For lack of a better name, introducing the cropped poncho...

Here is my latest crochet creation. But what to call it? I’ve seen relatively similar crochet/knit pieces that go by various names: capelet – sounds too fuddy-duddy; shoulder warmer – eh?; and ponchini – I mean really, as if I’d walk around saying, “Do you like my ponchini?” Sounds like a cross-bred small dog or a new Italian dish.

I wanted something between a cardigan and a scarf/cowl to wear around the house, as one can be too warm, the other not warm enough, depending on the weather. I have a knitted cropped poncho-type thing with a big cowl neck, and I wanted to make a crochet version after I saw this begging for a cuddle at the local haberdashery

Ooo, so soft and gorgeous, and I love the neutral colours, greys and creamy whites and the softest rosy-taupes. I bought this without knowing what to do with it (I seem to have a habit of doing that), so I made up the cropped poncho pattern after I couldn’t find exactly what I was looking for.

This is my first time making a crochet garment pattern. I usually prefer knitted clothes and crocheted household items and toys, but I’m happy with how this turned out. I based it on the foundations of a Lion poncho pattern, but changed it to suit my idea.

I am petite person so I made it small, but I’ve written in how to adapt it for someone taller. But I’ve only made one, so please offer feedback!

Cropped poncho

Here’s what I used:

Chunky weight yarn – about one-and-a-half 50g balls for size small (I used Sirdar Crofter Fair Isle Effect Chunky in Shade 0048)

9mm hook

Large button for collar

Written in US terminology:

Hdc = Yarn over hook; insert hook into next stitch; yarn over hook; pull yarn through stitch (3 loops on hook); yarn over hook; pull hook through all 3 loops on hook.

Ch 46, join with slip st to form ring, being careful not to twist the chain

Round 1: Ch1, hdc in each ch around (46sts). Do not join, but mark end of rnd with stitch marker or contrasting thread between last and first sts. Do not turn.

Rnd 2: Hdc in first st, *2hdc in next st, hdc in each of next 4 sts; repeat from * around – 55 sts

Rnd 3 and all odd rnds: Hdc in each st around

Rnd 4: Hdc in first st, *2hdc in next st, hdc in each of next 5 sts; repeat from * around – 64 sts

Rnd 6: Hdc in first st, *2hdc in next st, hdc in each of next 6 sts; repeat from * around – 73 sts

Rnd 8: Hdc in first st, *2hdc in next st, hdc in each of next 7 sts; repeat from * around – 82 sts

At this point the garment reached the curve of my shoulders, so I continued in single hdc in each stitch:

Rnds 9-18: Hdc in each st around. Fasten off and weave in ends

But if you are medium or large size, after Rnd 9, continue as such until garment curves over edge of shoulders:

Rnd 10: Hdc in first st, *2hdc in next st, hdc in next 8 sts; repeat from * around – 91 sts

Rnd 12: Hdc in first st, *2hdc in next st, hdc in next 9 sts; repeat from * around – 100 sts

Rnd 14: Hdc in first st, *2hdc in next st, hdc in next 10 sts; repeat from * around – 109 sts

After you reach the shoulder curve, do 10 rounds of hdc in each st around, then fasten off and weave in ends (see example Rnds 9-18 above) – the idea is that the cropped poncho stays slim against the body, ending just below chest level – so it keeps you warm and doesn’t get in the way with lots of bulk.

Neck: I made up this part by accident – I had the intention of making a cowl neck, but after two rounds I put it on to check the sizing and decided I was finished! Work the neck in the same hdc as the body:

Rnd 1: Join yarn to existing st, then hdc in each st around (46 sts). Do not join, but mark end of rnd. Do not turn.

Rnd 2: Hdc in each st around.

Try on the garment and see if the neck is high enough for you, then either fasten off and weave in the ends, or hdc another round or two. Add a snazzy button just off centre, and pat yourself on the back, well done!

Of course, now that I’ve finished it we’ll have a heat wave and the Spring we’ve been desperately waiting for...

Happy crafting!

Chrissie x