 6 (4.0 mm) circular needles in the same lengths are used for the ribbed hem cuff. The gauge is 20 stitches and 28 rows over 4 inches in stockinette stitch when blocked using the larger needle size.

Additional materials include locking stitch markers for tracking pattern sections, stitch holders or waste yarn for holding stitches during construction, and a tapestry needle for seaming the two pieces together and weaving in ends.

Sizing and Finished Measurements

The Durham is available in five sizes: 2-4 years, 4-6 years, 6-8 years, 8-10 years, and 10-12 years. Finished chest measurements range from 24½ inches to 32½ inches, with 4 to 6 inches of positive ease built in for comfortable layering. Hem circumference ranges from 26¾ inches to 34¾ inches, accommodating the split sides and generous proportions.

Skill Level

Rated as Adventurous Beginner, this poncho is achievable for knitters with basic skills. While it incorporates techniques such as raglan shaping, short rows, and seaming, the simple textures and straightforward construction make it an excellent project for knitters ready to expand their skills beyond basic garments. The pattern provides clear guidance through each stage of construction.