purlJam

# The Minimalist Circular Yoke Poncho

This intermediate-level poncho is worked seamlessly from the top down. Utilizing a circular yoke construction, the increases are hidden within "plain" rounds to create a sleek, modern silhouette that drapes naturally over the shoulders.

## Specifications
*   **Size:** Adult One Size (Customizable length)
*   **Finished Measurements:** 
    *   **Neck Circumference:** 20" (51 cm)
    *   **Bottom Circumference:** 70" (178 cm)
    *   **Length:** 22" (56 cm) or desired length.
*   **Yarn:** Worsted weight (Category 4). Approx. 850–1,000 yards (777–914 meters).
*   **Needles:** 
    *   US 8 (5 mm) circular needles, 16" (40 cm) for the neck.
    *   US 8 (5 mm) circular needles, 24" (60 cm) and 40" (100 cm) as the work expands.
*   **Notions:** 1 Stitch marker to denote beginning of round (BOR), tapestry needle.
*   **Gauge:** 18 sts and 24 rounds = 4" (10 cm) in Stockinette stitch after blocking.

## Abbreviations
*   **BOR:** Beginning of round
*   **CO:** Cast on
*   **K:** Knit
*   **P:** Purl
*   **M1L:** Make one left (Increase): Insert left needle from front to back under the strand between stitches; knit into the back loop.
*   **St(s):** Stitch(es)
*   **Rep:** Repeat
*   **Rnd(s):** Round(s)

---

## Instructions

### 1. Neckline
Using the 16" (40 cm) circular needle, CO 90 sts. Join for working in the round, being careful not to twist. Place marker for BOR.

*   **Rnds 1–6:** *K1, P1; rep from * to end of rnd. (Ribbed collar for stability).
*   **Rnd 7:** Knit all sts.

### 2. The Yoke (Shoulder Increases)
*Note: Switch to longer circular needles as the stitch count increases and the work becomes crowded.*

*   **Rnd 1 (Increase Rnd 1):** *K2, M1L; rep from * to end of rnd. (135 sts)
    *   *Validation: 90 / 2 = 45 increases. 90 + 45 = 135.*
*   **Rnds 2–10:** Knit all sts. (Work approx 1.5" plain).
*   **Rnd 11 (Increase Rnd 2):** *K3, M1L; rep from * to end of rnd. (180 sts)
    *   *Validation: 135 / 3 = 45 increases. 135 + 45 = 180.*
*   **Rnds 12–22:** Knit all sts. (Work approx 2" plain).
*   **Rnd 23 (Increase Rnd 3):** *K4, M1L; rep from * to end of rnd. (225 sts)
    *   *Validation: 180 / 4 = 45 increases. 180 + 45 = 225.*
*   **Rnds 24–34:** Knit all sts. (Work approx 2" plain).
*   **Rnd 35 (Increase Rnd 4):** *K5, M1L; rep from * to end of rnd. (270 sts)
    *   *Validation: 225 / 5 = 45 increases. 225 + 45 = 270.*
*   **Rnds 36–46:** Knit all sts. (Work approx 2" plain).
*   **Rnd 47 (Increase Rnd 5):** *K6, M1L; rep from * to end of rnd. (315 sts)
    *   *Validation: 270 / 6 = 45 increases. 270 + 45 = 315.*

### 3. The Body
Continue working in Stockinette stitch (K every round) until the piece measures 20" (51 cm) from the CO edge, or 2" (5 cm) shorter than your desired total length.

### 4. Hem Border
To match the "no-fancy" aesthetic and prevent curling, work the hem in Garter Stitch (in the round).

*   **Rnd 1:** Purl all sts.
*   **Rnd 2:** Knit all sts.
*   **Rnd 3:** Purl all sts.
*   **Rnd 4:** Knit all sts.
*   **Rnd 5:** Purl all sts.
*   **Rnd 6:** Knit all sts.
*   **Rnd 7:** Purl all sts.

Bind off all stitches loosely knit-wise. 

---

## Finishing
1.  **Weave in ends:** Use a tapestry needle to secure all loose yarn tails on the WS (wrong side) of the work.
2.  **Blocking (Crucial for drape):**
    *   Submerge the poncho in lukewarm water with a small amount of wool wash. 
    *   Soak for 20 minutes. 
    *   Gently squeeze out excess water (do not wring). Roll in a towel to remove more moisture.
    *   Lay flat on blocking mats. Shape into a neat circle, ensuring the yoke is smooth. 
    *   Pin the bottom edges if necessary to maintain a perfect circular shape. 
    *   Allow to dry completely away from direct sunlight.

**Technical Note:** If you prefer a longer poncho, continue the "Body" section. Every 4" of extra length will require approximately 100–150 additional yards of yarn.