My inspiration comes from Elizabeth Zimmerman’s celebrated pi shawl, a circular garment based on the geometry of Pi, one of the most well-known mathematical constants. I have adapted this concept to a poncho design, that combines different knitted lace patterns separated by the rounds where the stitch count is doubled (The “Pi” construction).
Worked top-down in the round, this pattern allows you to adapt the length as you go. To make a deeper shawl, simply add extra knit rows to sections 1, 3, and 5. Thus one size fits all.
This basic poncho pattern is the perfect introduction to circular needles, knitting in the round, and easy lace patterns. Worked with DK/Worsted yarn and US 7 (4.5 mm) needles, it is a fast and fun project to make.
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Yarn
Garnstudio DROPS Lima (65% Wool, 35% Alpaca),109 yds [100 m]/50g), off white (3 balls) (CC1).
Garnstudio DROPS Lima (65% Wool, 35% Alpaca),109 yds [100 m]/50g), brown 5610 (2 balls) (CC2).
Garnstudio DROPS Lima (65% Wool, 35% Alpaca),109 yds [100 m]/50g), rust, 0707 (3 balls) (CC3)
Garnstudio DROPS Lima (65% Wool, 35% Alpaca),109 yds [100 m]/50g), moss green 7810 (3 balls) (CC4)
Needle/Hook
US 7 (4,5 mm) needles 30” (75 cm) circular, or size needed to obtain gauge
Gauge
18 sts and 25 rows = 4″ [10cm] in twisted 1x 1 ribbing st (worked on the round) after blocking.
18 sts and 23 rows = 4″ [10cm] in lace patterns 1 and 2 (worked on the round) after blocking.
Size
Approx 93” [230 cm] circumference, 36” [90 cm] diameter and 17” [42 cm] long
Notions
Yarn needle, stitch markers, scrap yan for lifeline, if desired.
Abbreviations
Tutorials
Pattern Notes
Pattern is worked top-down in the round, with the right side facing.
Place and keep a marker at the BOR.
For lace patterns, my suggestion is to use a larger (and sharp) needle than the one recommended by the manufacturer. In any case, I strongly recommend to do gauge swatching in the round (important, since gauge may change from working flat), and using light yarn (to better see the pattern). The sample will not only give you the choice of the best size needle but also will help you to learn/understand the lace pattern before you start your project.
Since it can be difficult to rip out stitches when making mistakes in lace knitting, a lifeline is strongly recommended to allow you to start at the beginning of a repeat (or wherever you place it in the pattern), rather than start all over.
You may also consider using stitch markers between the pattern repeats to keep track of stitch counts and to spot errors more quickly. This is especially useful in the first rows (when you still cannot see clearly the pattern) and/or when working with a dark yarn.
Poncho Instructions
Section 1
With CC1, use the long tail tubular cast-on to CO 99 sts.
Row 1: Working flat, *K1 tbl, sl1 with yarn in front, rep from * to end of rnd.
Row 2: Working flat, *K1, sl1 with yarn in front, rep from * to end of rnd.
Pm and join to work in the round, being careful to not twist the stitches.
Rnds 1-10: *K1 tbl, p1 tbl; rep from * to end of rnd.
Rnd 11: K to end of rnd.
Rnd 12: *K1, yo; rep from * to end of rnd. (198 sts)
Rnd 13: K to end of rnd. Adjust your stitch count to a multiple of 8 by evenly increasing 2 sts. (200 sts)
Section 2
With CC2, work this section using the chart for Section 2 or the written instructions below. You will repeat the charted pattern 25 times in total.
Rnd 1: *P1, yo, s2kp2, yo, p1, k1, p1, k1; rep from rep from * to end of rnd.
Rnd 2: *P1, k3, p1, k1, p1, k1; rep from * to end of rnd.
Rnd 3: *P1, k1, yo, ssk, p1, smock3; rep from * to end of rnd.
Rnd 4: *P1, k1; rep from * to end of rnd.
Rnd 5: *K2tog, yo, p1, yo, ssk, k1, p1, k1; rep from * to end of rnd.
