This stylish crochet sweater poncho with sleeves is very easy because it's made from five simple rectangles. Get the free pattern below or purchase the ad-free, printable PDF here. Watch the step-by-step video tutorial for extra help.
This post is part of a collaboration with Lion Brand Yarn. This post contains affiliate links.
Part Poncho, Part Sweater
If you can crochet a basic rectangle, you can make this easy crochet poncho with sleeves! With no increasing or decreasing, you can create a cozy, sweater-style poncho that flatters all types of bodies.
Read all the pattern and yarn details below, or keep scrolling for the free written poncho pattern.
How to Crochet A Poncho?
We've shared a few free crochet poncho patterns over the years and they've all been quite easy in construction. I'm especially happy with this crochet poncho with sleeves my mom and I designed together though because it has the look of a more sophisticated sweater, but the construction is as simple as making some large crochet washcloths and joining them together.
Four Simple Rectangles
Okay, I hope these rectangles don't actually look like washcloths (!), but this poncho really does come together from nothing but rectangles of crochet fabric.
First, you'll make two identical rectangles for the left front and back and the right front and back of the poncho.
Next you'll crochet two much smaller ribbed rectangles that will become the sleeves. Lastly, you'll use the same ribbing stitch to make a rectangular poncho collar.
It's really that easy! (Check out the full step-by-step video tutorial to watch how it comes together.)
The stitches used are all very simple, but give this crochet poncho with sleeves pattern a really beautiful texture! Because this poncho pattern covers most sizes, including plus sizes, I hope many 'a lady can feel beautiful in it! (The size M/L sample fits my 5'8" sister, my 5"11" mom and my round and pregnant self and we all look pretty darn good in it.)
The Perfect Worsted Weight Yarn for a Crochet Poncho
For this easy crochet poncho with sleeves, we knew we needed a yarn that had beautiful drape, came with a lot of yardage and included a bit of luxury so you'd enjoy it for a long time. Lion Brand's Touch of Alpaca yarn immediately came to mind and and it worked so well.
Touch of Alpaca is a worsted-weight yarn from Lion Brand that comes in two sizes--a 3.5 oz skein and a larger 7 oz "Bonus Bundle" size. The free crochet poncho pattern below lists the Bonus Bundle size as you can get more yardage for your dollar with this larger size. If you only have access to the smaller skeins though, just know you'll need twice the number the pattern lists.
In either case, Touch of Alpaca yarn comes in a wonderful, sophisticated palette of colors that I think you'll love. You can check them all out here. And if you'd like to see what else we've made in this yarn, check out the free Greyscale Poncho pattern and the At First Blush Triangle Scarf + video tutorial.
Modify Your Poncho Sweater
While as written this free crochet poncho pattern includes sleeves and an oversized collar, there are lots of ways to customize it to suit your personal style.
• Eliminate the sleeves for a more traditional poncho look.
• Add a hood to this poncho by creating a large rectangle, seaming it at the top and joining it to the neck opening. (Look at this free cardigan pattern to get an idea of how to make a very simple hood.)
• Give the poncho sweater a cowl neck by picking up stitches around the neckline and working in the round until the collar drapes to your liking. (See this free crochet poncho pattern for an idea of how to do that.)
More Free Crochet Sweater Patterns
Crochet sweater patterns don't need to be difficult. In fact, most of ours are made with very simple shapes. Dive into the wonderful world of crochet garments with cardigans, pullovers, ponchos, shrugs and more!
See more free crochet sweater patterns →
Alpine Sweater Poncho - Free Pattern
Purchase the ad-free, printable PDF with stitch chart here.
Save this pattern to your Ravelry here.
Pin it for later here.
Explanation:
Take advantage of some simple crochet geometry to turn five basic rectangles into a stunning, cold weather poncho. The deceptively easy sleeves will keep you cozy and give this garment a polished, sweater-like vibe.
You’ll begin by making two identical rectangles using a simple, but eye-catching stitch pattern. Next you’ll make three more rectangles using crochet ribbing that will become the collar and two sleeves. Because the entire garment is made without increasing or decreasing, the skills required are quite beginner-friendly and include single crochet, half double crochet, double crochet and seaming.
Watch the step-by-step video tutorial here.
