This simple free crochet poncho pattern is a little more fitted than most, offering a versatile wardrobe staple that's perfect for layering. Get the free pattern below or purchase the ad-free printable PDF here.
This free crochet poncho pattern is part of a collaboration with Lion Brand yarn. This post may contain affiliate links.
Please tell me I'm not the only one who has had a grand crochet vision go totally wrong. I wish I could say that everything you see here on the blog slides straight from idea form into crochet reality in a few effortless fireside crochet sessions. Sadly, that's not how it usually goes down.
Most of the time my projects come together four stitches at a time between refilling sippy cups, responding to emails and frogging all my progress a few times. Oh, the frogging. (In case you're not familiar with the term "frogging," it simply means the act of unraveling all your hard-fought crochet or knitting stitches.)
My most recent frog-a-thon transpired because of a well-intended pullover sweater gone wrong. Instead of scrapping the whole thing though, I whittled it into a design that I'm not sure I would have come up with with the pullover sweater detour. I totally love how it turned out though! I know I'll be tossing this poncho on all winter to make some of my ho-hum jeans/long-sleeve shirt combos feel a little more intentional.
Have you ever noticed that just adding another layer of clothing makes the whole outfit more stylish? I've literally seen mannequins at Old Navy with three jean jackets layered on top of each other! Below are a few other free patterns I've designed that I think are great for layering.
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 →
I've always been a fan of the look of ponchos, but find them a little cumbersome to wear. (Like, how does anyone carry a purse while wearing a poncho!?) This free crochet poncho pattern is decidedly not overwhelming to wear. It's minimalist design keeps the cozy factor of a poncho while feeling more like a sweater or vest while it's on your body.
I used Lion Brand's new Touch of Alpaca yarn for this free crochet poncho pattern because it's the perfect blend of luxury and casual practicality. I love seeing the little alpaca fibers peeking out from the yarn and adding an organic vibe to the texture of this garment. While I didn't set out to design a poncho pattern from the get-go, this is a piece I think I will wear all. the. time. I hope you can do the same!
And I'm happy to let you know that Lion Brand has created a kit that includes all the yarn you'll need to make this crochet poncho, plus a printed copy of the pattern. What a fun package to receive in the mail! Grab your Greyscale Poncho kit here.
You may make items to sell with this free crochet poncho pattern. In exchange, I ask that you link back to this post page. Do not use my photos as your own sales photos. Do not distribute my patterns/templates as your own. Permission is NOT granted for mass production or factory manufacturing of any kind.
Grayscale Free Crochet Poncho Pattern
Purchase the ad-free, printable PDF here.
Add this pattern to your Ravelry favorites here.
Pin it for later here.
Explanation:
If you love the look of ponchos, but don’t care for the bulk, this pattern is for you! Worked sideways in entirely half double crochet, this crochet poncho is created using a simple increase and decrease repeat. The addition of the cowl neck and front pocket make for a super cozy piece that you can layer all fall and winter long.
Supplies:
So you can spend more time making ponchos and less time shopping, this pattern contains affiliate links at no extra cost to you.
Purchase a kit with all the yarn needed to make this poncho, plus a copy of the pattern here.
• Lion Brand Touch of Alpaca (Weight: 4/medium - 207 yds, 3.5 oz)
- Color: Oxford Grey (#150) 5(6,6) skeins
• Tapestry needle
• Size K (6.5 mm) crochet hook
• Size L (8 mm) crochet hook
• Size N (10 mm) crochet hook (optional)
• Stitch markers
Abbreviations (US Terms):
ch – chain
hdc – half double crochet
hdc2tog – half double crochet two together (decrease)
hdcblo - half double crochet through the back loop only
st(s) – stitch(es)
sl st – slip stitch
RS – right side
WS – wrong side
Sizing:
S/M – Circumference around bust/hips: 53” Length: 29”
L/XL - Circumference around bust/hips: 56” Length: 29”
⅔XL - Circumference around bust/hips: 63.5” Length: 30.5”
To make a shorter or longer poncho, simply eliminate or add any multiple of chain stitches in the foundation row. Reference the gauge below for an idea of how many stitches there will be per inch.
