Valley Yarns Congaree Knitting Pattern

Valley Yarns Congaree Poncho

What Is Being Made

The Congaree is an airy poncho designed by Julie Turjoman that combines comfort with sophisticated styling. This garment is ideal for layering over casual outfits or wearing when air conditioning requires extra warmth. The poncho features a distinctive cable and lace section running horizontally across the upper body and shoulders, creating a stylish trellis pattern. The design incorporates Huntington Splash yarn, which adds tiny bursts of complementary color to the solid background for a playful visual detail. Available in five sizes ranging from XS to XL, the poncho offers finished widths from 38 to 60 inches and is designed to be worn with 4 to 8 inches of positive ease for a comfortable, relaxed fit.

Construction Method and Techniques

The Congaree poncho is constructed using a bottom-up, worked-flat approach with seaming. The front and back pieces are knitted separately, beginning with stockinette stitch at the lower body and transitioning to the featured lace pattern in the upper section. The two main pieces are then seamed together along one long edge, with an opening intentionally left at the center of the lace panels to allow the poncho to slip over the head. The sides are seamed along the stockinette stitch section, while the lace short sides are deliberately left open to create comfortable arm openings. This construction method allows lace knitters to fully enjoy their favorite technique while creating a functional, wearable garment.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The Congaree features multiple stitch techniques that work together to create both structure and visual interest. The lower body is worked in stockinette stitch, providing a solid foundation and smooth texture. The signature element is the lace stitch pattern, which runs horizontally across the upper body and shoulders on both the back and front pieces. The lace pattern features an 8-stitch repeat that measures 2 inches when blocked. Cable stitches are incorporated throughout the design, contributing to the trellis pattern that defines the poncho's aesthetic appeal. A ribbed hem is worked at the cast-on edge, providing elasticity and a finished appearance. The pattern notes recommend alternating two rows between two separate hanks of yarn to avoid color pooling, which helps distribute the Huntington Splash colorway evenly throughout the finished piece.

Yarn and Materials

The Congaree is designed to be knitted with Valley Yarns Huntington Splash, a yarn blend consisting of 75% Merino Wool and 25% Nylon. This fiber composition provides breathability, durability, and a subtle sheen. Yarn requirements vary by size: XS requires 2 hanks, S and M each require 3 hanks, while L and XL each require 4 hanks. Each hank contains 436 yards and weighs 100 grams. The recommended color is Amazon River (color 08). Knitting needles should be US 9 (5.5mm) circular needles measuring 24 to 32 inches in length, or whatever size is necessary to achieve the correct gauge. Additional materials needed include 2 cable needles for managing cable stitches, a tapestry needle for seaming and weaving in ends, and stitch markers to track pattern repeats and construction points.

Gauge and Sizing

Proper gauge is essential for achieving the correct finished measurements. In stockinette stitch pattern, the target gauge is 18 stitches and 20 rows over 4 inches when blocked. In the lace stitch pattern, the gauge is 16 stitches and 20 rows over 4 inches when blocked. The Congaree is available in five sizes with the following finished measurements: XS width of 38 inches (fits bust sizes 32–36 inches), S width of 44 inches (fits bust sizes 40–44 inches), M width of 50 inches (fits bust sizes 48–52 inches), L width of 54 inches (fits bust sizes 56–60 inches), and XL width of 60 inches (fits bust sizes 62–66 inches). Finished length from shoulder to hem ranges from 20 inches in XS to 24 inches in XL. The pattern is rated as Intermediate skill level, making it suitable for knitters with experience in cable and lace techniques.

Key Pattern Features

• Skill Level: Intermediate
• Construction: Bottom-up, worked flat in two pieces, then seamed
• Stitch Techniques: Stockinette stitch, lace stitch with 8-stitch repeats, cable stitches, and ribbed hem
• Yarn: Valley Yarns Huntington Splash (75% Merino Wool/25%