Free Knitting Patterns for Ponchos

Ponchos and wraps are versatile garments. They bring a little warmth to a cool summer night and offer an additional cozy layer during cold winter days. The poncho is worn over the head, softly draping around the body.

A poncho is a very simple garment to knit, being little more than a square with a hole in the middle. The basic shape, however, can be adapted in a wide variety of ways. A poncho can be knitted with a collar or using a lace edging. The introduction of fancy yarns, or colored yarns can transform a basic garment into something a little special.

How a Poncho is Knitted

Poncho designs range from simple, classic styling to more contemporary looks. The wide range of patterns offer something for knitters of all levels. The simple designs often require little in the way of shaping. Some of the more basic patterns use two rectangles that are sewn together leaving a gap for the head. More complex designs are shaped using short row shaping or patterned decreases.

A poncho is often a large garment. A thigh length poncho will use significant amounts of yarn, particularly if the poncho is being knitted in a fine yarn. The large nature of the project means that the poncho is likely to be knitted on circular needles. This means that much of the weight of the project is held on the lap rather than on the needles. This is much kinder to hands and wrists.

Where to Find Free Knitting Patterns for Ponchos

There are many free knitting patterns for ponchos available. Knitters of all levels will find a project on the Internet, these range from patterns designed by top yarn manufacturers to project outlines published on blogs. More experienced knitters can even adapt and vary a pattern if they are unable to find the perfect poncho.

One of the first places to start looking for poncho knitting patterns is KnittingPatternCentral.com. Here you will find links to many free poncho patterns, including very simple designs through to the more complex.

Ponchos for beginning knitters include:

• Easy Poncho: This is a straightforward design that is knitted without shaping. A good beginner project.
• No Fringe Poncho: Basic design using fancy yarns to great effect.
• Poncho: Good beginner project from Coats and Clark.

Ponchos for intermediate knitters include:

• Cabled Poncho: Poncho knitted with cables, a good intermediate project.
• Party Capelet: Poncho or capelet knitted using garter lace. An excellent introduction to lace knitting.
• Poncho: An interesting pattern with optional hood.

Ponchos for experienced knitters include:

• Lace Poncho: Knitted using Victorian lace stitches throughout.
• Lace Capelet: A poncho knitted using ostrich plume lace.
• Lace Poncho: Beautiful lace poncho.

Capelet Patterns

In addition to ponchos, there are many patterns for capelets available. A capelet is very similar to a poncho, being that they are both single piece garments which are worn over the head. It is worth taking a look at capelet patterns as these can offer inspiration when looking for a poncho-type garment.

Capelet patterns include:

• Sheila Cape: Beautiful lace mohair capelet.
• Moebius Capelet: Interesting design for a capelet.
• Vintage Capelet: A vintage inspired capelet which is knitted using a lace pattern.

Yarn for Knitting a Poncho

The choice of yarn for your poncho is important as it represents both a financial and a time investment. When considering a yarn to use, thought needs to be given to how and when the poncho is going to be worn. Bright, funky colors and textures may be extremely attractive now, but how will you feel after a few months? While neutral colors may not have that immediate ‘wow’ factor, they won't clash with other colors in your closet. Neutral colors also lend themselves to being dressed up with accessories.

The content of the yarn is also important. If you are likely to need to frequently wash the poncho, it is worth considering easy-wash wool or good quality acrylic. However, if this is not an issue, soft fine mohairs and other quality yarns can make a beautiful garment.

The drape of the poncho is another important feature. The poncho needs to fall softly around the body and not hang stiffly. Therefore when working with bulky yarns, make sure that are knitting to the correct tension and not knitting too tight. Tight knitting with a bulky yarn will make a robust fabric, but not one that will drape well.

Tips for Choosing a Poncho Pattern

When knitting your poncho, remember the following tips:

• Is the pattern from a professional designer? If not, read the pattern through a couple of times and make sure everything is clear before you start. Many excellent patterns and projects are published on blogs, but sometimes these use non-standard knitting terms.
• Do you need to substitute yarn? In that case, work out a tension square before starting to help with the calculations.