Valley Yarns Volute Knitting Pattern

Valley Yarns Volute: Adult Women's Cable Poncho

What Is Being Made

The Valley Yarns Volute is an adult women's worsted-weight turtleneck poncho designed by Julie Turjoman. This sophisticated layering piece features a dramatic center cable panel on both the front and back, complemented by side stitch textures and a cozy turtleneck collar. The poncho is an ideal topper for cold winter days and is available in three sizes: Small, Medium, and Large.

Construction Technique

This poncho is worked seamlessly in the round in one piece, beginning from the hem and progressing upward to the shoulders. The bottom-up construction method allows knitters to try on the garment as it grows and easily adjust the length to personal preference. Working in the round eliminates the need for seaming and creates a smooth, continuous fabric without interruption.

Cable and Stitch Work

The Volute showcases an intricate cable pattern that repeats over 20 rounds. The design features multiple cable crosses including 2/2 Right Cross (2/2 RC), 2/2 Left Cross (2/2 LC), 2/2 Right Purl Cross (2/2 RPC), and 2/2 Left Purl Cross (2/2 LPC) stitches. These cable techniques create the dramatic textured panels that define the front and back of the poncho. The base fabric is worked in stockinette stitch, which provides a smooth canvas that allows the cables to stand out prominently. Side stitch textures add visual interest and dimension to the garment's silhouette.

Yarn and Materials

The Volute is designed to be knitted in Valley Yarns Becket, a sumptuous blend of 50% Superfine Alpaca and 50% Wool. This luxurious fiber combination provides warmth, softness, and a beautiful drape. Yarn requirements vary by size: Small requires 5 balls, Medium requires 6 balls, and Large requires 7 balls. Each ball of Valley Yarns Becket contains 100 grams and yields 141 yards. The sample shown is knitted in colorway 09 Peacock.

Needles and Gauge

This project calls for US 8 (5mm) circular needles in two lengths: a 16-inch needle for the ribbed turtleneck section and a 32- to 40-inch needle for the larger body circumference. Knitters should select the needle size that allows them to achieve the specified gauge of 16 stitches and 20 rounds equal to 4 inches in stockinette stitch, blocked. Proper gauge is essential for achieving the correct finished measurements.

Finished Measurements

• Size Small: Bottom circumference 50½ inches, length 15 inches
• Size Medium: Bottom circumference 59½ inches, length 15 inches
• Size Large: Bottom circumference 66½ inches, length 17 inches

Additional Materials and Tools

Beyond yarn and needles, knitters will need a cable needle for managing the cable stitches, stitch markers to track pattern repeats and construction sections, and a tapestry needle for weaving in ends. These essential notions support the seamless, in-the-round construction and help maintain pattern accuracy throughout the project.

Skill Level

The Volute is rated for experienced knitters. The advanced difficulty reflects the complexity of working multiple cable crosses in established patterns, managing stitches across circular needles, and maintaining gauge consistency throughout a large circumference garment. Knitters should be comfortable reading cable charts, executing cable twists, and working seamlessly in the round before beginning this project.