Spin-Stitch Poncho Using Isager Alpaca 2
The Design
“The perfect spin on our favorite poncho.”
We first used this traditional Estonian stitch in a scarf pattern for the 2016 LYS Tour. Not lace, but so lace-like! Not cabled, but twisted by ‘spinning’ a cluster of stitches 180°! Delighted with the simple but dramatic results, we couldn’t wait to use this stitch in a bigger way.
Introducing the perfect twist on our favorite poncho! With alpaca and wool in equal measure, Isager Alpaca 2 gives texture and definition to the beautiful stitch pattern, blocks beautifully, and has the added bonus of softness and drape. What more could we ask for? Two size options (S/M and L/XL) allow you to create just the right fit. We fastened it with eight small shell buttons (available below). Style it multiple ways—shown here both over a slip dress, and on an Island beach with tee shirt and jeans!
The Details
FINISHED SIZES, BLOCKED
Poncho: S/M, approx. 22½ x 51"/57 x 130cm. L/XL, approx. 25½ x 57"/65 x 145cm.
Details given for small poncho; large poncho in parentheses ( ).
YARN
4 (4) skeins Isager Alpaca 2 (270 yds/247m each); shown in S/M in Color 4S. (Note: color name has since been changed to E4S.)
NEEDLES & NOTIONS
US 8 (5.0mm) needle, or size to obtain gauge.
One double-point needle (DPN) 2-3 sizes smaller than gauge needle.
Stitch markers, including a locking marker.
Darning needle to finish.
Approx. 54 56) fork blocking pins (or twice as many T-pins) for pinning scallops; blocking wires or extra pins for ends.
Poncho: 7 (8) small buttons; sewing needle and matching thread.
GAUGE
Approx. 24 sts/24 rows = 4"/10cm in pattern after blocking.
Note: It’s a good idea to knit—and block—a swatch, not for exact gauge, but to be sure you like the fabric.
KNITTER'S NOTES
To make sure you're spinning stitches in the correct direction, notice that all spins in any spin row are spun in the same direction, and all spins in any vertical column slant in the same direction. When you begin a spin, glance at spin directly below to check that you are spinning in the same direction.
Blocking this project will make all the difference. When finishing, our fork blocking pins, sturdy and light, make blocking the rounded scallops along the edge of this scarf a breeze!
Digital Spin-Stitch Scarf & Poncho pattern. (Download)
Printed Spin-Stitch Scarf & Poncho pattern. (Requires shipping.)
COLOR: 11 Lt. Blue. Heathered baby blue.
COLOR: 16 Marine Blue-Green. Light teal.
COLOR: 47 Blue Grey. Balanced blend of medium blue and charcoal.
COLOR: 36 Wine. Deep amethyst.
COLOR: 52 Dusty Plum. Heathered soft purple.
COLOR: 19 Mauve. Bright mauve, more pink than purple.
COLOR: 21 Red. Tomato.
COLOR: 24 Orange. Like a puffin bill.
COLOR: 39 Shrimp. Tea-dyed pink.
COLOR: 8s Med. Natural Brown. Warm cocoa brown.
COLOR: 3 Old Gold. Vintage deep gold.
COLOR: 40 Chartreuse. Heathered yellow shaded with green and gray.
COLOR: 43 Med. Green. Pea green.
COLOR: 23 Green Gray. Soft army green.
COLOR: 46 Lt. Green. Heathered seafoam.
COLOR: 0 Natural White. Cream.
COLOR: 4s Natural Dark Grey. (Undyed; color may vary between lots.)
COLOR: 30 Black.
COLOR: 2s Lt. Natural Gray. Heathered granite.
