Valley Yarns Culloden Knitting Pattern

Valley Yarns Culloden Poncho

What Is Being Made

The Culloden is a one-piece knitted poncho designed by Julie Turjoman, featuring an exceptional Fair Isle colorwork border that drapes asymmetrically when worn. This garment is crafted as a single rectangular piece that folds in half, creating a dramatic diagonal presentation of the colorwork pattern. The finished poncho measures 25 inches in length and 58 inches in circumference, making it an ideal layering piece for cool weather.

Techniques Used

This intermediate-level knitting project employs Fair Isle colorwork, a traditional stranded knitting technique that incorporates multiple colors within each row to create intricate patterned designs. The poncho is worked flat on circular needles rather than in the round for most of the construction, allowing for easier management of the colorwork sections. The design incorporates steek stitches, which are temporary stitches used to bridge color changes and create clean edges in Fair Isle knitting. The minimal seaming approach keeps finishing work to a manageable level, making this an accessible colorwork project for intermediate knitters seeking to expand their technical skills.

Stitches Used

The primary stitch throughout the Culloden is Stockinette stitch, which creates a smooth, classic fabric ideal for showcasing the Fair Isle colorwork pattern. The pattern includes standard knitting abbreviations such as knit (K), purl (P), and knit three together (K3tog) for shaping. Stitch markers are used to track pattern repeats and section boundaries, while the colorwork charts guide placement of contrast colors throughout the design. The construction method involves working in rounds during certain sections while maintaining the flat-worked foundation of the piece.

Materials and Specifications

The Culloden requires Valley Yarns Northampton, a 100% wool yarn available in multiple colorways. The yarn specifications are 247 yards per 100-gram skein. The color palette consists of a main color in #50 Med. Grey (4 skeins required) and six contrast colors: #13 Dark Navy, #42 Lake Heather, #53 Stratosphere, #14 Deep Periwinkle, #41 Garnet, and #02 Natural (1 skein each). This combination creates a sophisticated, cool-toned Fair Isle design.

Needles required include a US 7 (4.50 mm) 40-inch circular needle for the main fabric and a US 6 (4.0 mm) 40-inch circular needle for ribbing or edge finishing. A crochet hook size H/8 is included for finishing techniques. Additional materials include stitch markers for tracking pattern sections and a tapestry needle for seaming and weaving in ends.

Gauge and Construction Details

The pattern is worked to a gauge of 20 stitches and 26 rows over 4 inches in Stockinette stitch on US Size 7 needles. Achieving proper gauge is essential for the finished measurements of 25 inches in length and 58 inches in circumference. The Fair Isle colorwork is worked from charts that guide the placement of contrast colors, with the pattern establishing a repeating design that creates the dramatic diagonal drape characteristic of this asymmetrical poncho style.

Design Features

• One-piece construction with minimal seaming reduces finishing time
• Fair Isle colorwork border creates visual interest and dimension
• Asymmetrical wear style allows the diagonal colorwork pattern to drape dramatically
• No shaping required, making it accessible for colorwork learners
• Versatile sizing in one standard size suitable for layering
• 100% wool fiber provides warmth and durability for extended wear