Ponchos and Cape/Shawl in Stylecraft Charm - 9879 - Downloadable PDF

Ponchos and Cape/Shawl in Stylecraft Charm – Pattern 9879

This Stylecraft pattern 9879 is a downloadable PDF offering three easy knit designs worked in Stylecraft Charm lace weight yarn. Described as a one ball project for smaller sizes, the collection includes a Squared Asymmetrical Poncho, a Diagonal Patterned Poncho, and a Cape/Shawl. All three designs are rated advanced beginner in difficulty, making them accessible to knitters who have moved beyond the very basics but are not yet working complex stitch patterns. Each design is presented in three size ranges to fit bust measurements of 81–122 cm (32–48 in).

Yarn and Materials

All three designs use Stylecraft Charm, a lace weight yarn, sold in 200g balls. Each design is worked in a single colourway:

• Squared Asymmetrical Poncho – Dragonfly 3628
• Diagonal Patterned Poncho – Deep Water 3627
• Cape/Shawl – Autumn Dusk 3626

The number of balls required varies by design and size:

• Squared Asymmetrical Poncho: 1 ball for the smallest size, 2 balls for the two larger sizes
• Diagonal Patterned Poncho: 1 ball for the two smaller sizes, 2 balls for the largest size
• Cape/Shawl: 1 ball for the smallest size, 2 balls for the two larger sizes

Needles required differ between the poncho designs and the cape/shawl:

• For the ponchos: a pair of 4½ mm (UK 7 / USA 7) knitting needles and a pair of 4 mm (UK 8 / USA 6) knitting needles; the Diagonal Patterned Poncho also requires a 4 mm 100 cm circular needle
• For the cape/shawl: a pair of 5 mm (UK 6 / USA 8) needles, a pair of 3¾ mm (UK 9 / USA 5) needles, and a 3¾ mm 100 cm circular needle

Tension

The stated tension for the poncho designs is 20 stitches and 27 rows to 10 cm / 4 in over pattern on 4½ mm needles, or the needle size needed to achieve the correct tension. As with all knitting patterns, swatching before beginning is strongly recommended, particularly when working with lace weight yarn where slight differences in tension can noticeably affect the finished dimensions.

Squared Asymmetrical Poncho

The Squared Asymmetrical Poncho is worked sideways in one piece, a clever construction method that avoids seaming and creates an interesting asymmetrical drape. Finished full lengths are approximately 58 cm, 68 cm, and 78 cm (22¾, 26¾, and 30¾ in) across the three sizes.

Using 4 mm needles and the thumb method, stitches are cast on loosely — 116, 136, or 156 stitches depending on size — before switching to 4½ mm needles for the main body. The cast-on is followed by 6 rows of garter stitch to create a neat, stable lower edge.

The main fabric is worked in a block pattern alternating sections of knit and purl stitches in groups of 20, creating a bold textural check effect. Because the poncho is worked sideways, these blocks run vertically in the finished garment, giving the asymmetrical shape its distinctive character.

A key feature is the Edge Stitch Pattern,