Gauge:
9 hdc x 8 rows = 4”
Overall Pattern Notes:
• The pattern is written for the smallest size, with the larger sizes following in parenthesis. S/M (L/XL, 2XL-3XL)
• It is not necessary to use a larger hook to work the initial chains, but if you tend to create tight chains it can be a good idea.
• The ch 2 at the beginning of each row never counts as a stitch. See photo below for more detailed instruction on increasing and decreasing.
Poncho Front & Back
Notes:
• The front and back of the poncho are identical. You’ll be working sideways, always increasing and decreasing on one side so as to crochet a trapezoid.
Make 2.
Foundation: With size N hook and ch 56.
Switch to size L hook.
Row 1 (RS): Hdc in third ch, hdc in each hdc; turn. (54 hdc)
Row 2 (WS - increase): Ch 2, 2 hdc in first hdc, hdc in each hdc; turn. (55 hdc)
Row 3 (RS increase): Ch 2, hdc in each hdc until 1 remains, 2 hdc in last hdc. (56 hdc)
Repeat Rows 2 and 3 five (five, six) times ending with a Row 3 (right side). You will have increased a total of 12 (12, 14) times and now have a total of 66 (66, 68) sts.
Rows 14-45: Ch 2, hdc in each hdc; turn. (66, 66, 68 hdc)
Size S/M, move on to row 46. Sizes L/XL and 2XL/3XL, please see specific instructions for your size below.
Size L/XL:
Repeat Row 14 four more times.
Size 2XL/3XL:
Repeat Row 14 six more times.
Row 46 (WS – decrease): Ch 2, hdc2tog, hdc in each hdc; turn. (65, 65, 67 hdc)
Row 47 (RS – decrease): Ch 2, hdc in each hdc until 2 remain, hdc2tog; turn. (64, 64, 66 hdc)
Repeat Rows 46 and 47 five times five (five, six) times ending with a Row 47 (right side). You will have decreased a total of 12 (12, 14) times and now have a total of 54 sts.
Fasten off.
Notes:
• The pocket is made with the same techniques as the main front and back pieces.
Make 1.
Foundation Row: Using a size N hook, ch 23.
Switch to size L hook.
Row 1 (RS): Hdc in third ch, hdc in each hdc; turn. (21 hdc)
Row 2 (WS – increase): Ch 2, 2 hdc in first hdc, hdc in each hdc until 1 hdc remains, 2 hdc in last hdc; turn. (23 hdc)
Row 3: Ch 2, hdc in each hdc; turn. (23 hdc)
Repeat Rows 2 and 3 five (five, seven) times ending with a Row 3 (right side). You will have increased a total of 6 (6, 8) times per side of the trapezoid and now have a total of 33 (33, 35) sts.
Rows 14-15: Repeat Row 3. (33, 33, 35 hdc)
Fasten off.
Joining Front & Back
Notes: There’s no difference between the WS and RS of these pieces, so just pick the sides that look best to you to designate the “right sides.”
SHOULDER SEAMS: With right sides facing in, use stitch markers to pin the two pieces together at the shoulder. Take care to align each hdc stripe. To mark neck opening in the center of the top edge of the trapezoids, place markers 18 rows apart. Using a doubled over strand of yarn and a tapestry needle, use the mattress stitch to seam from the edge of one shoulder to the neck marker. Fasten off and repeat on the second shoulder.
SIDE SEAMS: Pin pieces together. Place a marker 8.5” (8.5, 10) down from the shoulder seam to denote the bottom of the arm hole. Place another marker 5.5” below the first to denote the bottom of the seam. Using a doubled over strand of yarn and a tapestry needle, use the mattress stitch to seam the 5.5” between the two markers. Fasten off and repeat on second side.
Turn poncho right side out.
Joining Pocket
Notes: There’s no difference between the WS and RS of the pocket.
Pin pocket to front of poncho. (In the sample, the bottom of the pocket is 8” above the bottom of the poncho. Feel free to try your poncho on to verify this is your preferred placement.) Ensure that the pocket is centered by counting the number of rows in the poncho on either side of the pocket.
Using a doubled over strand of yarn and a tapestry needle, whip stitch to seam the top and bottom of the pocket to the poncho.
