Savoy Poncho in Rowan Felted Tweed Colour (DE) - Downloadable PDF

Savoy Poncho in Rowan Felted Tweed Colour – Pattern Summary by Martin Storey

The Savoy Poncho is a beautifully simple yet striking knitted poncho designed by Martin Storey for Rowan. This downloadable PDF pattern is written in German and is rated as an intermediate difficulty project, making it an excellent choice for knitters who are comfortable with basic techniques and ready to explore a more relaxed, stylish garment construction. The poncho is worked in Rowan Felted Tweed Colour, a yarn that lends the finished piece a wonderfully textured, tweedy appearance with subtle colour variation.

What Is Being Made

The Savoy Poncho is a cosy, versatile cape-style poncho designed to fit a wide range of bust sizes. It is a one-piece garment that drapes elegantly over the shoulders, with a defined neckline opening and open sides. The design is photographed in Magenta 023, showcasing the rich, heathered tones that Rowan Felted Tweed Colour is celebrated for. The poncho is suitable for wearing across three size ranges, covering bust measurements from 71 cm up to 157 cm, making it an inclusive and adaptable pattern.

Sizes and Fit

• Size 1: To fit bust 71–97 cm
• Size 2: To fit bust 102–127 cm
• Size 3: To fit bust 132–157 cm

The generous sizing range means this poncho can be knitted for a wide variety of body shapes, and the relaxed, draped silhouette of a poncho naturally accommodates ease and comfort.

Construction Method

One of the most interesting aspects of the Savoy Poncho is its construction approach. Rather than being worked in the round from the top down or bottom up as many ponchos are, this garment is knitted sideways, from the side edge. This means the knitter casts on a set number of stitches representing the depth of the poncho and works back and forth in rows until the required length is reached.

Specifically, 118 (134: 150) stitches are cast on using a circular needle, and the work continues in rows until the piece measures 132 (148: 165) cm in length. Despite the use of a circular needle, the poncho is worked back and forth in rows rather than in the round — a technique recommended here due to the high stitch count, as the long cable of the circular needle comfortably accommodates the many stitches without strain.

Once the knitting is complete, the piece is folded in half so that the cast-on and cast-off edges meet. A neckline opening of 29 (30: 31) cm is measured down from the fold line, and the shoulder seams are joined along the side edges of the cast-on and cast-off edges. The opposite sides are left open, creating the characteristic open-sided poncho silhouette.

Stitch Pattern and Techniques

The Savoy Poncho is worked in a slip-stitch pattern that creates a beautifully subtle, woven-looking fabric texture. The stitch pattern is a two-row repeat, making it easy to memorise and rhythmically satisfying to knit:

• Row 1 (right side): K2, slip 2 stitches purlwise with yarn held in front, K2; repeat from * to end
• Row 2 (wrong side): Purl all stitches

This slip-stitch technique involves slipping stitches purlwise with the yarn held at the front on right-side rows, which creates a distinctive horizontal float across the fabric surface. The result is a fabric that appears more complex than it actually is — a hallmark of clever, accessible design. The alternating knit and slip stitches, combined with the multicoloured nature of Rowan Felted Tweed Colour, produce a richly textured, almost woven aesthetic without requiring any stranded colourwork or complex techniques.

Slip-stitch knitting is a well-loved technique among intermediate kn