Cables, buttons and a high neckline combine to create a classy and chic poncho that will be perfect for an early morning walk. The design also knits up with an asymmetrical look, which adds an edge to this already stunning top.
Skill Level: Intermediate
Size: Finished Bust Size 38 (42, 46, 50, 54, 58)” to fit bust 30 (34, 38, 42, 46, 50)”.
8” positive ease recommended.
Shown in size 42”.
Gauge: 19 sts and 31 rows = 4” [10 cm] in St st after wet blocking.
Materials
Yarn: Rowan Felted Tweed DK (50% Merino Wool, 25% Alpaca, 25% Rayon; 191 yards [175 meters]/50 grams): 185 Frozen, 6 (6, 7, 8, 8, 9) balls.
Needles: US size 5 (3.75 mm): 24” and 32″ circular;
US size 4 (3.5 mm): 24” and 32″ circular.
Notions: Tapestry needle; cable needle (cn); 2 markers A; 2 markers B; 2 stitch holders; 14 buttons (1″).
Abbreviations
beg: begin(ning).
k: knit.
k2tog: knit 2 sts together.
CO: cast on.
p: purl.
RS: right side.
sl: slip stitch (purlwise unless told otherwise).
ssk: slip, slip, knit.
st(s): stitch(es).
tbl: through back loop.
WS: wrong side.
Special Stitches
P2, K3 Rib
Row 1: *P2, k3; rep from * across.
Rep Row 1 for patt.
Crossed Stitches (with cable needle)
2/1 LPC (2/1 left cross on purl background): Sl next 2 sts to cn, hold to front, p1, k2 from cn.
2/1 RPC (2/1 right cross on purl background): Sl next st to cn, hold to back, k2, p1 from cn.
2/2 LC (2/2 left cross on knit background): Sl next 2 sts to cn, hold to front, k2, k2 from cn.
2/2 LPC (2/2 left cross on purl background): Sl next 2 sts to cn, hold to front, p2, k2 from cn.
2/2 RC (2/2 right cross on knit background): Sl next 2 sts to cn, hold to back, k2, k2 from cn.
2/2 RPC (2/2 right cross on purl background): Sl next 2 sts to cn, hold to back, k2, p2 from cn.
Fiocco (worked flat over 30 sts)
Row 1 (WS): K2, (p4, k7) twice, p4, k2 – 30 sts.
Row 2 (RS): P2, 2/2 LC, p7, k4, p7, 2/2 LC, p2.
Row 3: K2, (p4, k7) twice, p4, k2.
Row 4: P2, k4, p7, 2/2 LC, p7, k4, p2.
Row 5: K2, (p4, k7) twice, p4, k2.
Row 6: P2, 2/2 LC, p6, 2/1 RPC, 2/1 LPC, p6, 2/2 LC, p2.
Row 7: K2, p4, k6, p2, k2, p2, k6, p4, k2.
Row 8: 2/2 RPC, 2/2 LPC, p3, 2/1 RPC, p2, 2/1 LPC, p3, 2/2 RPC, 2/2 LPC.
Row 9: (P2, k4, p2, k3) twice, p2, k4, p2.
Row 10: K2, p4, 2/2 LPC, 2/1 RPC, p4, 2/1 LPC, 2/2 RPC, p4, k2.
Row 11: P2, (k6, p4) twice, k6, p2.
Row 12: 2/1 LPC, p5, 2/2 LC, p6, 2/2 RC, p5, 2/1 RPC.
Row 13: K1, p2, k5, p4, k6, p4, k5, p2, k1.
Row 14: P1, 2/1 LPC, p3, 2/1 RPC, 2/1 LPC, p4, 2/1 RPC, 2/1 LPC, p3, 2/1 RPC, p1.
Row 15: K2, p2, k3, p2, k2, p2, k4, p2, k2, p2, k3, p2, k2.
