Type
Knitting
Difficulty
beginner
Category
kimono
AI Thinking Process
Planning
1. **Design Strategy**:
- User wants a poncho made from two rectangles with cables and garter stitch borders
- Template requires kimono structure, but user specified poncho - I'll adapt the kimono template to create a poncho-style garment with kimono construction (two rectangular pieces that create a T-shape when seamed)
- Incorporate cable panel down center with garter stitch borders (12 rows top and bottom)
- Mirror the cable pattern for symmetry
- Beginner level means: simple cable (4-stitch or 6-stitch), clear instructions, minimal shaping
- Worsted weight yarn for good stitch definition in cables
2. **Construction Plan**:
- Create two identical large rectangles that will be seamed to form a poncho
- Each rectangle: garter stitch border (12 rows bottom), stockinette body with center cable panel, garter stitch border (12 rows top)
- Rectangles will be laid perpendicular and seamed to create openings for head and arms
- This maintains the T-shaped kimono philosophy while creating a poncho
- Cable panel centered on each rectangle with mirrored design
- Simple construction: cast on, work border, establish cable pattern, work to length, work top border, bind off
3. **Quality Assurance**:
- Ensure cable panel stitch count is clearly calculated
- Provide clear seaming diagram for poncho assembly
- Verify symmetry in cable placement
- Include beginner-friendly cable instructions
- Check that "12 rows garter" is consistently applied top and bottom
- Address potential confusion about which piece goes which direction
4. **Final Calculations**:
- Worsted weight: 18 sts/24 rows per 4" in stockinette
- For medium poncho: ~40" wide rectangle x 25" long (comfortable drape)
- 40" × 4.5 sts/inch = 180 sts (round to workable number with cable panel)
- Cable panel: 12-st cable with borders = ~20 sts for cable section
- Background sections: (180-20)/2 = 80 sts each side
- Total: 80 + 20 + 80 = 180 sts ✓
Verification
[PRE-FLIGHT CHECKS]
1. **Completeness**: Template requires specific sections for kimono (BACK_BODY, LEFT_FRONT, RIGHT_FRONT, SLEEVES, FRONT_BANDS, FINISHING). For poncho adaptation, I'll use: FIRST_PANEL, SECOND_PANEL, ASSEMBLY, FINISHING to stay true to the two-rectangle construction while acknowledging the template structure.
2. **Consistency**:
- 180 sts × 40" width: 180/40 = 4.5 sts/inch ✓ (matches worsted gauge)
- 25" length × 6 rows/inch = 150 rows ✓
- 12 rows garter = 6 garter ridges top and bottom ✓
- Cable panel centered: 80 + 20 + 80 = 180 sts ✓
3. **Constraints**:
- ✓ Two rectangles (user request)
- ✓ Cables included (user request)
- ✓ Garter stitch top and bottom for 12 rows (user request)
- ✓ Mirrored pattern (user request)
- ✓ Beginner level (simple cable, clear instructions)
- ✓ Worsted weight
4. **Safety**:
- Cable instructions need to be beginner-clear
- Assembly diagram critical for understanding
- Need to clarify that both rectangles are identical
- Verify cable doesn't disrupt stitch count
Pattern
# CABLED KIMONO PONCHO
A modern poncho with traditional kimono construction, featuring two identical rectangular panels with a striking center cable and garter stitch borders. The simple T-shaped assembly creates an elegant, flowing garment perfect for layering.
---
## MATERIALS
**Yarn**: 1200-1400 yards worsted weight yarn
- Sample shown in Cascade 220 (100% Peruvian Highland Wool; 220 yards/100g) - 6 skeins
**Needles**:
- US 8 (5 mm) needles, or size needed to obtain gauge
- Cable needle
**Notions**:
- Tapestry needle for seaming
- Stitch markers
- Measuring tape
---
## GAUGE
18 stitches and 24 rows = 4 inches in stockinette stitch, blocked
**Cable Panel Gauge**: 20 stitches = 4 inches wide, blocked
**CRITICAL**: Check your gauge! Each stitch off = 10 stitches difference in final width.
---
## SIZES
One size fits most: S/M (L/XL, 2XL/3XL)
**Finished Measurements**:
- Panel Width: 40 (44, 48)"
- Panel Length: 24 (26, 28)"
- Total Poncho Circumference (when assembled): approximately 80 (88, 96)"
**Recommended Ease**: Designed to be worn with 20-30" positive ease for a flowing, draped fit.
---
## ABBREVIATIONS
- CO = cast on
- BO = bind off
- k = knit
- p = purl
- st(s) = stitch(es)
- RS = right side
- WS = wrong side
- pm = place marker
- sm = slip marker
- C6F = Cable 6 Front: slip 3 sts to cable needle, hold in front, k3, k3 from cable needle
- C6B = Cable 6 Back: slip 3 sts to cable needle, hold in back, k3, k3 from cable needle
---
## NOTES
**Construction**: This poncho is worked as two identical rectangular panels worked flat from bottom to top. Panels are seamed perpendicular to each other to create a T-shape with openings for head and arms.
**Cable Pattern**: A 12-stitch center cable panel runs vertically through each panel, mirrored when assembled for symmetrical design.
**Garter Borders**: 12 rows of garter stitch (knit every row) at cast-on and bind-off edges create stable, non-curling borders.
**Skill Level**: Beginner/Easy - requires basic knitting, purling, and simple cable technique.
---
## FIRST PANEL
### Cast On and Bottom Border
CO 180 (198, 216) sts.
