Pimpernel Poncho in Rowan Kidsilk Haze - ZM72-00045-DEP - Downloadable PDF

Pimpernel Poncho in Rowan Kidsilk Haze by Martin Storey – Knitting Pattern Summary

The Pimpernel Poncho is an elegant, lace-weight knitted poncho designed by Martin Storey and published by Rowan. Available as a downloadable PDF, this intermediate-level pattern creates a beautifully draped cape-style garment worked in the iconic Rowan Kidsilk Haze yarn. The design is notable for its clever sideways (horizontal) construction of the main body panels, giving the finished piece a distinctive drape and texture that differs from conventionally top-down or bottom-up knitted ponchos.

Sizes and Fit

The pattern is written to fit five sizes, accommodating a wide range of chest measurements:

• S: 81–86 cm
• M: 91–97 cm
• L: 102–107 cm
• XL: 112–117 cm
• XXL: 122–127 cm

Yarn and Materials

The pattern calls for Rowan Kidsilk Haze, a luxurious lace-weight yarn renowned for its halo of kid mohair and silk blend. The yarn is photographed in Cream 634, giving the poncho a soft, ethereal appearance. Quantities required are:

• S and M: 7 x 25 g balls
• L, XL, and XXL: 8 x 25 g balls

Needles Required

• 1 pair 2¾ mm straight needles
• 1 pair 3¼ mm straight needles
• 1 2¾ mm circular needle, 40 cm length
• 1 2¾ mm circular needle, 100 cm length

Tension / Gauge

The stated tension is 26 stitches and 36 rows to 10 x 10 cm, measured over the stitch pattern using 3¼ mm needles. Achieving the correct tension is especially important with lace-weight yarn to ensure the finished poncho drapes correctly and matches the intended dimensions.

Construction Method

Both the back and front panels are identical and are worked sideways (crosswise), meaning stitches are cast on along what will become the side edge and knitting progresses horizontally across the body. This is a less common but highly effective construction technique that naturally produces a fluid, flowing fabric particularly well suited to the halo quality of Rowan Kidsilk Haze. The two panels are then seamed at the shoulder and upper arm seams to form the poncho shape.

Stitch Pattern

The main body fabric is worked in a lace stitch pattern that creates an open, decorative texture. The pattern alternates over two rows:

• Row 1 (right side): A sequence of yarn overs, slip stitches, and passing slipped stitches over worked knit stitches, creating a delicate dropped-stitch lace effect.
• Row 2 (wrong side): Worked entirely in purl to maintain the fabric structure.

This lace technique — combining yarn overs with slipped stitches passed over — produces a soft, airy fabric with a subtle geometric quality, ideal for a lightweight poncho intended to be worn as an elegant layering piece.

Finishing Details

The pattern includes several carefully worked finishing elements that give the Pimpernel Poncho its polished, professional appearance:

Neckband

A neckband is picked up and worked in the round using the shorter 2¾ mm