Supplies:
• Lion Brand Touch of Alpaca Bonus Bundle (Weight: 4/medium - 415 yds, 7 oz)
- Taupe (124-123) – 6 (7, 7, 8) skeins [approx. 1140, (1250, 1390, 1490) g]
• Tapestry needle
• Size J (6.0 mm) crochet hook
• Stitch markers or safety pins
Sizes:
S/M - fits bust: 35”
M/L - fits bust: 39”
L/XL - fits bust: 43”
XL/2X - fits bust: 47”
Sample is a M/L pictured on a 5’8” model with a 38” bust. Poncho has a generous 42” of ease.
Main body of poncho when laying flat (excluding collar and sleeves) measures:
S/M - 38.5” wide x 25.75” long
M/L - 40.5” wide x 26.5” long
L/XL - 42.5” wide x 27.25” long
XL/2X - 44.5” wide x 28” long
Gauge:
Main Poncho:
4.5 horizontal clusters (sc, hdc, dc) = 4”
5.5 vertical clusters (11 rows worked in pattern) = 4”
Ribbing:
14 hdc = 4”
10 rows = 4”
Abbreviations and Glossary (US Terms):
ch(s) – chain(s)
dc – double crochet
hdc – half double crochet
hdcblo – half double crochet through the back loop only
PM – place marker
rep – repeat
]RS – right side
sc – single crochet
sk – skip
st(s) – stitch(es)
tch – turning chain
WS – wrong side
Overall Pattern + Sizing Notes:
• If you're a visual learner, investing a few dollars in the ad-free, printable PDF will be very helpful because it includes a stitch chart for the main rectangle pieces.
• Poncho is constructed from five rectangles. Left front and back of poncho are worked at the same time, as are the right front and back.
• Watch the step-by-step Alpine Poncho video tutorial here.
Poncho Fronts and Backs
Notes:
• Right front and back of poncho and left front and back are worked identically.
• A horizontal “cluster” = 1 sc, 1 hdc, 1 dc. Vertically, 2 rows equal a complete cluster.
Make 2.
Foundation Row: Ch 177 (183, 189, 195). [177 (183, 189, 195)]
Row 1 (RS): Sk 2 chs (counts as 1 sc), work [hdc, dc] in next ch, *sk 2 chs, work [sc, hdc, dc] in next ch; rep from * until 3 chs remain, sk 2 chs, sc in last ch; turn. [58 (60, 62, 64) horizontal clusters]
Row 2 (WS): Ch 1 (counts as 1 sc), work [hdc, dc] in first st, *sk [1 dc, 1 hdc], work [sc, hdc, dc] in next sc; rep from * until 3 sts remain, sk [1 dc, 1 hdc], sc in top of tch; turn.
Rep Row 2 another 48 (50, 52, 54) more times for a total of 50 (52, 54, 56) rows. [This will look like 25 (26, 27, 28) vertical clusters.] End with a WS row. Do not fasten off.
Indent for Neckline
Notes:
• The ad-free, printable PDF contains a stitch chart that illustrates the neckline in detail. If you're struggling to understand any part of skipping clusters to create the neckline, consider purchasing the PDF.
Front:
Row 1 (RS): Ch 1 (counts as 1 sc), work [hdc, dc] in first st, *sk [1 dc, 1 hdc], work [sc, hdc, dc] in next sc; rep from * 24 (25, 25, 26) times, sk [1 dc, 1 hdc], sc in next sc; turn. [26 (27, 27, 28) horizontal clusters]
From here, all remaining rows are worked over these 26 (27, 27, 28) horizontal clusters.
Row 2 (WS): Ch 1 (counts as 1 sc), work [hdc, dc] in first st, *sk [1 dc, 1 hdc], work [sc, hdc, dc] in next sc; rep from * until 3 sts remain, sk [1 dc, 1 hdc], sc in top of tch; turn. [26 (27, 27, 28) horizontal clusters]
Rep Row 2 another 7 (8, 9, 10) more times for a total of 59 (62, 65, 68) rows from Foundation Row. [This will look like 29.5 (31, 32.5, 34) vertical clusters.] Fasten off leaving a 35” tail.
