How to Knit a Poncho

Co-authored by Blythe Nudelman

Last Updated: December 9, 2023 References

Ponchos are stylish, cozy, and, best of all, easy to knit! You can make a poncho with any type of yarn you want. Use a pattern to create a specific poncho style, or follow along with the sample pattern in this article to make a basic adult-sized poncho.

Part 1

Part 1 of 3:

Designing Your Poncho

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1
Choose a pattern to guide you. Using a pattern to make your poncho will provide you with knitting needle and yarn recommendations. It will also give you specific instructions for how many stitches to cast on and how to work the stitches. However, if you prefer to design your own poncho without using a pattern, that is also an option.
- You can visit a craft supply store and purchase a pattern book or magazine that has a poncho pattern in it, or you can find a free poncho pattern online.^{[1]
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- Look for a beginner level pattern if you are new to knitting.
2
Select yarn and needles for your poncho. You can use any color or texture of yarn for your poncho as long as it is compatible with the needles you are using. Check the label on your yarn for a needle size recommendation.
- If your pattern recommends a specific yarn type, such as medium worsted-weight or super bulky, then make sure to use that type of yarn for your poncho.
- To create the basic poncho described in this article, you will need 2 skeins of medium-worsted weight yarn and a pair of US size 9 (5.5 mm) knitting needles.^{[2]
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3
Pick a stitch to use for the poncho. There are many different knitting stitches that work well for making a poncho. You can knit your poncho in a basic knit stitch for a classic look, or use a special stitch to get a specific look.
- For example, if you want your poncho to have some texture, you could use the garter stitch, rib stitch, or moss stitch.

Part 2

Part 2 of 3:

Knitting the Front and Back Pieces

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1
Cast on the desired number of stitches. First, loop the yarn around your index and ring finger twice, and pull the first loop over the second loop. Then, tighten the tail around the base of the loop and slide it onto your right hand needle. Pull the tail to tighten the loop around the needle. For the next cast on stitch, loop your yarn around the left-hand needle and insert the right-hand needle into the loop. Yarn over, and pull through to create another cast on stitch.^{[3]
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- Keep casting on until you have the desired number of cast on stitches.
- If you are following a pattern, use the recommendation in your knitting pattern to determine how many stitches you need to cast on.
- To follow the sample pattern in this article, cast on 150 stitches.
2
Knit until the piece is long enough to cover the front of your body. To knit, insert your right hand needle through the first stitch on the left hand needle. Loop the yarn over the left hand needle and pull this through the stitch. Let the old stitch slide off the end of the needle as the new stitch replaces it. Continue knitting to the end of the row and knit all the rows after that.^{[4]
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- If your knitting pattern features special instructions or if you are using a special stitch to knit your poncho, then follow those instructions instead.
3
Decrease by 2 stitches per row for a pointed edge. This is optional, but if you want your poncho to taper down to a point at the bottom, you can work a decrease at the beginning and end of the last 6 to 12 in (15 to 30 cm) of the poncho piece. To do this, insert your right hand needle through the 2 stitches at the beginning of the row, yarn over, and then pull through both stitches to secure them. Repeat this on the end of the row.^{[5]
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- Keep decreasing until you only have 2 stitches left and then knit through both stitches, yarn over, and pull through to finish the poncho piece.
4
Bind off the stitches to finish the piece without a pointed edge. If you do not want to create a pointed edge on your poncho, then you will need to bind off the stitches. Keep knitting until you are satisfied with the length of the piece. At the beginning of the next row, knit the first 2 stitches. Then, use the left hand needle to lift the first stitch you knit up and over the second 1. Then, knit 1 and lift the first up and over this stitch. Continue to knit 1 and lift 1 up and over the new stitch until you reach the end of the row.^{[6]
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- Keep in mind that if you created a pointed edge, you will not need to bind off.
After the first piece of the poncho is complete, repeat the process to create the backside of the poncho. Create the second piece exactly as the first so that they will be symmetrical.

Part 3

Part 3 of 3:

Connecting the Front and Back Pieces

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1
Lay the 2 pieces on top of each other so the straight edges line up. Make sure that the stitches are all going in the same direction, and the right (outer) sides of the knitting are facing each other. You will be sewing along the top seam of the poncho, which will be along the shoulders and arms.
- Sewing with the right sides together will ensure that the seam will be hidden after you invert the poncho.
2
Thread a yarn needle with a 24 in (61 cm) strand of yarn. Use a ruler or measuring tape to measure a 24 in (61 cm) strand of yarn and then cut it with a sharp pair of scissors. Insert the end of the yarn through the eye of the needle and pull on the end until about 6 in (15 cm) of the yarn is through the eye.
- Do not tie the end of the yarn.
3
Insert the yarn needle through the 2 end stitches and pull it through. Grasp the yarn needle near the point and insert it through the 2 end stitches. Pull until the yarn is almost all the way through, but leave a 3 in (7.6 cm) section of yarn on the other side of the stitches.^{[7]
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- You will secure the end of the yarn later. Just make sure that you do not accidentally pull them through the stitches. You may want to hold the end of the yarn for the first few stitches to make sure the end stays put.
4
Continue sewing until you are 1/3 of the way down the edge. Keep sewing through the same side of the stitches and pulling the yarn taut after each stitch. Stop sewing when you are 1/3 of the way down the edge of the pieces. This is where the neckline for the poncho will begin.^{[8]
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- If desired, you may sew back towards the end of the pieces in the opposite direction to ensure that you have a strong stitch, but this is optional.
You can secure the ends of the stitching by tying them around the end stitches for the seam. Trim the excess yarn about 0.5 in (1.3 cm) from the knot. This will secure the stitching and finish the seam.
After you finish sewing the seam that will go over 1 shoulder of your poncho, repeat the same process for the second side. Secure and trim the yarn on the ends of the seam when you are finished, and this will complete the poncho. Turn it inside out, and try it on!

Expert Q&A

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Question

How can I make the poncho softer in texture?

Blythe Nudelman
Knitting Expert
Blythe Nudelman is a Knitting Expert based in Ponderay, Idaho. She is the owner and operator of Twilight Fibers, a knitting shop and business in Ponderay. Twilight Fibers' products are made of 100% all natural yarns & fibers. They sell a large variety of products for knitting, crochet, embroidery, and other craft hobbies.

Blythe Nudelman

Knitting Expert

Expert Answer

To make your poncho softer, start by choosing to weave it instead of knitting. Weaving typically uses heavier, rustic yarns, resulting in a softer texture. Also, another tip for weaving a poncho is to avoid using single-ply fabric. Opt for at least a 2-ply fabric to enhance the softness and durability.

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