Dartmouth Poncho in Cascade Yarns 220 Superwash Merino - W744 - Downloadable PDF

Dartmouth Poncho Knitting Pattern in Cascade Yarns 220 Superwash Merino – Designed by Melissa Leapman

About This Free Downloadable Knitting Pattern

The Dartmouth Poncho is a beautifully structured knitted cape and poncho design by renowned knitwear designer Melissa Leapman, published by Cascade Yarns as a free downloadable PDF (pattern number W744). Worked in a rich cable pattern, this intermediate-level project produces a generously sized, elegant poncho with a finished width of 65½ (72, 78½) inches and a consistent length of 21 inches across all three sizes. The three available sizes — Small, Medium, and Large — make it accessible to a wide range of knitters looking for a sophisticated layering piece.

What Is Being Made

The finished object is a knitted poncho, a versatile draped garment that sits over the shoulders and falls gracefully around the body. Ponchos of this style require no shaping at the sides, making the construction relatively straightforward despite the intermediate skill rating. The Dartmouth Poncho features a shaped neckline, giving it a more refined, tailored look compared to simpler rectangular poncho constructions. The generous finished width ensures excellent drape and coverage, making it a practical yet stylish wardrobe addition for cooler seasons.

Construction and Techniques

The Dartmouth Poncho is knitted flat in pieces using a 36-inch circular knitting needle, which accommodates the large stitch counts required for this wide garment. The pattern begins with the Back section, where stitches are cast on — 180 (198, 216) stitches depending on size — and the cable pattern is worked evenly for approximately 19 inches. After reaching the desired length, a neck shaping section is worked by dividing the stitches and binding off the center 46 stitches, then working each shoulder section separately using a second ball of yarn. This technique of simultaneously working both sides of a neckline opening is a hallmark of intermediate-level knitting construction and ensures even, symmetrical results.

The use of a cable needle is required throughout, as the signature cable pattern forms the visual centerpiece of the entire design. Cables are created by temporarily holding stitches on the cable needle while other stitches are worked, then returning to the held stitches — a technique that produces the characteristic twisted, rope-like texture beloved in classic knitwear.

Stitches and Techniques Used

• Cable Pattern — the primary stitch pattern, worked from a chart included in the PDF, creating textured twisted columns across the full width of the poncho
• Knit (K) — the foundational knit stitch used throughout
• Purl (P) — used to create the background fabric that offsets and highlights the cable columns
• K2tog (Knit 2 Together) — a right-leaning decrease stitch used in shaping
• Cast On (CO) — to begin each section of the poncho
• Bind Off (BO) — used to finish edges and shape the neckline
• Neck shaping — worked by dividing stitches and joining a second ball of yarn to work both sides simultaneously
• Blocking — essential for achieving the correct gauge of 22 stitches = 4 inches in the cable pattern; blocking opens up the cables and sets the final dimensions of the garment
• Chart reading — the cable pattern is provided as a visual chart, making chart-reading ability an important skill for this project

Yarn and Materials

This pattern is designed specifically for Cascade Yarns 220 Superwash Merino, a premium 100% Superwash Merino Wool yarn. Each skein contains 220 yards (200 meters) and weighs 100 grams (3.5 oz), placing it firmly in the DK weight category. The pattern sample is shown in color #79, Bordeaux Heather, a deep, heathered wine tone that beautifully