Delphine Poncho in Rowan Summerlite 4ply - ZB314-00010-DEP - Downloadable PDF

Delphine Poncho in Rowan Summerlite 4ply by Martin Storey – Pattern Summary

The Delphine Poncho is a beautifully elegant knitted poncho designed by Martin Storey and published by Rowan. Available as a downloadable PDF (pattern code ZB314-00010-DEP), this is an intermediate-level knitting project that results in a graceful, wearable cape-style garment suitable for a range of bust sizes. The poncho is worked in Rowan Summerlite 4ply, making it a lightweight and breathable piece ideal for warmer seasons or layering.

Garment Overview

The Delphine Poncho is a single-piece poncho construction that, once completed, is seamed to create its characteristic draped shape. It features a neat garter stitch border running along both side edges throughout, framing a central stitch pattern worked from a chart. The overall silhouette is relaxed and flowing, with the lower edge being wider than the neck opening, giving the garment its classic poncho drape.

Sizing

• Three sizes are available, designed to fit bust measurements of 71–97 cm, 102–127 cm, and 132–147 cm
• The knitted width at the lower edge (before seaming) measures 58 cm, 65 cm, or 73 cm depending on size
• The finished length of each piece is approximately 70 cm, 75 cm, or 80 cm

Construction Method

The poncho is knitted as a flat panel, worked back and forth in rows. The construction is methodical and satisfying for an intermediate knitter. The main body is built up through a series of 20-row pattern repeats, which are worked a total of 28 (30: 32) times across the full length of the piece. The pattern is divided into two halves by a row marker placed at the end of the first set of repeats, with the second half mirroring the first — giving the finished piece its balanced, symmetrical structure.

Once the main patterned section is complete, 8 additional rows of garter stitch are worked across all stitches before casting off, creating a tidy and stable finishing edge. After knitting, the two pieces are seamed together to form the poncho shape, with the neckline formed naturally by the construction.

Techniques Used

• Flat knitting – worked back and forth in rows on straight needles
• Garter stitch border – the first and last 5 stitches of every row are worked in garter stitch (knit every row), creating firm, non-curling side edges throughout the entire piece
• Chart-based stitch pattern – the central stitches are worked following a 20-row stitch chart, repeated multiple times to build the length of the poncho
• Row markers – used to divide the work and mark the midpoint of the poncho
• Seaming – the finished panel is joined to create the poncho silhouette
• Finishing by steaming – the completed poncho is finished by dampening/steaming as directed on the Rowan information page, which helps set the stitches and enhance the drape of the fabric

Stitches Used

• Garter stitch – used for the side borders (5 stitches each side) and the final 8 rows before cast-off
• Charted stitch pattern – the main decorative stitch pattern worked across the central stitches, repeated over a 20-row sequence; the specific stitch pattern is detailed within the chart provided in the PDF
• Knit cast-off – used to bind off stitches at the completion of the piece

Yarn and Materials