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This easy granny square poncho pattern can be made with or without sleeves for either a sweater style (known as a swoncho) or traditional poncho look with a fringe!
With a simple and elegant feel and super easy construction it’s a great beginner crochet pattern using the traditional granny stitch to start making garments with.
In adult sizes from XS to 5XL with plenty of room for adjustment and personalisation, you can create you very own granny square clothes with this!
More about this Easy Crochet Poncho Pattern
The history of the traditional granny square goes way back and it has seen a huge resurgence on the catwalks and high streets recently making it so very popular once again (but let’s face it, it never really went away for us crocheters!).
But gone are the days of the old fashioned styles with it. In this new design I wanted to give a nod to the retro granny square but bring it up to date with an easy crochet poncho pattern that can be so much more.
With an easy fit and endless possibilities to style to your taste, this poncho can be a swoncho with sleeves, collar or fringe!
How do you make a crochet poncho with sleeves?
The design includes instructions for both the standard poncho or the poncho with sleeves which is sometimes called a swoncho.
It sounds like a festive joke doesn’t it?!
What is a poncho with sleeves called? A swoncho!
A sweater and poncho mixed together – how fabulous is that?!
The swoncho crochet pattern is almost identical to the poncho. The yoke and body are exactly the same. Once you have completed them we just need to crochet sleeves that then attach to the side of the poncho and add an optional collar to turn it into a swoncho!
If you love the look of this style but want a more traditional garment you’ll love my granny square cardigan and granny square sweater patterns too!
Sizing and Measurements
The pattern is in sizes XS – M (L – 2XL, 3XL – 5XL) to fit chest sizes 30″ – 38″ (42″ – 50″, 54″ – 62″).
The shaping of the poncho means that at the widest point the circumference is 58″ (62″, 66″) but this is adjustable to fit as you make it.
Once the yoke (the part with the traditional granny squares in it) is made then you can easily customise the fit of the rest to your liking as explained in the pattern.
Yarn
To crochet both versions pictured (the poncho with twisted fringe and swoncho with sleeves) I used Upcycle Alpaca Blend Worsted by WeCrochet which is 33% Alpaca, 34% Wool, 33% Acrylic (219yds / 200m /100g).
The texture and feel that the mixture of wool, Alpaca and acrylic give is just stunning. See below for approximate yarn amounts for different colourway options including a solid colour too.
I used the following shades for my poncho version: Topaz, Parchment and Fawn.
I used the following shades for my multi colour swoncho version: A: Parchment, B: Fawn, C: Topaz, D: Fruit Punch, E: Garnet, F: Linen, G: Sage, H: Thyme, I: Latte.
How much yarn do I need to crochet a poncho?
This design has a large amount of positive ease meaning it is larger than your body measurements.
Approximate yarn quantities are shown for each of the 3 adult sizes in 3 different colour options:
- solid single colour
- 3 colours
- multi colours (see next page for details)
To add a twisted fringe to your poncho you will need approximately 130 (150, 170) yds of yarn (depending on how long you make it of course). This means you will need another ball of yarn in your chosen colour.
To add the sleeves and neckband for the swoncho you will need approximately 200 (240, 280) yds of yarn. This means you will need another 1 (2, 2) balls of yarn in your chosen colour.
All yarn amounts are approximate.
Single Colour Option
Yarn A: 700 (1140, 1535)yds; 4 (6, 7) balls.
Three Colour Option
Yarn A: 350 (570, 770)yds; 2 (3, 4) balls.
Yarns B and C: 175 (285, 385)yds; 1 (2, 2) balls.
Multi Colour Option
Yarn A: 235 (380, 510)yds; 2 (3, 4) balls.
Yarns B, C, D, E, F, G, H and I: 60 (95, 128)yds; 1 (1, 1) ball.
I chose to create a 3 tone and multi coloured version of the poncho as each and every shade in the Upcycle Alpaca Blend collection works so beautifully together.
Although it will be an investment to purchase all the colours, you’ll find that I have designs for a bag and hat that will use up any leftovers! From 1 ball of each multi colour shade I made 2 ponchos, 1 bag and 4 hats!
Yarn Substitutes
You can use any yarn that matches gauge and works well for your poncho! Some other great options are:
- Lion Brand Heartland (100% Acrylic, 251yds/230m/142g)
- Brava Tweed (97% Premium Acrylic, 3% viscose,218yds/100g)
- Sirdar Country Classic Worsted (50% Wool, 50% Acrylic, 218yds/200m/100g)
Materials
Along with your yarn, you will need the following:
- A 4.5mm/G+ crochet hook or hook size that meets the pattern gauge
- Scissors
- Tapestry needle
- Stitch markers
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Granny Square Poncho Video Tutorial
Come along as I crochet the poncho with sleeves in this step-by-step video tutorial.
Included in the video tutorial:
Join me to make the ten motifs we need for the yoke of the poncho using a traditional granny square.
We will then join the squares to create the yoke.
Next comes the main body of the poncho which is worked in the easy granny stitch.
Finally you need to decide if you are turning your poncho into a swoncho or adding a fringe – the choice is yours! I’ll show you how to add the sleeves and collar or the fringe.
Poncho Construction
The poncho is made by first creating a yoke from full and half granny squares that are joined together with a flat slip stitch seam.
The body is then worked in rounds from the top down around the yoke using a granny stitch.
The optional fringe, sleeves and neckband are then added to complete.