Cowl Neck
Notes:
• The cowl neck is worked in the round using hdc. After Round 1, you’ll be only working into the back loop of each hdc stitch, which is abbreviated “hdcblo.” (If you look at the round of hdc from above, this will be the middle (2nd) strand of yarn in each stitch.)
• Mentions of “right” and “left” assume the poncho is laid out in front of you.
• The ch 2 at the beginning of each round never counts as a st.
Right-handed crocheters, attach yarn at the neck opening of the right shoulder seam. Left-handed crocheters, attach yarn at the left shoulder seam. Work cowl with RS of poncho facing you.
Round 1: With size K hook ch 2, hdc in each hdc around neck opening to create total of 36 hdc; sl st to second ch from beginning of round to join. (36 hdc)
Rounds 2-13: Ch 2, hdcblo in each hdc; sl st to second ch from beginning of round to join. (36)
Fasten off. Weave in any remaining ends.
Slip your poncho on over your favorite cozy shirt and don’t take it off until Spring!
I love to see your finished projects! Use #MakeAndDoCrew and tag me Instagram (@MakeAndDoCrew) to show off your stitches and have a chance to be featured.
That was so fun! Now what?
Invitation to our Facebook group
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Dara says
This is beautiful! Thank you for posting another great pattern 🙂
Jess @ Make and Do Crew says
It's my pleasure, Dara! Thank you!
Chris And Suzi Alexander says
I now use toilet paper rolls to hold the yarn i frog and then use a bobbin holder (like the ones used for C2C) when i need to unravel it. They are also great for those small amounts of leftover yarns to keep them neat. It drives my husband batty to have all these leftover toilet paper rolls scattered-mostly just around my chair in our family room where i do my crocheting.
Jess @ Make and Do Crew says
Haha! I love that visual! Now that you mention it, I can kinda remember my mom using toilet paper rolls when I was a kid. I'm going to try that. Thanks for the tip!
Jess
Carol says
Love it!!! I know about frogging!! Have been there many, many times. :)) Great job on re-designing!
Jess @ Make and Do Crew says
I'm sorry that somehow that info got deleted the first time I posted this! It's five skeins for the smallest size and six for either of the larger sizes. 🙂
Linda Irwin says
Love this! Cant wait to make one. How many skeins of yarn do you need? Thanks.
Jess @ Make and Do Crew says
I'm sorry this info got left out before! It's 5 for the S/M and and 6 for the two larger sizes. 🙂
p says
Hi Jess
Thank you for sharing your talents and your honesty!! I mess up my projects ALL the time!!!! and it usually takes me two times before i can get it thru my head and fingers what i'm supposed to do!!!! So nice to see the finished project!
Right now i am doing the Dwell Sweater - loving the pattern, you explained it and showed it so well, haven't taken this one apart(yet!)
Thanks again!
Jess @ Make and Do Crew says
Haha, well then I consider that a success! I'm happy to hear your enjoying that pattern. 🙂
You're def not alone with your frogging! I just frogged something about 15 minutes ago...Booooo!
Felicia says
Do you only need one skein of yarn for this poncho?
And this is GORGEOUS and you really need to stop coming up with such gorgeous things because I have to many other projects I need to work on... ?
Jess @ Make and Do Crew says
Haha, I'm doing my best to keep you busy! 😉
I just added the yarn amounts. I'm sorry they were omitted at first! It's 5 skeins for the smaller size and 6 for the larger sizes. 🙂
Lacrecia says
Hey Jess!!
I LOVE this poncho! Thank you for the pattern - it looks so cozy, I can"t wait to start one, but I don't see anything in the pattern that says how many skeins are needed.
Jess @ Make and Do Crew says
Thanks for the thorough proof reading! I'm so sorry-- that info was in there and somehow I deleted it! It's 5 skeins for the smaller size and 6 for either of the larger sizes. 🙂
Hilary Eales says
Clever girl!! It's lovely ?? ? ??
Jess @ Make and Do Crew says
Thanks Hilary!!
Pam says
Thanks for another great pattern of yours that is in my make now file. I'm didn't see where it said how much yarn wad needed to make the different sizes. I would really appreciate you helping me out.
