Bonassola Poncho in Berroco Vernazza - Downloadable PDF

Bonassola Poncho by Åsa Buchta – Knitting Pattern Summary

The Bonassola Poncho is a beautifully structured, oversized knitted poncho designed by Åsa Buchta and published by Berroco. Available as a downloadable PDF, this intermediate-level pattern produces a relaxed, draping cape-style garment with thoughtful construction details and elegant textural patterning. The design takes its name from the charming Italian coastal village of Bonassola, evoking a sense of effortless, breezy style.

Sizes and Finished Measurements

The Bonassola Poncho is offered in four sizes: S-M, L-XL, 2X-3X, and 4X-5X, making it a genuinely inclusive design. The pattern sample shown is knitted in the second size (L-XL). Key finished measurements include:

• Width: 33, 38¼, 43½, or 49 inches (84, 97, 110.5, or 124.5 cm)
• Body circumference between side seams: 48, 58½, 69, or 80 inches (122, 148.5, 175.5, or 203 cm)
• Length: 26 inches (66 cm) for all sizes

The recommended ease is approximately 8–15 inches (20–38 cm) of positive ease, giving the finished garment its characteristic relaxed, enveloping drape. This generous ease is typical of poncho and cape silhouettes, allowing the fabric to fall gracefully over the shoulders and body.

Yarn: Berroco Vernazza

The pattern calls for Berroco Vernazza, a worsted weight yarn sold in 50-gram balls. The colorway used in the sample is #10630 Sigri. Depending on size, the pattern requires 13, 15, 17, or 19 balls of Berroco Vernazza. Berroco Vernazza is a premium yarn known for its rich stitch definition and beautiful drape, qualities that complement the textural stitch patterns featured in this design. Berroco recommends using the specified yarn to ensure accurate results.

Needles and Notions

This pattern requires a small collection of needles and accessories:

• 32-inch (80 cm) circular needles in sizes US 6 (4 mm) and US 8 (5 mm), or the size needed to obtain gauge
• 16-inch (40 cm) circular needle in size US 6 (4 mm)
• 4 stitch markers

Two needle sizes are used throughout the pattern: the smaller needle creates the garter stitch border sections, while the larger needle is used for the main body fabric. Circular needles are employed even for flat knitting, as is common with larger garment pieces, to comfortably accommodate the high stitch counts involved.

Gauge

The required gauge is 18 stitches and 26 rows = 4 inches (10 cm) in Stockinette Stitch, measured using the larger needle after blocking. As with all knitting patterns, achieving accurate gauge is essential, particularly for a garment with such a wide range of finished measurements across sizes. Blocking is a key finishing step for this project, and gauge should always be checked on a blocked swatch.

Construction Method

The Bonassola Poncho is worked in separate flat pieces and then seamed. This traditional construction approach — knitting the back and front independently and joining them — gives the knitter precise control over the shape and finish of each panel. The sides are seamed 4 inches (10 cm) in from the edge, a detail that creates the characteristic open sides of a poncho silhouette while still providing structure at the shoulder and upper body.

Working in pieces is a well-established technique in garment knitting that allows for easier blocking of individual sections and clean, professional seams. Knitters comfortable with mattress stitch or other seaming methods will find this construction straightforward.

Stitches and Techniques Used

The Bonassola Poncho features a combination of