**Rows 1-12**: Knit all sts (creates 6 garter ridges).
*Count: 180 (198, 216) sts*
### Establish Pattern
**Setup Row (RS)**: K84 (93, 102), pm, p2, k8, p2, pm, k to end—84 (93, 102) sts.
*Math check: 84 + 2 + 8 + 2 + 84 = 180 sts for size S/M ✓*
*Math check: 93 + 2 + 8 + 2 + 93 = 198 sts for size L/XL ✓*
*Math check: 102 + 2 + 8 + 2 + 102 = 216 sts for size 2XL/3XL ✓*
**Row 1 (WS)**: Purl to marker, sm, k2, p8, k2, sm, purl to end.
**Row 2 (RS)**: Knit to marker, sm, p2, k8, p2, sm, knit to end.
**Row 3**: Repeat Row 1.
**Row 4**: Repeat Row 2.
**Row 5**: Repeat Row 1.
**Row 6 (Cable Row - RS)**: Knit to marker, sm, p2, C6F, k2, p2, sm, knit to end.
**Row 7**: Repeat Row 1.
**Row 8**: Repeat Row 2.
**Row 9**: Repeat Row 1.
**Row 10**: Repeat Row 2.
**Row 11**: Repeat Row 1.
**Row 12 (Cable Row - RS)**: Knit to marker, sm, p2, k2, C6B, p2, sm, knit to end.
Rows 1-12 form the pattern repeat.
### Body
Continue working Rows 1-12 of pattern until piece measures 22 (24, 26)" from cast-on edge, ending after a WS row.
*Total rows: approximately 132 (144, 156) rows of pattern + 12 rows of garter border = 144 (156, 168) rows*
### Top Border
**Next 12 rows**: Knit all sts, removing markers on first row (creates 6 garter ridges).
BO all sts knitwise.
---
## SECOND PANEL
Work exactly as for First Panel.
**Both panels should be identical in size and pattern.**
---
## ASSEMBLY
### Blocking
Block both panels to measurements, opening up the cable pattern and ensuring edges are straight.
### Seaming
Lay panels perpendicular to each other in a plus sign (+) configuration:
- Panel 1: oriented horizontally (east-west)
- Panel 2: oriented vertically (north-south)
**Step 1 - Shoulder Seams**:
Using mattress stitch or backstitch, seam the center 8 (9, 10)" of Panel 2's RIGHT edge to the top edge of Panel 1, centered.
*Math: 8" × 4.5 sts/inch = 36 sts; centered on 180 st edge: (180-36)/2 = 72 sts from each end ✓*
Repeat for Panel 2's LEFT edge to the top edge of Panel 1 (creates the "shoulders").
**Step 2 - Head Opening**:
The unseamed portion of Panel 1's top edge (center section) creates the head opening. Should measure approximately 12 (13, 14)" wide.
**Step 3 - Side Seams**:
Seam Panel 2's BOTTOM edge to the bottom edge of Panel 1, centered using the same measurement as shoulder seams (8, 9, 10" seam on each side of center).
The unseamed portions create the arm openings.
### Seaming Diagram
```
[Panel 2 - Top]
|
[Panel 1 - Left] — [HEAD] — [Panel 1 - Right]
|
|
[Panel 2 - Bottom]
Seam shoulders and sides, leaving center openings for head and arms.
```
---
## FINISHING
### Weave in Ends
Weave in all yarn tails securely, especially at seam intersections.
### Final Blocking
Steam or wet block the entire poncho, focusing on:
- Opening up cable panels
- Ensuring garter borders lie flat
- Checking that all seams are smooth and even
### Wearing
The poncho can be worn with the cable panels running vertically (front and back) or horizontally (sides). Experiment with positioning for your preferred drape!
---
## CARE INSTRUCTIONS
Hand wash in cool water with wool-safe detergent. Roll in towel to remove excess water. Lay flat to dry, reshaping to measurements.
---
## DESIGN NOTES
**Cable Pattern**: The alternating C6F and C6B cables create a twisted rope effect down the center of each panel. When assembled, these mirror each other for visual interest.
**Customization Ideas**:
- Add fringe to bottom edges of both panels
- Work in stripes, changing color every 24 rows
- Use a variegated yarn to showcase the simple construction
- Add a button or shawl pin at neck edge for added security
- Increase length for a more dramatic, floor-length poncho
**Yarn Substitutions**: Any worsted weight yarn will work. Choose:
- Wool or wool blends for warmth and elasticity
- Cotton or bamboo for drape and year-round wear
- Alpaca for luxurious softness and drape
---
## SCHEMATIC
```
EACH PANEL (make 2 identical):
40 (44, 48)"
|<—————————————>|
+———————————————+ ← Garter border (12 rows)
| |
| Stockinette | 24 (26, 28)"
| with center |
| cable panel |
| |
+———————————————+ ← Garter border (12 rows)
Cable Panel Detail:
|—84 sts—| 12 sts |—84 sts—|
(p2, k8, p2)
```
**STITCH COUNT VERIFICATION**:
- Size S/M: 84 + 2 + 8 + 2 + 84 = 180 sts ✓
- Size L/XL: 93 + 2 + 8 + 2 + 93 = 198 sts ✓
- Size 2XL/3XL: 102 + 2 + 8 + 2 + 102 = 216 sts ✓
**MEASUREMENT VERIFICATION**:
- S/M: 180 sts ÷ 4.5 sts/inch = 40" ✓
- L/XL: 198 sts ÷ 4.5 sts/inch = 44" ✓
- 2XL/3XL: 216 sts ÷ 4.5 sts/inch = 48" ✓
---
*Pattern designed to combine traditional kimono construction with modern poncho styling. The rectangular panels and perpendicular assembly honor the kimono template while creating a versatile, beginner-friendly layering piece.*
Disclaimer: This pattern was generated by AI and should be reviewed for accuracy before use. While we strive for quality, AI-generated content may contain errors. Please verify measurements, stitch counts, and instructions before beginning your project. Generated by purlJam.uk
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