Knitting a simple poncho – ideas & instructions for beginners and advanced users

The poncho is one of the most popular pieces of clothing. It is particularly popular with women. As a transition, it keeps us warm in spring and autumn, while in winter it can be worn under the winter jacket instead of a sweater. But even in summer it can be used with a hole knit pattern instead of a tunic and can be worn in combination with a tank top or over a bikini on the beach. And if it is made of knitted fabric, it can even present a wide variety of knitting patterns and be particularly charming in this way.

No matter if you stillBeginners in knitting and crochetingor if you are an advanced user looking for a simple and relatively quick project - since the garment is available in different versions and can be made in different ways, it is easy to find the right model for everyone. To make your search easier, we have put together a few ideas with video instructions that will help you wonderfully if you want to knit your own poncho. Choose your favorite model and start your DIY project right away!

Knitting a simple poncho - tips for determining the size

Of course, you can choose a different size than shown in the videos and tailor the garment to your needs. Then the amount of yarn you will need will change accordingly. The best way to determine the correct size is to measure the length from the neck to the wrist with your arms stretched out to the sides. But there are also poncho models with shorter “sleeves”. This means you can determine the length yourself. This distance from neck to forearm or wrist corresponds to the width of the required rectangle. You can choose the length as you wish. Some people like it just below the hips, while others prefer it a little longer. This also depends on the model, among other things. For example, if the poncho consists of two rectangles, it will be shorter because the length of the garment then corresponds to the width of the rectangle. So if you want it to be longer, each of the two rectangles must be knitted wider. If you use a square for the poncho sweater, one of the corners is usually the lowest point. So that this corner doesn't get in the way or get dirty when you run or squat, you have to estimate the correct length. It is also important that the poncho fits reasonably loosely and does not restrict you when running. Keep this in mind when taking measurements and knitting the poncho.

Tips for beginners – The right knitting pattern

There are absolutely no rules when it comes to knitting patterns. For warmer days you can use large stitches and knit an airy poncho, while on cooler days a model with denser stitches is more practical. The patterns can also vary. Whether pearl stitch, cable stitch or effective hole knit pattern is a matter of taste. And if you can't decide, just knit and crochet several ponchos to make all your ideas come true. So you get a suitable model for every occasion and for every weather. Instead of a smooth edge, interesting elements can also be added. Fringes or tassels are great and make the throw a beautiful eye-catcher.

Poncho knit from one piece with cable pattern

As already mentioned, the poncho can be made in different ways. On the one hand, it can be made from a squaredo it Yourself. Have you chosen the yarn you want to use?If you want to knit a poncho sweater, you should first make a stitch sample. Then you can see how many stitches are necessary for your measurements, because the number can vary depending on the yarn thickness, material and knitting pattern. A sketch is also very practical, as you will see in the video. There you can note all dimensions and any decorative elements, which is much more clear. Of course, you can use any colors and choose the thickness of the yarn yourself. Both wool and cotton are suitable. But if you have found an artificial material that you like more, that is also a possibility.

The video explains how to knit a poncho in one piece and with a cable pattern. Advanced users can also decorate the entire poncho with a cable pattern. This is purely a matter of taste. This model also has a pointed neckline, which can also be replaced with a turtleneck. Above you can see an interesting combination of two colors, with cable pattern chosen for one color and patent rib for the other. If you knit or crochet your own clothes, you can let your imagination run wild and create a model that suits your taste and is guaranteed to be unique.

From a single rectangle

Another one-piece variant is a simple rectangle. Both ends of this rectangle that you knit for the poncho are then sewn together. You can find instructions on how to do this in the following video. Here too, the width of the rectangle can vary. In this way you change the length in the arm area so that you have the choice between long and short sleeves. This model looks very elegant because it is reminiscent of a women's scarf wrapped nicely around the neck. Don’t be alarmed when you read the word “sewing”. It's easier than you think, as you'll soon see. You can easily sew knitted fabrics together by hand, so there is no need to purchase a sewing machine.

Poncho knit from two rectangles

Another option is to knit two rectangles of the same size and then sew them together. The same procedure is followed for the model in the picture above. Knitting itself shouldn't be a problem for advanced users, but that doesn't mean that beginners can't try this model. Finally, you can choose which knitting pattern you use and choose an easier one. To practice, you can, for example, try a simple patent pattern. If you're a beginner knitting the poncho, just follow the instructions and the project won't go wrong.

The two rectangles are sewn together on either the short or long side, depending on whether you want to knit a long and short-sleeved poncho or a short one with long sleeves. If you can't imagine this very well, simply take two rectangular scraps of fabric or cut out two rectangles of paper and hold them together in different ways until you like the model. This makes the whole thing much more vivid, especially for those who don't have much imagination.

Once you have got everything you need, you can start right away and knit the poncho. Again, a swatch is needed to get the correct length. No matter which knitting pattern you choose, both rectangles should be the same size. If this is the case, you can sew them together as you previously planned using the paper rectangles. You can find out exactly how this works in the following video. Finally, you can also sew the lower areas of the arms together to create sleeves or suggest sleeves.

Made of knitted shawls with a collar

If you want to try something with a greater level of difficulty, you can also try the following model. The so-called half-moon poncho consists of two knitted scarves with an attractive hole-knit pattern, which are then sewn together. This also creates sleeves. The more difficult thing about this project is the special knitting pattern. However, the procedure is explained and shown in the video so that everyone can try it out. And finally, this is the only way beginners can learn. So feel free to be brave when knitting a poncho. You learn from mistakes! The video does not show the same model as in the photo above, but a similar variant.

How do you make it for children?

If you want to knit a poncho for children, you can use the instructions above. The only difference is the size and if you have taken the child's measurements in advance and made a swatch, you will quickly have the basics you need to surprise the little ones with this attractive fashion item. By the way, this warm piece of clothing is not just for girls. Don't be fooled by the fact that women usually wear the garment. The garment also looks wonderful on a boy, so you can also knit it for your son, nephew or the son of a friend. It is the perfect element of a trendyFashion for children.

With a turtleneck, it is a perfect piece of clothing even on cooler days. But a hood is also a wonderful element that keeps you warm and can be combined with the poncho. In the picture above you can see a practical model with pockets. These consist of rectangles or squares, as desired, which are simply sewn onto the poncho sweater, leaving the top side open of course. As you can see, the possibilities are numerous. From the color to the knitting pattern to additional elements or decorations in the form of fringes, tassels, stones and the like, you can knit and decorate the poncho as you wish.

And who can't knit?

If you really want to make a poncho yourself but have no idea about knitting or crocheting, you have two options. One of course would be to teach yourself to knit or take a course for this purpose. If you don't want to wait that long, you can instead purchase ready-made knitted fabric by the meter from a fabric store and avoid having to knit the poncho. Then just cut the fabric to your size. You shouldtrendiger Damenponchoconsists of two parts, they then have to be sewn together. You do this with knitting yarn of the same color and by hand. You can also watch how to sew two pieces together in the video above, where it is explained for the two rectangles. Or you may be able to find a larger crocheted blanket that you can use. Even two smaller ones that are at least roughly the same size can be sewn together to make a beautiful poncho.