Glossary and Abbreviations
beg – beginning
ch(s) – chain(s)
st(s) – stitch(es)
sp – space
ss – slip stitch
RS – right side
WS – wrong side
rep – repeat
yoh – yarn over hook
blo – back loop only
flo – front loop only
Stitches
The pattern uses the following crochet stitches:
Yo slst – yarn over slip stitch
sc – single crochet (UK dc – double crochet)
dc – double crochet (UK tr – treble crochet)
Special Stitches
Yarn Over Slip Stitch (Yo slst)
Yoh, insert your hook, yoh and pull through stitch and all loops on the hook.
Customising your crochet poncho
Adjusting the fit and length:
The great thing about the poncho is that once you have made your yoke you can adjust the fit and length to your taste!
If you would like your poncho bigger then increase the amount of groups you work on the first round of the Main Body. If you would like it smaller then work less groups on this round.
Each round will increase the size of your poncho by adding 2 extra groups of 3dc so you can increase both the length and size by working as many rounds as you would like to.
Add a detailed slip stitch to the poncho:
There are two options for working the Main Body of the poncho; with slip stitch detail or without. The 3 colour version I made has the slip stitch detail. The multi colour version does not.
The overall size of the poncho doesn’t change, it just adds a decorative detail. Both options are explained in the written pattern.
Before you dive into crocheting your poncho, take a moment to read through the pattern notes—it’s a game-changer!
These handy insights will not only simplify your pattern-reading journey but also ensure a smoother crochet experience. You’ll find helpful tips on deciphering the sizing, transitioning yarn colours, and tips on turning your work.
Trust me, a quick peek at these notes will set you up for crochet success!
- A ch1 at the beginning of a row does not count as st.
- Do not turn at the end of each round.
- Turn at the end of every row.
- Read through the entire pattern before beginning.
- Before you start, go through the pattern and highlight/mark the stitch and row counts that correspond to the size you are making (this will make your life much easier!).
- Make sure that you are familiar with all of the stitches in the abbreviations list before you begin.
- Stitch counts are given in [ ] at the end of each row. If no stitch count is given, then the count is the same as the previous row.
- The count number referring to each size is laid out as follows: XS-M (L-2XL, 3XL-5XL).
- The pattern is written in US terms.
Using your chosen colours
The colour placement for my multi colour version was very organic and so I would encourage you to work in the same way with yours!
However, if you would like to follow the same sequence and balance as I have here, then you’ll find the order I used them in the written pattern.
If choosing and planning colours is something you’d like to know more about then I’d love for you to join my Using Colour In Crochet Course – it’s designed to give you all the tools you need to choose and combine the perfect colours for every project you make!
Pattern Options
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Copyright Notice
The Franny Granny Poncho Crochet Pattern and its contents are fully owned and copyrighted by HanJan Crochet Ltd., and all rights are reserved.
This pattern is protected by copyright and other intellectual property laws and may not be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means without the prior written consent of the author (Hannah Cross of HanJan Crochet Ltd).
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Rounds 20 – 24: Repeat Round 3 in the following colour sequence – A, C, C, C, A.
With WS facing join yarn C to ch2-sp at point of yoke.
Round 25: Repeat Round 1.
Break yarn. Continue to add optional neckband, sleeves and/or fringe.
How to add a twisted fringe (optional)
Shown in 3 colour poncho version.
You can add a twisted fringe to the final round of your poncho. I used colour C for mine and would recommend to use the colour of the final round to make it look neater.
With RS facing, join yarn to any stitch on the final round.
Using your hook, pull the yarn away from your project for the desired length. The twisted fringe will be just less than half of this height. I used my crochet hook as my guide for length here.
Pinch the base of the loop with your fingers so that it stays in place for the first spin. Turn clockwise 18-22 times (or as many as you like) to create the twist.
Don’t worry if it looks a wobbly mess at this point!
Keeping hold of the twist at the base, insert your hook back into the same stitch and secure with a slip stitch.
Slip stitch into the next stitch and repeat the process.
How to add sleeves to a poncho (optional)
Shown in multi colour swoncho version.
The sleeves are made separately and then sewn in place allowing you to gather the poncho as much or as little as you like.
Once your poncho is the length you would like it try it on and measure from where it ends on your arm to your wrist. This is how long your sleeve needs to be.
Using desired colour (I chose A) make a chain to match the length you’d like your sleeve to be. I chained 48.
Row 1: yo slst in 2nd ch from hook and each to end [47].
Row 2 – 44 (or desired size): ch1, yo slst in blo of each st to end.
Join the last row to the first row with a slip stitch seam and break yarn leaving a tail long enough to sew with.
Sew the sleeves in place on either side.
How to add a collar (optional)
Shown in multi colour sweater version.
Adding a neckband can really make the poncho look more like a sweater!
We use a join as you go method here, turning at the end of each row.
Using desired colour join yarn to any stitch in line with a shoulder on neckline, ch9.
Row 1: yo slst in 2nd ch from hook and each to end, ss in next 2 sts of neckline [8].
Row 2: yo slst in blo of each st to end.
Row 3: ch1, yo slst in blo of each st to end, ss in next 2 sts of neckline.
Repeat Rows 2 and 3 around the neckline.
Join the last row to the first row with a slip stitch seam to complete.
Weave in ends and block lightly to finish.
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Other easy crochet garments for beginners
If you are eager to try make more beginner friendly crochet garments then you could try these:
Congratulations on completing your granny square poncho pattern! 🌟 Now that you’ve crafted this stunning piece, why stop here? Dive into my other fun adult crochet garment patterns, each waiting to be transformed into your next crochet masterpiece.
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