Back:
With RS facing, sk 4 (4, 6, 6) horizontal clusters to create neck space. Attach yarn in sc of 5th (5th, 7th, 7th) unused sc from “Front” indent edge.
Row 1 (RS): Ch 1 (counts as 1 sc), work [hdc, dc] in first st, *sk [1 dc, 1 hdc], work [sc, hdc, dc] in next sc; rep from * until 3 sts remain, sk [1 dc, 1 hdc], sc in top of tch; turn. [27 (28, 28, 29) horizontal clusters]
From here, all remaining rows are worked over these 27 (28, 28, 29) horizontal clusters.
Row 2 (WS): Ch 1 (counts as 1 sc), work [hdc, dc] in first st, *sk [1 dc, 1 hdc], work [sc, hdc, dc] in next sc; rep from * until 3 sts remain, sk [1 dc, 1 hdc], sc in top of tch; turn. [27 (28, 28, 29) horizontal clusters]
Rep Row 2 another 7 (8, 9, 10) more times for a total of 59 (62, 65, 68) rows from Foundation Row. [This will look like 29.5 (31, 32.5, 34) vertical clusters.] Fasten off leaving a 35” tail.
Final rectangle (including the additional rows for the neckline) should measure approx. 51.75 (53.25, 54.75, 56.25)” x 19.25 (20.25, 21.25, 22.25)”.
Sleeves
Notes:
• Sleeve rectangles are worked lengthwise. To shorten or lengthen sleeve, adjust number of chains in Foundation Row.
• For a tighter sleeve, work fewer total rows. For a looser sleeve, work more rows. In both cases, take care to work an even number of rows total. Note that adjusting sleeve in this way will impact the amount of room you want to leave open for armhole when you seam main poncho pieces together.
• Ribbed look is created by working through the back loop only of each hdc stitch. This is the loop that’s farthest away from you, regardless of whether the WS or RS of work is facing you.
• Ch 2 at beginning of row does not count as a hdc.
Make 2.
Foundation Row: Ch 39 (40, 41, 39). [39 (40, 41, 39)]
Row 1 (RS): ]Sk 2 chs, hdc in each ch to end of row. [37 (38, 39, 37)]
Row 2 (WS): Ch 2, hdcblo in each hdc to end of row. [37 (38, 39, 37)]
Rep Row 2 another 18 (20, 22, 22) more times for a total of 20 (22, 24, 24) rows. [This will look like 10 (11, 12, 12) ridges of ribbing.] Fasten off leaving a 25” tail.
Collar
Notes:
• Collar rectangle is worked horizontally. To shorten or lengthen height of collar, adjust number of chains in Foundation Row.
• Like with sleeves, the ribbed look is created by working through the back loop only of each hdc stitch. This is the loop that’s farthest away from you, regardless of whether the WS or RS of work is facing you.
• Ch 2 at beginning of row does not count as a hdc.
Make 1.
Foundation Row: Ch 36 (38, 40, 42). [ 36 (38, 40, 42)]
Row 1 (RS): Sk 2 chs, hdc in each ch to end of row. [34 (36, 38, 40)]
Row 2 (WS): Ch 2, hdcblo in each hdc to end of row. [34 (36, 38, 40)]
Rep Row 2 another 49 (53, 66, 70) more times for a total of 51 (55, 68, 72) rows. [This will look like 25.5 (27.5, 34, 36) ridges of ribbing.] Fasten off leaving a 30” tail.
Finishing
Notes:
• To minimize the number of ends to weave in, use leftover tails from fastening off to seam whenever possible.
Joining Main Poncho Pieces:
Lay two main pieces so that the fronts and backs are aligned. Since RS and WS are identical, choose which you prefer and designate it the RS. Note that the back has one extra st (cluster) than the front, so take care to have both back sides aligned with each other. With WS of each piece facing out, pin if desired. Using the zig zag stitch, begin at bottom of Front and seam toward Neck (see photo below). Take care to line up visual clusters while seaming. Fasten off at neck opening.
With WS still facing out, repeat the same process to seam Backs beginning at bottom and working toward Neck.
Marking Sleeve Placement:
With WS facing out, fold poncho in half so bottom of Front and Back are lined up. PM at outside edge of shoulder crease on both Left and Right sides to denote top of shoulder.
