Waterford Poncho in Tahki Yarns Donegal Tweed - Downloadable PDF

Waterford Poncho in Tahki Yarns Donegal Tweed – Knitting Pattern by Teresa Chorzepa

The Waterford Poncho is a beautifully classic, relaxed-fit knitted poncho designed by Teresa Chorzepa and published as a downloadable PDF by Tahki Stacy Charles Inc. Worked in the richly textured Tahki Yarns Donegal Tweed, this pattern produces a cozy, drape-worthy layering piece that is equally suited to everyday wear and special occasions. Rated Easy, it is an ideal project for beginner knitters looking to build confidence while creating a stylish, wearable garment.

What Is Being Made

The finished garment is a pullover poncho with a defined shoulder seam and a neat neckline finish. It is available in three sizes: Small/Medium, Large/XL, and 2X/3X, with knitted bust measurements of 44 (50½, 56) inches / 112 (128.5, 142) cm and lengths of 23 (24¼, 25½) inches / 58.5 (61.5, 65) cm. The generous sizing and relaxed silhouette make it a versatile wardrobe staple that drapes elegantly over the shoulders.

Construction and Techniques

The Waterford Poncho is constructed using a bottom-up, worked flat, seamed method. This means the fabric panels are knitted flat on straight needles from the lower edge upward, then assembled using traditional finishing techniques. Key construction details include:

• Bottom-up construction: Knitting begins at the lower hem and progresses upward toward the shoulders, allowing for easy length adjustments.
• Worked flat: The pieces are knitted back and forth in rows rather than in the round, making this an approachable technique for knitters who are more comfortable with flat knitting.
• Seamed finishing: Shoulder seams are sewn together after blocking, and side seams are partially sewn beginning 4¾ (5¼, 5¾) inches / 12 (13.5, 14.5) cm from the bottom edge, creating the characteristic open poncho silhouette.
• Neck shaping: Neckline shaping is achieved through decreases — 1 stitch decreased at each neck edge every row 8 times, then 1 stitch every right-side row 3 (4, 5) times — giving the neckline a clean, tailored finish.
• Circular needle for neck finishing: A 16-inch / 40 cm circular needle in size 8 (5mm) is used to pick up and work the neckband, ensuring a smooth, even result around the collar.
• Blocking: Pieces are blocked to measurements before seaming, a standard step that evens out the fabric and helps the finished poncho drape beautifully.

Stitches Used

The primary stitch pattern is the Seed Rib, worked over a multiple of 4 stitches plus 3. This textured stitch creates a subtle, rhythmic ribbed fabric with a tactile surface that complements the rustic character of Donegal Tweed yarn. The stitch pattern is worked as follows:

• Row 1 (Right Side): K3, *p1, k3; repeat from * across.
• Row 2 (Wrong Side): K1, *p1, k3; repeat from * to last 2 stitches, p1, k1.

Seed Rib combines the elasticity of ribbing with the visual interest of seed stitch, producing a fabric that lies flat, has gentle stretch, and showcases the flecked texture of tweed yarn particularly well. The stitch repeat is simple enough for beginners to memorize quickly while still producing a polished, professional-looking result.

The gauge for this pattern is 17 stitches and 25 rows = 4 inches / 10 cm in Seed Rib stitch. Achieving the correct gauge is essential for accurate sizing, and the pattern specifically instructs knitters to take time to check gauge before beginning.

Materials and