Thanks much
Jess @ Make and Do Crew says
Hey Pam,
My mistake! I'm so sorry-- that info was in there and somehow I deleted it! It's 5 skeins for the smaller size and 6 for either of the larger sizes. 🙂
Jess
Cynthia says
Hi, this looks great and something as a beginner crocheter can do. thanks also for the bigger sizes .
Cynthia
Jess @ Make and Do Crew says
You're welcome, Cynthia!
WS says
I love this design, but it doesn't say how much yarn is needed. Any chance you could give us a general idea of how much you used?
Jess @ Make and Do Crew says
Hey! I'm so sorry-- that info was in there and somehow I deleted it! It's 5 skeins for the smaller size and 6 for either of the larger sizes. 🙂
Jess
Brenna says
I'd love to make this! Could you tell me how many skeins of yarn I should buy? Thanks!
Jess @ Make and Do Crew says
I'm so sorry-- that info was in there and somehow I deleted it! It's 5 skeins for the smaller size and 6 for either of the larger sizes. 🙂
SANDRA says
How many ozs total is needed for this pattern.
Jess @ Make and Do Crew says
I'm so sorry-- that info was in there and somehow I deleted it! It's 5 skeins for the smaller size and 6 for either of the larger sizes. 🙂
Dawn Baran says
I may be blind but I don't see where you say how many skein we need for 5he ponch. Just finishing my Campfire cardigan and would love to start this poncho. Thank you, Dawn
Mary Longie says
Luv them all thank u so much
Jeane Parker says
You are amazing! I am in awe of your creativity, generosity and lack of fear. Tgank you fir sharing your gifts with us.
Jeane
Teresa says
Congratulations for such beautiful poncho. I'll do it for sure. Thank you for sharing. You're very kind.
Jess @ Make and Do Crew says
Thank you Teresa! I hope you enjoy this one!
Bernadette Lucas says
I have pulled this out and reread the pattern for the first three rows and finally decided that the pattern must be wrong. The trapezoid was only showing up on one side and the pattern that I downloaded and printed only lists a Ch1 for rows 2 & 3. Went back to check pattern on this website and it showed the Ch 2 for rows 2 & 3. I will try this and see if I can get the trapezoid shape on both sides. Please respond if you can give me any extra help
Jess @ Make and Do Crew says
Hey Bernadette,
Yes, the ch 1 has been corrected. (It should have been a ch 2.)
Since the body of the poncho is worked vertically, you'll only see increases (the angle) on one side for a long time. Then both sides of the piece will be flat for a while during the section of the poncho that will be by your neck. Lastly, you'll decrease to create the opposite shoulder.
Hope that's helpful.
Jess
Melita says
Love the pattern and will definitely make it but not sure what weight yarn to use in UK terms ☺
Jess @ Make and Do Crew says
This is a medium worsted weight yarn (category 4). You may like using YarnSub.com to find a suitable alternative. 🙂
Macarena says
Hola! Me encantaría hacer este poncho pero no sé cómo acceder al patrón gratuito. Me ayudas, por favor? Gracias!!
Hello! I would love to do this poncho but I do not know how to access the free pattern. Can you help me please? Thank you!!
Jess @ Make and Do Crew says
The free pattern is right above this comment area within the blog post.
Happy crocheting! 🙂
Barbara says
Good looking poncho. I love that it is not super bulky! Any chance that there is a knit version of this? I was thinking I would use number 10 needles and maybe a k2tog, yo pattern with a knit row inbetween. Just sketch out when to do the increases and decreases. What do you think?
Sibel says
Hi there, I absolutely love your patterns! One comment though if I may, is that your pages are way too loaded and hence too taxing and too slow to load on both the computers I use.
Jess @ Make and Do Crew says
Thanks for that feedback, Sibel. I hear you. I'm always trying to balance showing all the steps of the project and not including a crazy number of photos that make the page heavy. I appreciate knowing about your experience of the site. 🙂
Jess
Madison says
I'm thinking about making this for a gift. I'm trying to decide if I should make it longer. For scale in your photos, how tall are you?
Jess @ Make and Do Crew says
I'm 5' 8.5" 🙂
What a thoughtful gift!
