Butterfly Poncho in Rowan - ZB314-00005-DEP - Downloadable PDF

Butterfly Poncho by Martin Storey – Rowan Knitting Pattern ZB314-00005-DEP

The Butterfly Poncho is a beautifully crafted knitted poncho designed by Martin Storey for Rowan. This elegant cape-style garment is worked in the round using Rowan Summerlite DK yarn, making it a lightweight yet stylish layering piece suitable for a range of occasions. The pattern is available as a downloadable PDF and is rated as intermediate in difficulty, making it ideal for knitters who have moved beyond the basics and are comfortable with more intricate stitch patterns and shaping techniques.

What Is Being Made

This pattern produces a poncho — a seamless, draped outer garment that sits over the shoulders and falls to a generous length. Ponchos of this style are worked from the top down or in sections and joined, creating a fluid silhouette that suits a wide range of body types. The Butterfly Poncho features decorative stitch detailing that gives the design its distinctive name and visual character. It is photographed in Silvery Blue 468, showcasing how the stitch texture catches the light beautifully in a pale, cool-toned shade.

Sizes and Fit

The pattern is offered in three sizes, designed to fit bust measurements of 71–97 cm, 102–127 cm, and 132–157 cm. The knitted circumference at the lower edge measures 137 cm, 154.5 cm, and 171.5 cm respectively, providing comfortable ease and a relaxed, flowing drape. The overall length is approximately 77 [86.5: 96] cm, giving the poncho a substantial, wrap-worthy drop from shoulder to hem.

Yarn and Materials

The pattern calls for Rowan Summerlite DK, a lightweight DK weight yarn sold in 50 g balls. The yarn quantities required are:

• 5 balls for the smallest size (71–97 cm bust)
• 7 balls for the medium size (102–127 cm bust)
• 8 balls for the largest size (132–157 cm bust)

Rowan Summerlite DK is a cotton-based yarn prized for its soft handle, breathability, and stitch definition — qualities that make it particularly well-suited to a poncho intended for warmer seasons or transitional weather. Its smooth texture allows decorative stitches and lace-style motifs to show up with clarity and crispness.

Needles Required

Because this poncho is worked in the round, a range of circular needles in different lengths is required to accommodate the changing stitch count as the work progresses. Specifically, the pattern calls for:

• 3.25 mm (UK size 10) circular needles — one up to 100 cm long and one up to 40 cm long
• 3.75 mm circular needles in lengths of 100 cm, 80 cm, 60 cm, and 40 cm — one of each

Using multiple circular needle lengths is standard practice when knitting large circular pieces that taper or expand significantly, ensuring the stitches always sit comfortably on the needle without stretching or bunching.

Tension and Gauge

The recommended tension is 21 stitches and 32 rows to 10 x 10 cm, measured in the main stitch pattern using 3.75 mm circular needles. Achieving the correct tension is especially important in a garment of this type, where the overall circumference and length depend entirely on stitch and row counts being accurate. Knitters are advised to work a tension swatch before beginning.

Techniques and Construction

The Butterfly Poncho is constructed using circular knitting throughout, which eliminates seams and creates a smooth, continuous fabric. This technique is well-suited to ponchos and capes, as it allows the garment to be worked in one piece with minimal finishing. The use of multiple circular needle lengths — transitioning from longer to shorter needles as the stitch count changes — is a key construction technique in this pattern.