Braque Poncho in Adriafil Baba - Downloadable PDF

Braque Poncho in Adriafil Babà – Free Knitting Pattern (Downloadable PDF)

The Braque Poncho is a beautifully simple, one-size knitted poncho designed using Adriafil Babà chunky yarn. This free downloadable PDF pattern produces a versatile, cosy garment that doubles as a hooded poncho, thanks to a clever seaming technique that shapes an integrated hood from the same rectangular piece of fabric. No complex shaping or increases are required — making this an ideal project for knitters who want a satisfying, wearable result with straightforward construction.

What Is Being Made

The finished garment is a one-size poncho with a built-in hood. It is worked as a single flat rectangle and then partially seamed to create the distinctive poncho silhouette. The hood is formed naturally by leaving the first 46 cm of each joining edge free, while only the last 36 cm of the cast-on edge is sewn to the right-hand edge. The lower 29 cm of the side edge also remains open, giving the poncho its characteristic drape and ease of wear. The result is a fluid, enveloping wrap that sits comfortably over the shoulders with a hood that frames the face.

Construction Technique

• Worked in one piece: The entire poncho is knitted as a single flat rectangle — no separate panels, no complicated joins during knitting.
• Partial seaming to create shape: Once the knitting is complete, a specific section of the cast-on edge is sewn to the right edge using a tapestry needle. This single seam transforms the flat rectangle into a three-dimensional hooded poncho.
• No shaping rows: There are no increases, decreases, or short rows. The shape is entirely achieved through the strategic placement of the seam.

Stitches Used

The pattern relies on just two fundamental knitting stitches, alternated in blocks to create a subtle, textured stripe effect across the fabric:

• Knit stitch — worked for 8 consecutive rows to create a smooth, raised band.
• Purl stitch — worked for 8 consecutive rows, creating a recessed, ridged band that contrasts with the knit sections.

This alternating block pattern of 8 rows knit, 8 rows purl is repeated throughout the full length of the piece, producing a bold, graphic horizontal texture that is both visually interesting and tactile. Because chunky yarn is used, each 8-row block is clearly defined and works up quickly.

Pattern Details and Gauge

• Cast on: 70 stitches
• Total length: 111 cm before cast-off
• Gauge: 8.5 stitches and 11.5 rows over 10 x 10 cm, worked in alternating knit and purl stitch on size 9 knitting needles
• Size: One size fits all

Achieving the correct gauge is particularly important in this pattern because the finished dimensions directly determine how the seam falls and how the hood and lower opening are proportioned. Swatching before casting on is always recommended.

Materials Required

• Yarn: Adriafil Babà in colour no. 71 — 800 g total required. Babà is a chunky weight yarn, and its generous weight and texture make it ideal for this kind of bold, textured stitch pattern.
• Knitting needles: Size 9 (metric sizing)
• Tapestry needle: Required for seaming the cast-on edge to the right edge during make-up and finishing

Making Up and Finishing

Once the rectangle is complete and all stitches are cast off, the finishing process is straightforward. Using a tapestry needle, the cast-on edge is sewn to the right edge — but only for the last 36 cm of that edge. The remaining 46 cm of both edges are left free to form the open hood. The lower 29