Rnd 6: *K2, p1, k3, p1, k1; rep from * to end of rnd.
Rnd 7: *Yo, k1, p1, k1, yo, ssk, , p1, k2tog; rep from * to end of rnd.
Rnd 8: *P1, k1; rep from * to end of rnd.
Rnd 9: *P1, k1, p1, k1, p1, yo, s2kp2, yo; rep from * to end of rnd.
Rnd 10: P1, k1, p1, k1, p1, k3; rep from * to end of rnd.
Rnd 11: P1, smock3, p1, k1, yo, ssk; rep from * to end of rnd.
Rnd 12: *P1, k1; rep from * to end of rnd.
Rnd 13: *Ssk, k1, p1, k1, k2tog, yo, p1, yo; rep from * to end of rnd.
Rnd 14: *K2, p1, k3, p1, k1; rep from * to end of rnd.
Rnd 15: *Yo, ssk, p1, k2tog, yo, k1, p1, k1; rep from * to end of rnd.
Rnd 16: *P1, k1¸ rep from * to end of rnd.
Rnd 17: Rpt Rnd 1.
Rnd 18: K to end of rnd.
Section 3
With CC1, work the next increase section as follows:
Rnds 1-2: K to end of rnd.
Rnd 3: Adjust your stitch count to a multiple of 15 by evenly increasing 10 sts as follows: knit 10, m1, [k20, m1] until last 10 sts, k10. (210 sts)
Section 4
With CC3, work this section using the chart for Section 4 or the written instructions below. You will repeat the charted instructions 14 times in total.
Rnd 1: *P1, k2tog, yo, p1, k11; rep from * to end of rnd.
Rnds 2 and all even rnds to 12 (except rnd 6): *P1, k2, p1, k11; rep from * to end of rnd.
Rnd 3: *P1, , yo, ssk, p1, k11; rep from * to end of rnd.
Rnd 5: *P1, k2tog, yo, p1, k3, k2tog, K3 long inc, , ssk, k3; rep from * to end of rnd.
Rnd 6: *P1, k2, yo, p1, k2, k2tog, k5, ssk, k2; rep from * to end of rnd.
Rnd 7: *P1, yo , ssk, p1, k1, k2tog, yo, k2tog, yo, k1, yo, ssk, yo, ssk, k1; rep from * to end of rnd.
Rnd 9: *P1, k2tog, yo, p1, k2tog, yo, k2tog, yo, k3, yo, ssk, yo, ssk; rep from * to end of rnd.
Rnd 11: *P1, yo ssk, p1, k4, yo, , s2kp2, yo, k4; rep from * to end of rnd.
Repeat Rnds [1-12] 1 more time.
Section 5
With CC1, work the next increase section as follows:
Rnd 1: K to end of rnd.
Rnd 2: *K1, yo; rep from * to end of rnd. (420 sts)
Rnd 3: K to end of rnd. Adjust your stitch count to a multiple of 6, if needed. (420 sts)
Section 6
With CC4, work this section using the chart for Section 6 or the written instructions below.
Rnd 1: *K1, yo, ssk, k1, k2tog, yo; rep from * to end of rnd.
Rnds 2 and all even rnds to 8: K to end of rnd.
Rnd 3: *K1, yo, k1, s2kp2, k1, yo; rep from * to end of rnd.
Rnd 5: *K1, k2tog, yo, k1, yo, ssk; rep from * to end of rnd.
Rnd 7: *S2kp2, k1, yo, k1, yo, k1; rep from * to end of rnd.
Repeat Rnds [1-8] 2 more times.
Section 7
With CC1, work the edging as follows:
Rnds 1: K to end of rnd.
Rnds 2-10: *K1 tbl, p1 tbl; rep from * to end of rnd.
Finishing
BO
Weave in ends, using the tail to sew together the two sides of the cast on edge.
Wash and block.
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About the Designer: Crisdvic
Cristina has been a knitter for a long time and has recently started to design her own patterns. She enjoys slow and mindful knitting, both quick and simple projects, but also challenges. You can find her on Ravelry (crisdvic), Instagram (@crisdvic) and at www.crisdvic.cat.
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