How to Crochet a Poncho

Crochet a Poncho to Wear in Different Ways

Ready for fall? Crochet this cozy poncho to stay warm and in style! 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.

To add a fun detail, work in contrasting stripes in your favorite color!

Crochet Convertible Poncho Information

Project Level

Beginner

Sizing

Approximately 24in x 24in (61cm x 61cm) when flat.

This poncho fits a ladies size medium, but you can easily adjust the size by starting with more or fewer stitches and working more or fewer rows.

Materials

Yarn: Approx. 1890 yards of 2-fine yarn in taupe and 225 yards of 2-fine yarn in dark gray. 

We used 3 skeins of Buttercream Luxe Craft Mohair Brushed Yarn in Taupe and 1 skein of Dark Gray (80% Acrylic, 10% Angora Effect (polyamide), 10% Mohair; 630 yards/140g). 

Hook: US size K-10.5 / 6.50mm crochet hook.

Other notions: Stitch markers, tapestry needle, and three 1-inch buttons.

Gauge

15 stitches and 15 rows to four-inches in moss stitch.

Abbreviations

• ch = chain
• ch-sp = chain-space
• dc = double crochet
• rep = repeat
• sc = single crochet
• sk = skip
• st(s) = stitch(es)

Note

We held two strands of yarn 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 the end of each row you should work into the turning chain.

Start the Poncho

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

Note: 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. 

Try finding more ways to button and wear your poncho!