Herriot Poncho in Rowan Moordale - ZB297-00008-UK - Downloadable PDF

Herriot Poncho in Rowan Moordale by Martin Storey – Knitting Pattern Summary

About This Pattern

The Herriot Poncho is a sophisticated, one-size knitted poncho designed by Martin Storey for Rowan. Released in 2021 under pattern code ZB297-00008-UK, this design is available as a downloadable PDF. It is rated as an advanced level project, making it an excellent choice for experienced knitters looking for a rewarding and elegant challenge. The finished garment measures 110.5 cm (43½ in) in actual width when laid flat, giving it a generous, relaxed drape that is characteristic of classic poncho silhouettes.

What Is Being Made

The Herriot Poncho is a one-size, pull-over-style poncho constructed in two main panels — a front and a back — which are then joined at the shoulders. The design features a shaped neckband, with stitches carefully held on holders during construction for both the left shoulder seam, right shoulder seam, and neckband finishing. The result is a fluid, wearable outer layer with a refined, structured finish at the neck and shoulders.

Construction and Shaping Techniques

The poncho is worked in separate back and front pieces, with shaping introduced at key points to create a well-fitted neckline and smooth shoulder seams. Construction highlights include:

• Shoulder shaping: Stitches are divided and slipped onto holders for the left shoulder seam, right shoulder seam, and neckband separately, allowing for a neat and precise join.
• Neck shaping: The front neck is shaped by working each side separately after dividing stitches at the centre. Decreases are worked at the neck edge to create a smooth, tapered curve. The front neck shaping begins 17 rows earlier than the back shoulder shaping, ensuring the two pieces align correctly when seamed.
• Decrease techniques: The pattern uses P2tog (purl two together) decreases worked in sequence across specific stitch groups to reduce stitches neatly at the neckband and shoulder areas, maintaining pattern integrity throughout.
• Seaming: The left and right shoulder seams are joined using the held stitches, and a neckband is added as a finishing detail using the 68 held neckband stitches.
• Stitch holders: Multiple stitch holders are used simultaneously during the shoulder and neck division rows, reflecting the advanced nature of this pattern.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The Herriot Poncho is worked in a textured stitch pattern referred to throughout the instructions as patt (pattern), which runs consistently across the body of the garment. Key stitches referenced in the pattern include:

• Patt (pattern stitch): A repeating textured stitch pattern that forms the main fabric of the poncho, worked consistently across both front and back panels.
• K2: Knit two stitches, used at specific structural points within the shaping rows.
• P2tog: Purl two stitches together, used as a decrease stitch during neck and shoulder shaping rows.

The combination of a textured main pattern with carefully placed decreases gives the finished garment both visual interest and a polished, tailored appearance at the neckline and shoulders.

Yarn and Materials

This pattern is written for Rowan Moordale, a DK weight yarn, which provides the ideal drape and stitch definition for the textured pattern used throughout. The pattern calls for 9 x 100g balls of Moordale. The photographed sample is shown in Gooseberry 004, a rich, earthy green shade that beautifully highlights the texture of the stitch pattern. An alternative colourway of Pea 021 is also suggested for those who prefer a different tone. Knitters should refer to the full PDF for specific needle size recommendations appropriate to the DK weight yarn and to achieve the correct tension for this design.

Who Is This Pattern For?