Making Waves Poncho

Making Waves Poncho by Pam Grushkin

What is Being Made

The Making Waves Poncho is a knitted cape-style garment designed by Pam Grushkin. This intermediate-level project creates a finished blocked size of 20" x 52" before folding, with the actual worn length being approximately half the knitted measurement due to the poncho's construction method. The design features a combination of stockinette stitch sections with lace detailing, making it an elegant layering piece suitable for various occasions.

Knitting Techniques Used

This pattern employs several key knitting techniques to achieve its finished design. Blocking is essential to the final appearance, accomplished by spraying the knitted fabric with water and then steaming it gently while stretching the lace sections outward to open up the stitch definition. The pattern utilizes circular needle construction, which allows for seamless knitting in the round or flat depending on the poncho's structure. The design is notably customizable, with clear instructions for modifying depth and length: adding 6 stitches per 2 inches of desired depth increase, and remembering that the worn length equals half the total knitted length (for example, knitting to 60 inches produces a 30-inch worn length).

Stitches Used

The Making Waves Poncho primarily features Stockinette Stitch, which is created by knitting on the right side and purling on the wrong side to produce a smooth, classic fabric texture. The pattern also incorporates lace stitches as a design element, which require careful attention during blocking to achieve the intended open, flowing appearance. The abbreviations referenced in the pattern include K (knit) and K2tog (knit 2 stitches together), indicating decrease techniques used throughout the construction.

Materials and Yarn

The Making Waves Poncho requires 500 yards of aran or heavy worsted weight yarn (gauge: 4 to 4.5 stitches per inch). The recommended yarn is Bento, a luxury blend consisting of 80% Merino wool and 20% silk, with each skein providing 98 yards. Five skeins of Bento are needed to complete the project. Additional materials include a size 10.5 circular needle measuring 24 inches, a stitch marker for tracking pattern repeats, and a tapestry needle for finishing and weaving in ends.

Gauge Information

Achieving proper gauge is critical for this project's success. Unblocked gauge measures 14 stitches and 18.75 rows per 4 inches when worked on size 10.5 needles in Stockinette Stitch. After blocking—the essential finishing step—the blocked gauge becomes 12.5 stitches and 21.25 rows per 4 inches. This significant difference demonstrates why blocking is not optional but integral to achieving the finished dimensions and the intended drape of the lace sections. Knitters should swatch and block their gauge swatch before beginning the full project to ensure accurate sizing.