Wilhemina Poncho Cape Knitting Pattern

Wilhelmina Poncho in Juniper Moon Farm Patagonia

What Is Being Made

The Wilhelmina Poncho is a versatile layering piece designed to fit bust sizes 33-48¾"/84-124cm. This intermediate-level knitting project creates a cozy poncho that works as part of The Cosy Collection, designed by Claudia Wersing. The finished poncho measures 30"/76cm in length and is constructed by knitting two identical pieces that are later joined together.

Knitting Techniques Used

This poncho employs several intermediate knitting techniques to create visual interest and texture. Cable knitting is a primary technique, with multiple cable crossings worked throughout the pattern. The design incorporates color work integration through strategic pattern placement, combining decorative cable sections with ribbed stockinette sections. The construction method involves working flat pieces on circular needles rather than in the round, allowing for easier pattern management and shaping. The pattern also demonstrates stitch count manipulation, as the number of stitches changes during the pattern repeat while maintaining structural integrity.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The Wilhelmina Poncho utilizes a combination of fundamental and decorative stitches:

• Stockinette stitch forms the base fabric, worked at a gauge of 18.5 stitches and 28 rows to 4"/10cm
• Garter stitch creates selvage edges throughout the piece for neat finishing
• 2x2 ribbing (knit 2, purl 2) provides elasticity and structure in designated sections
• Cable patterns featuring multiple cable crossing abbreviations: C4F (cable 4 front), C4B (cable 4 back), Cr9L (cross 9 left), Cr12L (cross 12 left), and Cr12R (cross 12 right)

The pattern is organized into a 28-row repeat that is worked continuously throughout the piece. The cable pattern section contains 37 stitches that are maintained through the entire pattern repeat, while surrounding stitches are worked in 2x2 ribbing with garter stitch selvages.

Materials and Tools

The Wilhelmina Poncho is worked in Juniper Moon Farm Patagonia yarn in color 120 Rose. The project requires three 100-gram hanks of this yarn. Knitting needles are US 6/4mm circular needles—specifically, one 32"/80cm needle and one 24"/60cm needle to accommodate the different sections of the pattern. A cable needle is essential for executing the cable crossings throughout the design. The specific gauge requirements are 18.5 stitches and 28 rows to 4"/10cm over stockinette stitch, and 28 stitches and 28 rows to 4"/10cm over the cable pattern, both achieved with US 6/4mm needles.

Pattern Construction

The poncho is constructed by working two identical pieces. Each piece begins with casting on 97 stitches and working a purl row on the wrong side. The pattern then establishes stitch placement with a 2-row setup that defines where the cable pattern section and ribbed sections will be worked. After the initial 2½"/6cm of straight knitting, the stitch placement is reset to position the cable pattern correctly for the remainder of the piece. The work continues straight until reaching the full 30"/76cm length. This straightforward construction method makes the project accessible for intermediate knitters while delivering sophisticated visual results through the cable and ribbing details.