Row 16: P2, 2/2 LPC, 2/1 RPC, p2, 2/1 LPC, p2, 2/1 RPC, p2, 2/1 LPC, 2/2 RPC, p2.
Row 17: K4, p4, k4, p2, k2, p2, k4, p4, k4.
Row 18: P4, 2/2 RC, p4, k2, p2, k2, p4, 2/2 LC, p4.
Row 19: K4, p4, k4, p2, k2, p2, k4, p4, k4.
Row 20: P2, 2/2 RPC, 2/1 LPC, p2, 2/1 RPC, p2, 2/1 LPC, p2, 2/1 RPC, 2/2 LPC, p2.
Row 21: K2, p2, k3, p2, k2, p2, k4, p2, k2, p2, k3, p2, k2.
Row 22: P1, 2/1 RPC, p3, 2/1 LPC, 2/1 RPC, p4, 2/1 LPC, 2/1 RPC, p3, 2/1 LPC, p1.
Row 23: K1, p2, k5, p4, k6, p4, k5, p2, k1.
Row 24: 2/1 RPC, p5, 2/2 RC, p6, 2/2 LC, p5, 2/1 LPC.
Row 25: P2, (k6, p4) twice, k6, p2.
Row 26: K2, p4, 2/2 RPC, 2/1 LPC, p4, 2/1 RPC, 2/2 LPC, p4, k2.
Row 27: (P2, k4, p2, k3) twice, p2, k4, p2.
Row 28: 2/2 LPC, 2/2 RPC, p3, 2/1 LPC, p2, 2/1 RPC, p3, 2/2 LPC, 2/2 RPC.
Row 29: K2, p4, k6, p2, k2, p2, k6, p4, k2.
Row 30: P2, 2/2 LC, p6, 2/1 LPC, 2/1 RPC, p6, 2/2 LC, p2.
Row 31: K2, (p4, k7) twice, p4, k2.
Row 32: P2, k4, p7, 2/2 LC, p7, k4, p2.
Rep Rows 1-32 for patt.
Pattern Notes
The poncho is a simple rectangle worked seamlessly in one piece from the front bottom and up to the neck opening, where the stitches for the neck are placed on a stitch holder.
The work is then divided into two parts, one for each shoulder, worked separately for the neck opening.
The rectangle is then joined in one piece again and worked to the back bottom.
Working the poncho in one piece is handy also to avoid having to join different sides of the cable, with the risk of not aligning it correctly.
Bottom borders are worked in a 3/3 rib that flows into the cable. The side borders are worked together with the body in garter stitch, with optional buttonholes along the front side.
Finally, stitches are picked up from the neck opening to work a cowl neck in 3/3 rib.
The only finishing required is weaving in ends and sewing on the buttons.
Pattern
Front
Hem
With smaller needles, CO 121 (131, 136, 146, 151, 161) sts.
Row 1 (WS): K7, pm A, work in P2, K3 Rib to last 9 sts, p2, pm A, k7.
Row 2 (RS): K to m A, sm, work in P2, K3 Rib to m A, sm, k to end.
Rows 3-5: Rep Row 2.
Row 6 (Buttonhole): K2, BO 3 sts, k2, sm, work in est rib patt to m A, sm, k2, BO 3 sts, k2.
Row 7 (WS): K2, using Knitted CO method CO 3 sts, k2, work in est rib patt to m A, sm, k2, using Knitted CO method, CO 3 sts, k2.
Rows 8-11: Rep Row 2.
Row 12 (RS): K to m A, sm, work 10 (15, 15, 10, 15, 20) sts in P2, K3 Rib, pm B, *p2, M1R, k3, p2, k3; rep from * once more, p2, M1R, k3, p2, pm B, work in P2, K3 Rib to m A, sm, k to end – 124 (134, 139, 149, 154, 164) sts.
Body
Change to larger needles.
Row 1 (WS): K to m A, sm, p to m B, sm, work in Cable patt to m B, sm, p to m A, sm, k to end.
