Free Poncho Knitting Patterns

From LoveToKnow Crafts

Looking for free poncho knitting patterns? Ponchos have been one of the coolest knitted and crocheted accessories for a couple of years now, and it doesn’t seem like they are going away any time soon. Here are some links to a few great free poncho knitting patterns so you can try your hand at this craft.

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What is a Poncho?

Before we get to the free poncho knitting patterns, though, you might be wondering exactly what a poncho is. If you’re thinking of the traditional poncho made from a blanket, you’re partially right.

Ponchos are like sweaters without arms. They cover the whole top of your body but the only hole is for your head. The bottom is open so you can slip it on and off easily. Ponchos are great projects for beginners because there is minimal shaping involved. Some patterns require no shaping at all as they are knitted in two pieces that are then stitched together, leaving a hole for the head.

Ponchos are great spring and fall accessories because they keep you warm but allow some air circulation through the bottom of the poncho. They’re very stylish, too, so why not whip up a couple?

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Lion’s Free Poncho Knitting Patterns

Whenever I’m looking for free knitting patterns, I head to Lion Yarn first. That’s probably because Lion brand yarn is very easy for me to get where I live, so it’s first on my mind when I’m trying to think of yarn manufacturers who might have the patterns I need.

Lion sells patterns online, but their site also has a great collection of free patterns to make just about anything you’re looking for.

Lion has free poncho knitting patterns for men, women, babies and even Barbies.

There are ponchos inspired by traditional ponchos and ponchos that are anything but ordinary. This site will give you a great look into the wide world of ponchos and is sure to inspire you to pick up your needles.

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Crystal Palace Free Poncho Knitting Patterns

The folks at Straw, the online home of Crystal Palace Yarns, have a wonderful selection of patterns for knitting and crochet. These patterns are fun, fashionable and often relatively easy even for beginners.

Their free poncho knitting patterns include an easy mesh poncho, a sleek merino poncho, a playful fuzzy metallic number, a poncho reminiscent of netting, a striped garter stitch poncho and a classy, long poncho.

You’ll also find a glamorous, shimmery striped poncho, a super simple poncho-shrug and a cool, openwork ribbon poncho. There’s no end to the fun you can have with these patterns!

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Knitting Pattern Central

Knitting Pattern Central has a collection of links to free poncho knitting patterns from all over the web. Here you will find links to basic round ponchos, more ponchos for dolls, dogs (the picture with this one is not to be missed!), babies and children.

You’ll find patterns inspired by Martha Stewart and Loretta Lynn, patterns that use up scraps and patterns inspired by cozy sweaters.

You’ll also find capes, shrugs, and other variations of the poncho theme on this page. It’s fair to say that no matter your taste, you should be able to find something on this page you can’t live without!

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Making Your Own Poncho Knitting Pattern

If all else fails, of course, you could just make your own pattern. For a lightweight, openwork poncho (or a child’s poncho) you’ll need about 500 yards of yarn. For a larger or heavier weight poncho, around 1,000 yards would be better.

Find a pattern that is similar to the size, shape and weight that you want and buy a similar amount of yarn. Use needles that correspond to the recommended needle size given on the yarn package.

A really simple way to make your own poncho pattern is to use the idea of two rectangles. Your rectangles can be the same size, or one can be longer than the other. Use any stitch pattern you like. Using the gauge information listed on the package of yarn, calculate how many stitches you need to make your rectangles the width you would like. For instance if 10 stitches make four inches and you want a rectangle that is 20 inches wide, you need 50 stitches.

When you are finished knitting, sew the two rectangles together so they form an L shape. Once that seam is sewn, drape the wrap around you to see how it looks and where you would like the other seam to be. Remember to leave room for your head!

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