Easy Knit Poncho

EASY-KNIT PONCHO

printer-friendly version

Skill level: Easy

Size: One size – stretches to approx. 45” around shoulders. Length adjustable.

Materials:

600-1000 total yds. bulky weight yarn in one, two, or more colors depending on length desired. Elbow-length poncho shown in sample took about 800 yds. total of Brown Sheep "Lamb's Pride Superwash Bulky".

Note: For a lighter-weight poncho, use worsted weight yarn of choice.

Circular needles size 11 (8 mm) and 13 (9 mm), or sizes needed to achieve gauge

Optional: Size I/9 (5.5 mm) crochet hook (for edging)

Tapestry needle

Gauge: 8 sts = 4" in stockinette stitch in the round on size 13 (9 mm) needles (after blocking)

Stitches/Terms: bind off (BO), cast on (CO), knit (K), increase (inc), place marker (pm), purl (P), repeat (rep), stockinette stitch (st st), stitch (st), yarn over (yo)

Special stitches:

To work RT (right twist): Knit into second stitch on left needle (without removing it from left needle), then knit into first stitch on left needle and slide both stitches onto right needle (two-stitch right twist completed).

Poncho

Cast on 56 sts, join into circle (being careful not to twist). Place marker at joining.

Rnd 1: Knit in ea st around to beginning marker (56 sts)

Rnd 2: Knit 6 sts, yo, place marker, knit 2, place marker, *yo, knit 12, place marker, knit 2, place marker, rep from * around, ending knit 6. NOTE: Keep markers in place throughout poncho and slip them to right needle as you come to them.

Rnd 3 (RT round): Knit to first marker (knitting into each yo from previous round as you come to it), RT, *knit to next marker, RT, rep from * around, ending knit to end of round where beginning marker is placed.

Rnd 4 (inc round): Knit to first marker, yo, slip marker, knit 2, slip marker, yo, knit to next marker, *yo, slip marker, knit 2, slip marker, yo, knit to next marker, rep from * around, ending at beginning marker.

Repeat Rounds 3 and 4 until poncho is desired length, changing colors as desired.

Edging: Work the last one or two inches in K2, P2 ribbing, then bind off LOOSELY (use a larger-size needle for bind off, if necessary). Alternatively, omit ribbing, bind off last round loosely and finish with one or two rounds of single crochet, then add fringe if desired.

Optional: To make fringe, wind yarn around 8" measure (such as a book or piece of cardboard), cut through yarn at one end to form strands of fringe. Attach fringe by inserting crochet hook into any lower-edge stitch, loop 3 strands of fringe over hook, pull loop through work, pull ends of fringe strands through loop on hook and tighten knot. Repeat around lower edge at desired intervals.

Neckline: For knitted rib neckline, with size 11 circular needle, pick up one stitch in ea st around and work K2, P2 rib for as many inches as desired to form crew neck or turtleneck. Bind off loosely in rib. Alternatively, single crochet in each st around neckline for one or two rounds. Fasten off and weave in ends

Finishing: Consult yarn ball band for care instructions. If appropriate for the yarn, block poncho by laying it out flat on thick towels, covering with damp towels and leaving to dry.

For personal or charity use only. Do not duplicate pattern for commercial purposes.