Free Cross Country Poncho Pattern

Materials Needed & Measurements:

• Yarn: Bulky weight (approx. 5-6 weight), 5-7 skeins depending on desired size.
• Crochet Hook: Size L (8.0 mm) or as recommended on the yarn label.
• Stitch Markers: For tracking row changes and pattern.
• Tapestry Needle: For weaving in ends.
• Scissors: To trim yarn.
• Measuring Tape: To check dimensions.
• Gauge: 8 sts and 4 rows = 4 inches (10 cm) in dc stitch pattern.
• Finished Measurements:
  • Length: 25-30 inches (63-76 cm).
  • Width: 40-45 inches (101-114 cm).

Abbreviations:

• ch = chain
• dc = double crochet
• st(s) = stitch(es)
• sl st = slip stitch
• sk = skip
• rep = repeat
• FO = fasten off

Stitching Instructions for Making Cross Country Poncho Pattern:

Step 1: Foundation Chain

• Ch 100-110 (adjust for desired width).
  • The number of chains should be a multiple of 2 for the stitch pattern to work evenly.
• Join with a sl st to the first ch, ensuring there is no twist in the chain. This forms a loop to begin the rounds.

Step 2: Establishing the Base of the Poncho

• Round 1:
  • Ch 3 (counts as first dc).
  • Work dc in each ch around (100-110 dc).
  • Join with sl st to the top of the beginning ch 3.
  • This round forms a solid base for the poncho.
• Round 2:
  • Ch 3 (counts as first dc).
  • Dc in the next st, then sk 1 st, dc in the next st, ch 1.
  • Repeat from * around: (dc in next st, sk 1 st, dc in next st, ch 1).
  • Join with sl st to the top of the beginning ch 3.
  • This creates a textured, open mesh pattern.

Step 3: Continue the Stitch Pattern

• Round 3:
  • Ch 3 (counts as first dc).
  • Dc in each st and each ch-1 space around (alternating between dc and ch 1).
  • Join with sl st to the top of the beginning ch 3.
• Rounds 4-10:
  • Continue alternating between Round 2 and Round 3 for the textured mesh pattern.
  • Make sure to keep track of rounds using stitch markers.
  • If the poncho begins to flare too early, decrease the number of dc in each round (skip fewer stitches) to maintain the shape.

Step 4: Increase for the Poncho Shape

• Rounds 11-15:
  • Begin to increase every 10th st.
  • To increase: dc twice in the same st (this is also called an increase stitch).
  • Example: Work dc in each st for 9 stitches, then 2 dc in the 10th stitch.
  • This slight increase will help flare the poncho out at the bottom.
  • Continue this pattern for 5 rounds, then check the length of your work.

Step 5: Finishing the Poncho Body

• Continue until desired length (25-30 inches) is achieved.
  • If you would like a more dramatic flare, you can continue increasing every 8th or 6th st during the next rounds.
• After reaching the desired length, make sure to keep the pattern consistent (alternating between dc and ch-1 spaces).

Step 6: Adding the Edging

• Edging Round:
  • Ch 1, then sc in each st around the edge of the poncho.
  • Join with sl st to the first sc.
  • This creates a neat border to prevent the edges from curling.
• Optional Fringe:
  • To add fringe, cut yarn into 8-inch lengths.
  • Fold each strand in half, then pull through the bottom of the poncho, using the larks head knot technique, in every other st along the bottom edge.

Step 7: Final Touches

• FO and use the tapestry needle to weave in all yarn ends.
• If needed, block your poncho to achieve the desired shape and size, ensuring the stitches open up and the poncho drapes nicely.

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