Knit Poncho FREE Pattern!
Looking for a simple knit poncho for your capsule wardrobe? Love knitted poncho patterns? How about knitting a simple cable knit poncho to wear this season? I love to have a cozy poncho when I need an extra layer for warmth. Soft knitted ponchos come to the rescue to add a versatile & practical layer! Today I have a simple and FREE knit poncho pattern for you that has a cable stitch pattern on the front.
Keep reading to learn how to knit a poncho using a classic cable stitch pattern for the front. Use your favorite yarn color for the poncho, and make in a choice of 3 sizes. Add this to your list of fall knitting projects!
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Easy Poncho Knitting Pattern
The idea behind this Rectangle poncho knitting pattern Free is to work in straight rows, to create one long rectangle. Part of the sides will be seamed together to create armholes for the poncho, while the cable stitch pattern is featured on front. You will use BASIC KNIT STITCHES, as well as a special cable stitch pattern for the knit poncho.
The following is a list of supplies you would need to create your own Hand Knit Poncho. Use similar yarn (size 6, Super Bulky weight yarn) and the same knitting needle size to make your own.
Yardage is for these sizes: XS/S (M/L, XL)
Supplies
- size 6 (Super Bulky) Lion Brand Wool Ease Thick & Quick (106 yds per skein)
- Size 15 (10.0 mm) circular needles, at least 24″ length
- cable needle
Cable Needle
Circular Knitting Needles (various sizes)
Wool Ease Thick & Quick Yarn
Knitting Notions
Knitting Abbreviations
approx – approximately
BO – bind off
CO – cast on
K – knit
P – purl
pm – place marker
sm – stitch marker
sts – stitches
Rep – repeat
RS – Right Side
WS – Wrong Side
Special Stitches in pattern:
c12b : Slip next 6 sts onto a cable needle and hold at back, knit next 6 sts from left-hand needle, then knit the 6 sts from the cable needle.
PATTERN INFORMATION
The Simple Knit Poncho Pattern Free is provided below.
- but you can also get the ad-free, printable pdf pattern for the KNIT PONCHO in the SHOP! The pdf has some helpful photos and a schematic included.
(The pattern is also available in the ETSY SHOP)
Can a beginner knit a poncho?
Yes! Especially with a repetitive easy stitch pattern using basic knit stitches and simple techniques! This pattern has an Intermediate skill level, but an advanced beginner can give it a try. The special cable stitches are simple to master, and the overall pattern is very repetitive. Save it to your list of beginner knitting projects when you’re ready to learn cable stitches.
Here I will walk you through each step of this modern Diy Poncho, using your favorite yarn color.
How To Make A Poncho
You will be using the simple stockinette stitch pattern throughout most of the poncho pattern, with an easy ribbing stitch pattern to start the bottom, and a cable stitch pattern for the front panel.
Finished Measurements:
- Measurements are for finished garment, with a cropped and roomy fit
Sizes XS/S (M/L, XL) :
Width: 38 (42, 46) inches (NOTE – this is NOT bust size)
Length: 16 (17, 17) inches
Gauge: 4″ (10cm) square = 8 Sts by 12 Rows in stockinette stitch (not critical)
Try to get the correct gauge for the best fit.
Knit Poncho Free Pattern Woman
Follow stitch and row/round counts using sizing XS/S (M/L, XL) :
NOTES –
You will be knitting the poncho in rows, bottom up for front panel, then top down for back panel. You will finish by adding a neckline and seaming sides.
Circular needles are used to work in straight rows (to hold all the stitches), and for working the neckline in the round.
Front Panel
With size 15 (10mm) circular needles, CO 80 (88, 96) sts with size 6 yarn.
Stitch count will remain the same for all rows.
Take time to match gauge for an accurate measurement.
Bottom Edge in Ribbing
Row 1: [K1, p1] across. 80 (88, 96) sts
Rows 2-5: Rep Row 1.
You will be placing markers (pm) in this next set-up row to distinguish when to start and end the subsequent cable pattern.
Row 6: [K1, p1] 16 (18, 20) times, pm, [K1, p1] 8 times, pm, [K1, p1] 16 (18, 20) times.
