How to Crochet a Poncho

Written by
Mollie Johanson
Mollie Johanson is a professional crafter with over 10 years experience. She is the author of “Stitch Love: Sweet Creatures Big & Small.”
Learn about The Spruce Crafts' Editorial Process
Mollie Johanson
Updated 10/23/20
Convertible Poncho Crochet Pattern

The Spruce Crafts / Mollie Johanson

Overview
  • Yield: Ladies medium poncho 24in x 24in (61cm x 61cm)
  • Skill Level: Beginner

Crochet this cozy poncho to stay warm and in style in any season. The free poncho crochet pattern is easy and quick to make, plus you can wrap and button it in different ways. 

The bulk of the design uses moss stitch and the rows of eyelet or buttonholes are almost the same, but with double crochet. That makes this an easy pattern to remember and work on as you watch TV or have a coffee date with a friend.

Convertible Poncho Crochet Supplies

The Spruce Crafts / Mollie Johanson

Pattern Information

The gauge for this project is 15 stitches and 15 rows to four-inches in moss stitch. Abbreviations used throughout the instructions are:

Notes

  • Two strands of yarn were held together throughout the project, which effectively makes this like working with worsted-weight yarn. You can substitute worsted-weight, and use half the yardage. When substituting yarn, making a swatch is vital.
  • Turning chains count as a stitch and as the end of each row that you should work into the turning chain.
  • To add a fun detail, work in contrasting stripes in your favorite color.

What You'll Need

Equipment / Tools

  • US size K-10.5/6.50mm crochet hook
  • Stitch markers
  • Tapestry needle

Materials

  • 3 skeins Buttercream Luxe Craft Mohair Brushed Yarn in taupe
  • 1 skein Buttercream Luxe Craft Mohair Brushed Yarn in Dark Gray
  • 3 1-inch buttons

Instructions

  1. Start the Poncho

    Holding two strands of fine-weight yarn together in the main color, foundation single crochet 105 stitches. 

    Tip

    You can make a starting chain and work single crochet stitches in each chain, but the foundation single crochet makes a sturdy base that doesn't curl.

    Row 1: ch 4, sk 1 st, dc in next st, *ch 1, sk 1 st, dc in next st. Rep from * to the end.

    Start the Poncho With FSC and DC

    The Spruce / Mollie Johanson

  2. Crochet the Body of the Poncho

    Row 2: ch 2, *sc in ch-sp, ch 1. Rep from * to the last st. Sc in last st (turning ch).

    Repeat row 2 four more times (five rows total).

    Change to the accent color and repeat row 2 four times.

    Change to the main color and repeat row 2 two times.

    Change to the accent color and repeat row 2 four times.

    Change to the main color and repeat row 2 two times.

    Change to the accent color and repeat row 2 four times.

    Change to the main color and repeat row 2 until the poncho measures 23 inches tall. 

    Row 3: ch 4, *dc in ch-sp, ch 1. Rep from * to the last st. Dc in last st (turning ch).

    Row 4: ch 2, sk 1 st, sc in next st (top of dc), *ch 1, sk 1 st, sc in next st (top of dc). Rep from * to the end.

    Crochet Rows of Moss Stitch

    The Spruce / Mollie Johanson

  3. Finish the Poncho

    End off the yarn, and weave in all the yarn ends. Block if desired.

    Thread your tapestry needle with yarn and attach buttons to the top edge (without the stripes) of the poncho. Starting at one end, count in nine chain spaces and sew the first button just below the space. Count nine spaces over and attach the next button, and repeat for the third button.

    Depending on the look you want, you may want to try the poncho on before deciding on the placement and quantity of the buttons.

    Weave the Ends and Attach the Buttons

    The Spruce / Mollie Johanson

How to Wear the Convertible Poncho

To wear your poncho in the traditional way, fold the rectangle in half and button the top edge together. Slip the open section over your head and wear the poncho asymmetrically. You can also change the way you button it to alter the style.

Changing the Buttoning on the Crochet Poncho

The Spruce Crafts / Mollie Johanson

Wear the Poncho on One Shoulder

Instead of buttoning the top edge straight across, fold the front edge so more than one buttonhole goes over a button. This makes one side more open and you can wear the poncho more straight.

Wearing the Crochet Poncho Open on One Side

The Spruce Crafts / Mollie Johanson

Wear the Poncho as a Capelet or Shawl

To wear the poncho more like a capelet or shawl, wrap it around your shoulders and button one button in the front. 

Crochet Poncho as a Capelet Shawl

The Spruce Crafts / Mollie Johanson