How to knit a poncho using circular knitting needles 🔥 Free pattern

If you’re looking for a warm and comfortable garment, this free pattern is for you. Learn how to knit a poncho with circular knitting needles seamlessly in the round, thanks to these step-by-step instructions by Irene Reichel @hm_iren. To make this soft high-neck cape in a gradient colorway, you just need 2 or 3 balls of Angelo by Concept by Katia. Follow the pattern with charts and videos to knit ponchos in children’s sizes from 2 to 12 years or a single size for adults. Enjoy a light seamless poncho knit in the round!

How to knit a poncho with circular knitting needles

Irene Reichel teaches you how to knit a bottom-up poncho with circular knitting needles in the round, using balls of Angelo by Concept by Katia. Here is an enjoyable knitting pattern for circular knitting needles that combines basic stitches, like knits and purls, with fantasy stitches which use cables and bobbles. If you have any doubts when knitting these stitches, check the chart and videos, it’s that easy!

Poncho by Irene Reichel @hm_iren

Sizes and Measurements

• Child: a) 2-4, b) 6-8, c) 10–12 years
• Woman: d) single size

A Sleeve width: a) 49, b) 60, c) 72, d) 84 cm

A* Front/back width: a) 20, b) 20, c) 20, d) 28 cm

B Rib length: a) 3, b) 3, c) 4, d) 4 cm

C Total length: a) 30, b) 37, c) 44, d) 51 cm

C* Sleeve length: a) 22, b) 27, c) 32, d) 37 cm

D Neckline width: a) 15, b) 15, c) 15, d) 20.5 cm

E Bust height: a) 2, b) 2, c) 2, d) 3 cm

F Shoulder width: a) 8, b) 10, c) 12, d) 14 cm

G Neck height: a) 14, b) 16.5, c) 20, d) 24 cm

Materials

• Angelo by Concept by Katia
  • color 202 (Brown-Red-Beige): a) 2, b) 2, c) 3 balls
  • color 204 (Pastel-Beige-Rose): d) 3 balls
• 5 (US4) and 4-mm (US6) circular knitting needles
• 120, 80 and 100-cm cords
• Cable needle or stitch holder
• Different colored stitch markers
• Row counter
• Scissors
• Tapestry needle

Stitches and techniques

• Knit
• Purl
• Stockinette stitch
  • R1 (RS):
  • R2 (WS):
  • Rep these 2 rs.
• 2×2 rib
  • R1: *k2, p2*; rep ** to end of r.
  • R2 and following: k the knits and p the purls.
• Fantasy stitch 1 in the round: always repeat the same 18 sts and 12 rs (see video).

Chart

On even r, k the knits and p the purls.

• Fantasy stich 2 in the round: always repeat the same 2 sts and 2 rs (see video)
• R1: *k1, p1*, rep ** to end of r.
• R2: *sl1 st knitwise, p1,*, rep ** to end of r.

• k2tog: knit 2 sts together (see video)

• sl1 k1 psso: sl1 st, knit 1 st, pass slipped stitch over (see video)

• Bind off (see video)

• Pick up sts: on the RS, follow the video or the written instructions: Insert the needle into a st, make a loop and pull through the st. Rep inserting the needle into the following sts until you have picked up the desired number of sts.

Gauge

With 4-mm (US6) needles in stockinette stitch, worked flat, 22 sts x 30 rs = 10 x 10 cm or 4 x 4”

Instructions

This poncho is knit seamlessly bottom-up. Start by casting on the sts for the body and working the ribbing. Next, work decreases to shape the poncho until the neckline. Knit the neckline last.

Abbreviations

• k – knit
• k2tog – knit 2 sts together
• p – purl
• pm – place marker
• R and r(s) – row(s)
• rep – repeat
• sl1 k1 psso – slip 1, knit 1, pass slipped st over
• st st – stockinette stitch
• st(s) – stitch(es)
• yo – yarn over

Notes

To knit the poncho, alternate two different fantasy st textures.

The decreases (1 and 2) are worked every 2 rs, always on fantasy st 2. Fantasy st 1 is worked even until you achieve the desired length.

Body

Using Angelo by Concept by Katia, 4-mm (US6) needles and the 120-cm cord, cast on a) 306, b) 354, c) 406, d) 492 sts.

Join to work in the round. Use a row counter to know what r you’re on.

Work in 2×2 rib for a) 8, b) 8, c) 12, d) 12 rs.

R a) 9, b) 9, c) 13, d) 13 and all odd rs: *work a) 45, b) 45, c) 45, d) 63 sts in fantasy st 1, pm, work a) 108, b) 132, c) 158, d) 184 sts in fantasy st 2, pm*; rep ** to end of r.

R a) 10, b) 10, c) 14, d) 14 and all even rs: *work a) 45, b) 45, c) 45, d) 63 sts in fantasy st 1, k2tog, work in fantasy st 2, sl1 k1 psso; work a) 45, b) 45, c) 45, d) 184 sts in fantasy st 1, k2tog, work in fantasy st 2, sl1 k1 psso.

Change to the 80-cm cable when necessary.

Neckline

Notes

It is worked flat, starting with the decreases on the left side of the center.

Every 2 rs, bind off the number of sts required to shape the neckline.

For the other shoulder, attach a new strand of yarn and start decreasing directly on the WS. Every 2 rs, bind off the number of sts required to shape the neckline.

Sizes a), b) and c)

R a) 84, b) 104, c) 116: k6, put 33 sts on hold, k6; k2tog, work fantasy st 2, sl1 k1 psso; work a) 45, b) 45, c) 45 sts in fantasy st 1; k2tog, work fantasy st 2, sl1 k1 psso.

R a) 85, b) 105, c) 105, c) 117: work in st st and, at the same time, continue decreasing at the front for the neckline.

Continue decreasing 2 sts every 2 rs a) 3, b) 3, c) 3 times in total.

Size d)

R d) 144: k9, put 45 sts on hold, k9; k2tog, work fantasy st 2, sl1 k1 psso; work d) 45 sts in fantasy st 1; k2tog, work fantasy st 2, sl1 k1 psso.

R d) 145: work in st st and, at the same time, continue decreasing at the front for the neckline.

Continue decreasing 2 sts every 2 rs d) 4 times in total.

Neckline

With the 3.5-mm (US4) circular needles and the 60-cm cord, pick up a) 124, b) 132, c) 140, d) 188 sts around the neckline and work in 2×2 rib for a) 42, b) 50, c) 60, d) 72 rs.

Bind off loosely (see video).

Finishes

Next, weave in the ends and block.

Wash and block the poncho

Finally, block the garment to even out the stitches and add shape to the design. Wash it with mild detergent, gently squeeze it out, lay it out on a towel and roll it to remove the excess water. Next, lay the poncho out flat, pin out the shape and leave to dry.

Handmade with personality

Remember: knitting is a creative and relaxing activity that allows you to express your style and personality. Now you know how to knit a poncho with circular knitting needles, we encourage you to wear a unique piece handmade by you, in your favorite colors of Angelo de Concept by Katia. This winter, enjoy wearing a comfortable and elegant poncho, perfect for any occasion.

Lastly, you’ll find many other poncho and cape patterns at katia.com.