Pompom template or cardboard and scissors to make template
GAUGE
8 sts and 10 rnds to 4" in St st using 17 (12mm) needles and 3 strands of yarn held tog. TAKE TIME TO CHECK GAUGE.
Notes
1) Use 3 strands of yarn held tog throughout.
2) Poncho is knit in the round from the neck down.
STITCH GLOSSARY
K, P1 Rib (over an even number of sts) Rnd 1: *K1, p 1; rep from * around. Rep rnd 1 for k 1, p 1 rib.
Inc 1: Insert LH needle into horizontal strand between last st worked and next st on LH needle and k this strand.
PONCHO
With smaller circular needle and 3 strands of yarn held tog, cast on 44 (48, 52) sts. Join, taking care not to twist sts on needle. Place marker for beg of rnd. Work in K 1, p 1 rib for 2 rnds.
Next (eyelet) rnd: *K2tog (insert RH needle from front to back through 2nd st and then first st on LH needle and K them tog), yo (with yarn in front, wrap yarn over the RH needle from front to back); rep from * around. Work 1 rnd k 1, p 1 rib. Change to larger needle and work in St st (k every rnd) for 3 rnds.
Next rnd: K 1, [k 11 (12, 13), place marker on needle] 3 times, k 10 (11, 13).
Next (Inc) rnd: K1, inc 1, [k to next marker, slip marker, inc 1, k 1, inc 1] 3 times, k to end of rnd, inc 1 before end of rnd marker (8 sts increase).
Cropped Version
Cont in rnds of St st as follows: Work 5 (4, 4) rnds even. Work inc rnd. Rep last 6 (5, 5) rnds until there are 92 (104, 108) sts on needle. Work even until piece measures 15 1/2" from beg, or 1/2" less than desired length. Change to smaller needle and work 2 rnds k 1, p 1 rib. Bind off loosely.
Long Version
Cont in rnds of St st as follows: Work 5 (4, 4) rnds even. Work inc rnd. Rep last 6 (5, 5) rnds until there are 116 (128, 140) sts on needle. Work even until piece measures 23 1/2" from beg, or 1/2" less than desired length. Change to smaller needle and work 2 rnds K 1, p 1 rib. Bind off loosely.
Finishing
With crochet hook and 2 strands yarn, make a chain 36" long. Thread chain through eyelet rnd. Make 2 pompoms. Use purchased pompom template, or cut double layer of cardboard of "C" shape, 3" in diameter. Tie with yarn. Trim pompoms and secure at each end of chain
Abbreviations
beg: begin(ning)
cont: continue
inc: increase
k: knit
LH: left-hand
p: purl
rep: repeat
RH: right-hand
rnd(s): round(s)
st(s): stitches(es)
St st: stockinette stitch
tog: together
yo: yarn over
Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and completeness of these instructions. We cannot be responsible, however, for variances in individual techniques, human errors or typographical mistakes.
It's the fall cover-up everyone's asking for: the poncho. What's extras special about our version is smart shaping-it's knit from the neck down, and the pattern is offered in a long or cropped version. The new soft acrylic yarns work especially well for this pattern.