Inside: Create some beauty with this free poncho knitting pattern for beginners and give your outfit a unique and stylish touch.
This pattern was originally published on 8/6/2015. The most recent update was made on 12/16/2022.
Scarlet is a striking and easy poncho made in banana silk yarn. There is a small amount of shaping at the shoulders to help it lay nicely. Due to the weight of the banana silk, there is little to no blocking necessary, which is always a nice little bonus (the sample in the photos has NOT been blocked)! The weight of the yarn also causes the poncho to lay very nicely.
Table of contents
Looking to create your own poncho in the round? Our classic knit poncho is the perfect project for knitters of all levels. Utilizing simple stitches and basic techniques, you’ll be able to create a beautiful poncho in no time. With our free knitting pattern, you’ll be able to complete your poncho with ease. Cozy, timeless, and effortless, our Scarlet Poncho will become your go-to accessory all season long.
Scarlet Poncho
Knit Pattern
Easy Skill Level
Designed by Jessie Rayot
Supplies
Size
26″ from neck to point.
Yarn
Size 4-5 yarn (a thicker worsted weight or a thinner bulky weight, check your gauge) 800 yds for a poncho similar in size to the sample.
Frabjous Fibers Banana Silk Yarn used in sample and is not available at this time.
Color A: color #25 600g/450 yds+/-; Color B: color #01 400g/300 yds+/-
Knitting Needles
US 10, (6.0 mm) circular knitting needles – 16″ and 36″
Gauge
Learn about gauge HERE
12 sts x 18 rows = 4” [10 cm] in stockinette st
Other Supplies
Yarn Needle
4 Stitch Markers
Stitches and Abbreviations
click on highlighted sts for tutorials
bo – bind off
co – cast on
k – knit
p – purl
pm – place marker
sm – slip marker
st(s) – stitch(es)
yo – yarn over
Get the Ad-Free Printable PDF at These Sites
- Showstopper Creations (that’s me!)
- Ravelry
- Etsy
- LoveCrafts
Pattern Notes
- Read through all instructions before beginning.
- The stitch count is at the end of each rnd after the period, usually only if the count has changed from the previous rnd. {count here}
- Start with the 16″ circulars and switch to longer circulars as needed.
Scarlet Poncho Pattern
Neck Increase Section
CO 80 in color A
Rnd 1: Begin working in the round, taking care not to twist, PM, K to end of round. {80 sts}
Rnd 2: SM, (K1, P1) to end of round.
Rnd 3: SM, K to end of round.
Rnds 4-5: Repeat Rnds 2-3.
Rnd 6:With color B, SM, (K20, PM) 3 times, K20.
Rnd 7: With color A, (SM, YO, K to 1 st before marker, YO, K1) 4 times. {88 sts}
Rnd 8: With color B, (SM, K to marker) 4 times.
Rnds 9-16: Repeat Rnds 7-8 four times.
*After Rnd 16 there will be 120 sts, or 4 sets of 30 sts between the markers.
Body
Rnd 17: With color A, (SM, YO, K to marker, remove marker, K to 1 st before marker, YO, K1) 2 times. {124 sts}
*There will only be 2 markers on the needles at the end of this round.
Rnd 18: With color B, (SM, K to marker) 2 times.
Rnd 19: With color A, (SM, YO, K to 1 st before marker, YO, K1) 2 times. {128 sts}
Repeat Rnds 18-19 to desired length (for the sample, I went until there was just enough yarn to bind off).
Finishing
- Bind off all stitches
- Weave in ends
- Block if needed
Happy Stitching!
FAQs
The pattern will still work if you use another yarn weight and needle size, it will end up a different size, including the neck opening. See the next question for help with that.
Add more or less sts to the cast on in multiples of 4 and complete Rnds 1-5 as written. Then in Rnd 6 you will need to divide your total stitch count by 4 and place your stitch markers to separate the quarters. From there you will be able to follow the pattern again, keeping in mind the round stitch counts will be different.
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Re: Scarlet Poncho pattern. I do not find in the instructions what SM< and PM refer to. What does this mean?
It’s listed with the abbreviations at the top of the pattern.
this is a great looking pattern but all the markers are a bit confusing to me. if I use a single color yarn are the markers necessary?
The markers show you where to put the increases, they have nothing to do with the colors. Just take your time, and follow the pattern.
How much yarn is needed for this pattern? I can not find the yardage.
Thank you,
Nancy
It’s at the top in the supplies list
Hi,
I am using Noro silk garden light and would like to adapt it to your pattern! It calls for an 8 needle.What do you suggest?
You’re going to have to make swatches and see if you can get gauge.
What size is this yarn? Is it considered a bulky, super bulky, etc?
Thank you
Worsted or bulky – depending on the yarn. Just see what gets gauge.
What weight yarn is used?. Thank you in advance for ur assistance
about a 5 or 6, worsted or bulky. Just make sure you get gauge.
Hi, I thought this is a “knit pattern”, not a crochet one???
It is, did I miss-label it somewhere?
oh! Found it and fixed it. Thanks. 🙂
I made this
Awesome!!!
I made this and it’s so pretty. Thank you for the pattern.
You’re welcome. I’m glad you liked it. Happy crafting!
Hi ,please could you tell me if this poncho pattern would be big enough for a 12 to 13 year old girl. Sincere thanks Chris
Yes, it will. 🙂
Thankyou for the quick response. Forgot to ask if i could use aran woolinstead of the banana silk and at the bottom of the poncho can i carry on knitting about a 3 inch border oon the same stitches ??? Very many thanks for your help .Chris
That should work fine. It may end up with a slightly different gauge, but you can make it longer or shorter as needed.