Row 2 (RS): K to m A, sm, k to m B, sm, work in Cable patt to m B, sm, k to m A, sm, k to end.
Row 3: K to m A, sm, p to m B, sm, work in Cable patt to m B, sm, p to m A, sm, k to end.
Rep Rows 2-3 5 (5, 5, 6, 6, 7) more times. Updated 5/12/2021
Next Row (Buttonhole): K2, BO 3 sts, k2, sm, k to m B, sm, work in Fiocco patt to m B, sm, k to m A, sm, k2, BO 3 sts, k2.
Next Row (WS): K2, using Knitted CO method, CO 3 sts, k2, sm, p to m B, sm, work in Fiocco patt to m B, sm, p to m A, sm, k2, using Knitted CO method, CO 3 sts, k2.
*Work Rows 1-2, 9 (9, 9, 10, 10, 11) times.
Next Row (Buttonhole): K2, BO 3 sts, k2, sm, k to m B, sm, work in Fiocco patt to m B, sm, k to m A, sm, k2, BO 3 sts, k2.
Next Row (WS): K2, using Knitted CO method, CO 3 sts, k2, sm, p to m B, sm, work in Fiocco patt to m B, sm, p to m A, sm, k2, using Knitted CO method, CO 3 sts, k2.
Rep from * 5 more times.
Rep Rows 1-2, 18 (17, 15, 17, 15, 17) more times.
On Row 12 (10, 6, 20, 16, 30) of Fiocco patt start working the Neck opening.
Neck Shaping
Row 1 (RS): K to m A, sm, work in St st to m B, sm, work in Fiocco patt to m B, sm, k16 (17, 15, 27, 23, 25), place rem 61 (67, 69, 76, 77, 84) sts for Right Shoulder and Neck on a holder, turn work – 63 (67, 70, 73, 77, 80) sts.
Left Shoulder
Row 1 (WS): P to m B, sm, work in Fiocco patt to m, sm, p to m A, sm, k to end.
Row 2 (RS): K to m B, sm, work in Fiocco patt to m, sm, k to 2 sts before end, place these 2 sts on holder with Neck sts – 61 (65, 68, 71, 75, 78) sts.
Rep Rows 1-2 once more – 59 (63, 66, 69, 73, 76) sts.
Row 5 (WS): P to m B, sm, work in Fiocco patt to m, sm, p to m A, sm, k to end.
Row 6 (RS): K to m B, sm, work in Fiocco patt to m, sm, k to 1 st before end, place this st on holder – 58 (62, 65, 68, 72, 75) sts.
Rep Rows 5-6, 5 (5, 7, 8, 7, 7) more times – 53 (57, 58, 60, 65, 68) sts for the Left Shoulder.
Next Row (WS): P to m B, sm, work in Fiocco patt to m, sm, p to m A, sm, k to end.
Next Row (RS): K to m B, sm, work in Fiocco patt to m, sm, k to end.
Rep last 2 rows 14 (14, 15, 15, 17, 18) more times, ending on
You should be on Row 16 (16, 16, 32, 32, 16) of the Fiocco cable patt.
Break yarn, place Left Shoulder sts on holder.
Right Shoulder
Replace Right Shoulder sts to needles, leaving the center 10 (12, 13, 13, 14, 14) sts on the holder, k to end – 51 (55, 56, 63, 63, 70) sts.
Row 1 (WS): K to m, sm, p to 2 sts before end, place these 2 sts on holder with the Neck sts – 49 (53, 54, 61, 61, 68) sts.
Row 2 (RS): K to end.
Rep Rows 1-2 once more – 5 47 (51, 52, 59, 59, 66) sts.
Row 5 (WS): K to m, sm, p to 1 st before end, place this last st on the holder – 46 (50, 51, 58, 58, 65) sts.
Row 6 (RS): K to end.
