Eternity’s Braids Poncho
By Susan Dickerson
Have you ever had that knitted garment that is your favorite above all others? Eternity’s Braids is that for me. This asymmetrical poncho, which is one of the most flattering knitted garments for any body type, features the Celtic braid, one of my favorite cable patterns, which signifies eternity and everlasting goodness.
I have yet to see a body that doesn’t look good in this style of poncho.
THIS PATTERN WILL RELEASE ON JUNE 29 with a Knit-A-Long co-hosted by Robin’s Promise Yarn Co. and The Traveling Yarn Yogi. To find out more about the Knit-A-Long, CLICK HERE.
PATTERN NOTES:
This poncho comes in an inclusive 9 sizes – from bust size 32” up to 80”. Sample was knit in Size F (61.75” x 24”, before folding and blocking).
It all begins with a cable cast on, has six rows of seed-stitch edging and then the body of the garment begins. You will have miles of relaxing knitting and purling with 32 stitches of cabling to keep things interesting.
When working with hand-dyed yarn, always have two skeins wound and working at the same time. Use your first skein through the 2nd row of cabling, ending on a WS row. Change to the second skein on Row 3 of the cable, using Skein 2 for Row 3 & 4. Do not break yarn. Carry the yarn up the cast-on side. Continue alternating skeins every 2 rows. Alternating skeins will prevent color swathing in your garment. If you choose not to alternate skeins, you will get large chunks of color.
The cast on for this garment is the Cable Cast On method. Try it! I think you will like the edging it creates to complement the cable. If you don’t like my recommended Cast On, choose your favorite. This pattern also uses the Cable Bind Off method, which matches the Cast On.
Seed Stitch is featured on the garment edging to prevent curling at the sides and bottom of the poncho. The Seed Stitch is worth the effort. If you can’t stand the thought of K1P1, you can easily substitute the garter stitch (knit all edging rows) to hold it flat, but the Seed Stitch paired with the Celtic braid cable is a nice touch to this garment. The cable, which appears at the garment’s edge, appears in the pattern below as both written instructions and a color-coded chart.
I also suggest weaving in the ends as you go. I’ve blocked garments both ways, weaving in ends before and after blocking, and both have returned the same beautiful finished results.
Just remember, if it’s in my pattern, it is a suggestion (everything except alternating skeins). I endorse being the boss of your own knitting! If there is something in this pattern you don’t like, by all means change it! Also, the chart is color-coded to help you read it.
SIZES
Size A (B, C, D, E) {F, G, H, I} or bust size in inches 32 (38, 44, 50, 56) {62, 68, 74, 80}
SKILL LEVEL: Adventurous Beginner or Intermediate
MATERIALS
4 (4, 6, 6, 6) {7, 7, 8, 9} skeins of Robin’s Promise Two Sparrows DK yarn
(This pattern can be adjusted for Robin’s Promise Yarn’s Raptor Worsted. A US size 7 can achieve the same gauge, but you absolutely must swatch.)
US 5 circular needles with at least a 32” cable
Cable Needle
Stitch markers that fit a US size 5 needle
Tapestry Needle
Scissors
FINISHED GARMENT
My original finished garment was knit in Two Sparrows DK in the color Bunting, the most electric blue possible that makes your eyes dance. The second one pictured is in Mockingbird Feather.
(Blocked) When finished with your knitting, you will have a rectangle 42.75” (48.75”, 54.25”, 59.75”, 65.25”) {70.75”, 76.25”, 81.75”, 87.25”} long.
(Blocked) Once seamed (folded in half), your garment will be 21.38” (24.38”, 27.13”, 29.88”, 32.63”) {35.38”, 38.13”, 40.88”, 43.63”} long
You can block your garment either before you fold your garment in half and seam or after. I blocked mine prior to seaming.