Counting from shoulder marker down, skip 4 (4, 5, 5) clusters then PM in next cluster on both Front and Back. [There are therefore 8 (8, 10, 10) total clusters between markers. This marks the sleeve opening.] Repeat on opposite side. Note: The number of clusters skipped will vary if you added or eliminated rows to adjust looseness of sleeve.
Fold sleeve in half along ribbing. PM at mid-point to mark point of ribbing that’s half way from Foundation Row and final row. Repeat with second sleeve.
Joining Sleeves to Poncho:
Lay poncho out flat as pictured in photo above. Pin sleeve to poncho by first aligning sleeve marker with shoulder marker. Next, stretch sleeve a bit so edges reach markers on poncho Front and Back. Repeat with second sleeve.
With WS of poncho facing out, seam each sleeve rectangle in place.
Seaming Sleeve Tubes + Sides of Poncho:
With WS of poncho still facing out, fold in half so bottom of Front and Back line up. Beginning at bottom (wrist) of sleeve, seam sleeve tube together. Continue seaming along side opening of poncho until 10 (11, 11, 12) clusters are joined. Leave the rest of side seam open and fasten off. See photo below. Repeat on opposite side.
Turn poncho RS out and weave in any remaining ends.
Joining Collar:
With RS of poncho and RS of collar facing each other, pin collar in place. Collar should begin in 4th (4th, 6th, 6th) cluster to the left of middle seam, wrap around neck and end with approx. 3” of overlap. Seam in place, see photo above.
Now that you’re a master of crochet geometry, pull on your new poncho and hit the town in style!
That was so fun! Now what?
Invitation to our Facebook group
Come discuss crocheting poncho with sleeves patterns and lots of other crochet projects and techniques in our Make & Do Crew Facebook group. Here thousands of helpful crocheters answer each others questions and share their stitches. Come join us here.
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Carol says
This is lovely!! Instructions are easy to follow. Thank you so much for sharing your patterns..
Donna says
Love your patterns! Do you have a video for this?
Jess @ Make and Do Crew says
Hey Donna,
Yes! You can find the video tutorial for the Alpine Poncho here.
Happy crocheting,
Jess
Donna says
Love love love this design! This will be a future project on my list for me! Right now, I'm working on the 2nd customer request Habitat cardigan shrug! Oh how I love this pattern of yours! The first one was beige like your pattern. The last one will be done in black tweed! I changed up the back extension on this dark charcoal one I'm working on now. Instead of doing the extension in same stitch as body, I'm doing the RIBBED stitch like the cuffs and front. Loving it too. Thankyou for what you do for us crocheters!?
Jess @ Make and Do Crew says
Oh that sounds really cute! I'd love to see a pic when you finish if you'd like to email me or tag me on Instagram (@makeanddocrew)!
Jess
Andrea Ankerholz says
I started this the other day, got 3 skiens in and realized the size is way off!
The starting chain makes this way over 40 inches.
I even frogged all 3 skiens back to the beginning and measured my new starting chain. Again it measures over 40 inches. Closer to 50.
Jess @ Make and Do Crew says
Hey Andrea,
Yes, that's true. That's because the main rectangle is worked length-wise so you're making the front at back pieces at one time (as pictured in some of the WIP photos). My suggestion would be to check your gauge because that's the best way to know if the overall piece will be on track. 🙂
Jess
Juanita says
Looking forward to making this pattern. I love the design and the fact that it has sleeves. Can not decide on what color....maybe something gray or brown.
Jess @ Make and Do Crew says
Those colors sound lovely! I really like having sleeves because then it becomes more of a sweater than a poncho. Hope you enjoy yours too. 🙂
Jess
Donna Breakey says
I love your patterns. I'm just wondering how to make this smaller as I'm pretty petite.
Jess @ Make and Do Crew says
Hi Donna,
Thank you! You can adjust the size of each main rectangle to make it a bit smaller and that will make the overall sweater smaller. If you do that, just begin with an initial chain that's a multiple of 3. You might also want to make your sleeves a bit shorter by just starting with a shorter beginning chain as well.
Happy crocheting!
Jess
Donna says
I love this pattern. Thank you for sharing. I am very petite so how can I make it smaller?