850 Astilbe Poncho - Knitting Pattern for Women in Valley Yarns Northfield

850 Astilbe Poncho – Knitting Pattern for Women in Valley Yarns Northfield

The 850 Astilbe Poncho is a beautifully designed women's knitting pattern created by Julie Turjoman, worked in the luxurious Valley Yarns Northfield DK weight yarn. This elegant poncho is constructed in two flat pieces that are seamed together, making it an approachable project for advanced beginners who are ready to explore a touch of lace work. The finished garment serves as a refined, lightweight extra layer — perfect for cool evenings or transitional weather styling.

What Is Being Made

This pattern produces a women's poncho worked in two rectangular panels that are joined together. The design features an undulating botanical lace border inspired by the feathery, plume-like astilbe flower, giving the finished piece a graceful, organic aesthetic. The poncho is available in two finished sizes:

• Size 1: 18 inches long x 38 inches wide
• Size 2: 24 inches long x 46 inches wide

Finished length is measured from the short edge of the scalloped lace border up to the shoulder. The resulting silhouette is fluid and draped, thanks in large part to the fiber content of the recommended yarn.

Construction and Techniques

The poncho is worked flat in two separate pieces, meaning knitters work back and forth in rows rather than in the round for the main body sections. The two panels are then seamed together using a tapestry needle to create the finished garment shape. This straightforward construction makes the project very manageable, even for those newer to garment knitting.

The standout design element is the botanical lace border, which creates a scalloped, undulating edge reminiscent of natural plant forms. Lace knitting involves deliberate yarn-over increases paired with corresponding decreases to form decorative openwork patterns. While lace can sound intimidating, the border used in this pattern is described as an accessible introduction to the technique, making it well-suited to the advanced beginner skill level.

Circular needles are used throughout — both a 16-inch circular and a 32-inch circular — which helps manage the width of the fabric comfortably even when working flat rows. Stitch markers are used to keep track of pattern sections, particularly around the neck and shoulder shaping area.

Stitches Used

• Stockinette stitch – the primary stitch used for the body of the poncho, creating a smooth, classic fabric surface
• Lace stitch pattern – an undulating botanical motif used along the border, incorporating yarn-overs and decreases to form the decorative scalloped edge
• Slip stitch selvedge – referenced in the pattern (slipping the first stitch of rows) to create neat, even edges that are easier to seam
• Bind off and cast on – standard techniques used to begin and finish the panels

Gauge

Achieving the correct gauge is essential for a well-fitting poncho. The pattern calls for 22 stitches and 28 rows over 4 inches in Stockinette stitch on US Size 6 (4.0 mm) needles. Knitters are encouraged to swatch and adjust needle size as needed to match this gauge before beginning the project.

Materials – Yarn, Needles, and Notions

The recommended yarn is Valley Yarns Northfield, a DK weight yarn with a fiber composition of 70% Merino Wool, 20% Baby Alpaca, and 10% Silk. Each skein contains approximately 124 yards per 50 grams. The blend of Merino and Baby Alpaca gives the yarn exceptional softness and warmth, while the silk content adds a subtle sheen and luxurious drape — qualities that make it particularly well-suited to a flowing poncho silhouette. The colorway featured in the pattern is Azalea, a warm and flattering tone.

• Size 1: 10 skeins of Valley Yarns North