Work in a stockinette stitch (with cable) pattern as follows:
Stockinette with Cable Pattern:
Row 1: K to 1st sm, work [p2, k12, p2] between markers, k to end of row.
Row 2: P to 1st sm, work [k2, p12, k2] between markers, p to end of row.
Row 3: K to 1st sm, work [p2, c12b, p2] between markers, k to end of row.
Row 4: Rep Row 2.
Rows 5-12: Rep Rows 1-2 four more times.
Rep Rows 1-12 two more times.
For size XS/S:
- Rep Rows 1-5 one more time.
For larger sizes:
- Rep Rows 1-9 one more time.
Split for Neckline:
In this section you will bind off stitches to create an opening for the neckline.
Remove the cable pattern sm’s as you work the first row.
Bind off Row (WS): P 24 (28, 32) sts, BO 32 sts purlwise, p 24 (28, 32) sts.
Back Panel
First, you will cast on new stitches for the center top of the back panel.
Cast on Row (RS): K 24 (28, 32) sts, CO 32 sts (using single cast-on method), k 24 (28, 32) sts.
Next Row (WS): P across.
Next, work in a stockinette stitch pattern as follows:
Stockinette Pattern:
Row 1: K across.
Row 2: P across.
Rep Rows 1-2 19 (21, 21) more times.
Bottom Edge in Ribbing
Row 1: [K1, p1] across.
Rows 2-6: Rep Row 1.
BO in the (k1, p1) ribbing pattern.
Finishing
Add ribbed neckline as follows :
- Pick Up Sts: With RS facing, use yarn and size 15 circular needles to pick up an even number of sts around the neckline as follows:
- Start at a shoulder, and pick up approx every other stitch around BO & CO edges, picking up more sts near the shoulder areas.
- Aim to pick up a total of 38 or 40 sts.
- Place marker after picking up all sts to indicate the end of round.
- Ribbing: With RS facing, work four rounds of [k1, p1] ribbing around the neckline. Note that you will be working with a little over half of the number of sts from the bound off/cast on edges to ensure a snug neckline fit.
- Bind off: Bind off in the (k1, p1) ribbing pattern.
SEAM sides of poncho as follows using an invisible seam (aka mattress/ladder seam):
- Use two stitch markers to mark where you want each armhole to begin on the left and ride sides of the poncho. This can be approx. 9 (10, 10) inches down from the top.
- Left Side: Use lighter weight scrap yarn (in a similar color) and a tapestry needle to join the sides of the front and back panels together with an invisible vertical seam at left wearing side from the bottom of the panels to the sm.
- Right Side: Likewise, work an invisible vertical seam to join front & back panels at right wearing side from the bottom of the panels to the sm.
Blocking
Weave in all loose ends to WS.
Block poncho to approx 38 (42, 46)” wide by 16 (17, 17)” length if desired.
Important Tips for Knitting your Poncho
Some things to keep in mind as you work the cable poncho knit pattern are:
- When working rows, RS faces on odd rows, WS faces on even rows.
- Use two stitch markers to mark where the cable pattern begins and ends on the front panel. Use one stitch marker to work the neckline in rounds.
- Customize:
- Feel free to add or subtract rows (in multiples of 2) within the non-ribbing portion of your poncho to adjust the length of both panels
- BO/CO less sts at neckline if you’d like your neckline smaller
- Make a size up or down depending on your desired finished size
Cozy Knit Poncho
The capsule wardrobe knit poncho makes a great layering piece in the winter, or as a stand-alone outer layer in the fall. The classic design of this knit poncho is fun & trendy with the cropped length & ribbed edging – you’re bound to get compliments from making this beautiful pattern.
Model in photos below is shown wearing size XS/S:
The poncho exudes timeless, classic style, showcasing knitwear that pairs well with jeans and dresses, too. It is the perfect knit top to provide timeless handmade fashion for your fall wardrobe.
Don’t forget that this neutral knit pattern is also available in an ad-free digital pdf pattern. The pdf has a few helpful photos and a schematic. Grab the PONCHO KNIT PATTERN pattern in my shop.
Love knit cable top patterns? Check out these other FREE knit projects…
Did you enjoy this free knitting pattern? I think it’s also a perfect idea to make as a gift for a stylish friend.
Check out all of my FREE KNIT PATTERNS HERE.
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