Rachel Whitlow says
Hello There! I have just finished one of the two main panels, and it looks really big. I'm using Red Heart With Love yarn. It looks much more holey than yours also, so I was wondering if you crochet with a tight tension. I am making the l/xl size, and usually wear a large in tops. I'm trying to figure out if I need to just remove the added 4 rows for the l/xl and make it in a s/m, or if I should start over with the entire pattern and use a tighter tension. Any help would be great! I also just finished the campfire cardi and it was perfect!!
Jess @ Make and Do Crew says
Hey Rachel,
Have you measured your stitch gauge agains what is listed in the pattern? That would be a good place to start to understand how your tension and my tension may differ. If they are basically the same though, I think your solution of removing those 4 rows is a great idea.
I'm so happy to hear you enjoyed the Campfire Cardigan! 🙂
Jess
Michelle says
is there another alternative to the crawl neck? my daughter hates crawls but loves this style... any suggestions?
Michelle says
another question-- is there a way to turn the crawl part into a hoodie???? she loves hoodies!
Jess @ Make and Do Crew says
I bet there is! Checking out the hood construction on the Campfire Cardigan might give you some ideas!
Elaine says
Can't wait to try it! Hope it come out like yours, I've tried several ponchos and they are always boxy and heavy. Wish me luck!
Dianne says
Is the cowl supposed to be made with a size K hook? It is not listed under the materials needed, so I wondered if perhaps it is a misprint.
Jess @ Make and Do Crew says
The cowl and body are all worked with the same size hook. 🙂
Traci P says
Hi! First, thanks for sharing this pattern. I love how simple it was to make.
I do, however, have a couple of issues with how mine turned out so I'm hoping you can help me. Does the 29" finished length include the cowl? Because my gauge matches yours (I tested before starting), but from top of the shoulder to the bottom of the panel, it's only measuring 22.5", which is so short. Also, I feel like the one you're wearing is much longer, especially after reading that you are 5'8" tall. I based my decision to make this on how it looked on you. I made it for someone that is 5' tall, and it's looking like it's going to be too short for them. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks so much!
Jess @ Make and Do Crew says
Hey Tracy,
That finished length doesn't really count the cowl. It's the length from the neck down to the bottom of the poncho. It was really smart of you to test your gauge. I'm not sure what went wrong if your gauge matched the pattern? Have you double checked your stitch count? Maybe you could add some ribbing to the bottom to lengthen it? (Maybe similar to what I used on this sweater?)
Michael Ann says
I'm almost done with the first panel and decided to undo it because it's way too long for me. I'm making the small size but I'm only 5 ft 1 and 29" is past my knees. I never saw the comment near the end that you are 5 ft 8. I also thinks it's too wide for me. This is the problem we petite people have in trying to find patterns that will work for us! Most of the time we have to undo it and figure correct rows and measurements that will work for us. It's so frustrating. I think it would be great for those of you that put up patterns, to mention in the size section, how tall the model is and what size she/he wears. I always make a small but for me, the length of a garment is always the problem.
Thanks for the lovely patterns and hopefully when i make it again the size will fit!
Michael Ann says
Finished it! It turned out great. Since I am only 5 ft 1, I made the length 24" and I made the width 43 rows instead of 45. I probably could have gone 41. I made my collar just a turtleneck and not a cowell just out of personal preference, and i did not add the pocket. I made the pocket and pinned it on but I really liked how the poncho looked smooth and sleek without it. I used heather purple instead of gray. I really like how the shoulders slope on this pattern instead of sticking out and looking boxy. Thank you for the pattern!
Jan Fields says
Hi Jess, I absolutely love this pattern and would like to make it for my daughters mother in law for Christmas. (in purple her favorite color). I just want to clarify though, we do not put a HDC stitch in the ch2, correct? My edges seem a tad wavy is the reason I'm checking before I go any further. And thank you for so many wonderful patterns. I have many of them saved.
Jan Fields says
Never mind Jess, I went back and looked at the pics you so graciously included and now I have it. Can't wait to see how this comes out!!!
Dominique says
Hey there! I wanted to make this pattern for a toddler, what dimensions would I use?
Pearl says
This is an awesome awesome poncho!