Poncho in Hayfield Bonus Chunky - 8292 - Downloadable PDF

Hayfield Bonus Chunky Poncho – Knitting Pattern 8292

This downloadable PDF knitting pattern (reference 8292) from Hayfield provides full instructions for knitting a chunky-weight poncho in a single, versatile size designed to fit a bust measurement of approximately 86–91 cm (34–36 inches). The poncho is worked in two identical flat pieces that are seamed together, making it an approachable project for intermediate knitters who are ready to practise cable techniques alongside textured stitch patterns.

What Is Being Made

The finished garment is a classic one-size poncho, a draped, over-the-head outerwear piece that sits across the shoulders and falls loosely over the body. Because it is constructed from two rectangular panels worked to approximately 80 cm (31½ inches) in length, the shaping is minimal and the focus of the design lies entirely in the rich stitch patterning across the fabric. The resulting piece is warm, relaxed in fit, and well suited to cooler seasons thanks to the chunky yarn weight.

Materials Required

• Yarn: Hayfield Bonus Chunky in shade 723 – 6 x 100 g balls (colour reference F060). The pattern also notes suitability for Hayfield Chunky with Wool and Hayfield Chunky Tweed, though yarn quantities may vary when substituting.
• Needles: One pair of 6½ mm (UK 3 / USA 10.5) straight knitting needles.
• Additional tool: A cable needle (CN) is required for working the cable panel sections.
• Zip/closure: A 50 cm (19¾ in) zip or opening is referenced in the finishing details.

Tension

Achieving the correct tension is described in the pattern as essential. Two distinct tension measurements are given because the pattern combines two different stitch structures across the same fabric:

• The cable panel: 14 stitches measure 7 cm (2¾ in) on 6½ mm needles.
• The 1×2 slip stitch pattern: 18 stitches and 19 rows measure 10 cm (4 in) on 6½ mm needles.

Knitters are advised to adjust needle size up or down as needed to match these measurements before beginning the main fabric.

Stitches and Techniques Used

This pattern is a rewarding intermediate project because it combines several distinct stitch techniques within a single fabric, creating a visually textured and structured surface:

• C8B (Cable 8 Back): The signature cable stitch of this design. Four stitches are slipped to the cable needle and held at the back of the work, the next four stitches are knitted, and then the four held stitches are knitted from the cable needle. This creates a bold, right-leaning eight-stitch cable twist that forms the central decorative column of the cable panel.
• Cable panel pattern: A structured repeat built around the C8B cable cross, flanked by purl stitches that allow the cable to stand out in relief against the background fabric. The panel is set up using a foundation row and then worked across multiple pattern rows.
• 1×2 Slip Stitch Pattern: A textured background stitch that alternates knit and purl stitches with yarn-forward and yarn-back slip stitches. Specifically, stitches are slipped knitways (s1) with the yarn held in front (yft) or back (ybk) as directed, creating a subtle woven or elongated texture across the non-cable sections of the fabric.
• Moss or seed stitch border: The edges of the panel feature a (k1, p1) rib-style border that frames the cable and slip-stitch sections, adding structure and preventing the edges from curling.
• Increases within the foundation row: The cast-on of 75 stitches is worked