Rep Rows 5-6, 5 (5, 7, 8, 7, 7) more times – 41 (45, 44, 50, 51, 58) sts
Next Row (WS): K to m, sm, p to end.
Next Row (RS): K to end.
Rep last 2 rows 14 (14, 15, 15, 17, 18) more times.
Back
Row 1 (WS): K to m A, sm, p to end of Right Shoulder, using the Provisional CO method, CO 30 (32, 37, 39, 38, 38), replace Left Shoulder sts on needle, p to m B, sm, work in Fiocco patt to m, sm, p to m A, k to end – 124 (134, 139, 149, 154, 164) sts.
Row 2 (RS): K to m A, sm, k to m B, sm, work in Fiocco patt to m B, sm, k to m A, sm, k to end.
Row 3 (WS): K to m A, sm, p to m B, sm, work in Fiocco patt to m B, sm, p to m A, sm, k to end.
Rep Rows 2-3, 93 (93, 93, 101, 101, 109) more times for a total of 5½, (5½, 5½, 6, 6, 6½) Fiocco patt repeats.
Hem
The hem is started after working Row 1 of Fiocco patt.
Change to smaller needles.
Row 1 (RS): K to m A, sm, work next 15 (15, 20, 25, 25, 30) sts in P2, K3 Rib, remove m B, *p2, k2tog, k2, p2, k3; rep from * once more, p2, k2tog, k2, p2, remove m, work in P2, K3 Rib to m A, sm, k to end – 121 (131, 136, 146, 151, 161) sts.
Row 2: K to m A, sm, work in P2, K3 Rib to m A, sm, k to end.
Rep Row 2, 11 more times.
BO all sts.
Cowl Neck
Work the Cowl is worked from the inside of the Neck opening, so to have right side facing when the cowl turns.
With smaller needles and starting from the Left Side of Back, unravel the Provisional CO and place 30 (32, 37, 39, 38, 38) sts from Back Neck holder onto needles and work them in K2, P2 Rib, pick up 14 (16, 18, 18, 18, 22) sts from the selvedge along the Right Side of Neck and work them in K2, P2 Rib, place 30 (32, 37, 39, 38, 38) sts from Front Neck holder onto needles and work them in K2, P2 Rib, pick up 14 (16, 18, 18, 18, 22) sts from the selvedge along the left side of the Neck and work them in K2, P2 Rib. Join to work in the round – 88 (96, 104, 112, 112, 120) sts.
Join in the round.
Rnd 1: Work in K2, P2 Rib.
Rep Rnd 1, 20 more times.
Rnd 22: *K1, M1L, k1, p2, k2, p2; rep from * to end – 11 (12, 13, 14, 14, 15) sts inc’d; 99 (108, 117, 126, 126, 135) sts.
Rnd 23: *K3, p2, k2, p2; rep from * to end.
Rep Rnd 23, 7 more times.
Rnd 31: *K2, p2, k1, M1L, k1, p2; rep from * to end – 11 (12, 13, 14, 14, 15) sts inc’d; 110 (120, 130, 140, 140, 150) sts.
Rnd 32: Work in K3, P2 Rib to end.
Rep Row 32, 15 more times.
BO all sts.
Finishing
Weave in all ends. Sew the buttons opposite to buttonholes.
Wash the piece and let it dry flat.
I just finished with the ribbed hem ending (Row 12- RS) and starting Row 1 Body also (RS), so I cut yarn and started BODY on the (RS).
It makes sense until you reach the Fiocco pattern which says row 1 is (WS).
What am I missing?
Hello Ellie! I’ve reached out to the designer for advice and she or I will reply as soon as possible. Thanks! – Nicola, Editor
Hi Ellie,
it looks like there’s an error in the pattern and Rows 1 and 2 are swapped.
This means that you don’t have to break yarn before starting the body, but start working Row 2, then Row 1 and so on until you reach the Row indicated in the pattern for your size.
I hope this helps and sorry for the error!
paola