Heidelberg Poncho
- nataliapleshko
- Sep 29
- 3 min read
Updated: 3 days ago
Crochet poncho pattern
The Heidelberg Poncho is a great layering piece for your wardrobe. The poncho is constructed from two rectangular panels that are joined together. Each panel is crocheted separately and then sewn together to form the poncho shape. The lacy stitch pattern design features openwork stitches and breezy cotton/viscose yarn making this accessory perfect for the spring and summer seasons. But you can always substitute yarn for your preferences and make it all-season long project.
Inspiration
The idea for this design started with a submission call from a magazine; they were asking to create a design that uses simple pieces like rectangles, squares. So you don't need to worry about any decreasing-increasing part during your crafting time. It was also intended for the spring and summer, and needed to be somehow lacy and airy.
After doing some research, what can actually be made out of rectangles, except for obvious scarves/wraps, I decided to dive into poncho making.
Unfortunately, the collaboration with the magazine didn't come through, but I love my idea and enjoyed making the sample, so I decided to publish this pattern as a single self-published pattern.
Yarn
And as usual, before any crochet project can begin, we need, of course, yarn! As mentioned above, the poncho was intended for spring and summer. And I was looking for:
- not too heavy, around DK weight yarn;
- nicely breathable yarn like cotton or cotton blend;
- soft and relatively good drape;
- good selection of colors;
- relatively easy to find and affordable.
The yarn Cascade Yarns Pandamonium covered all the checkmarks.
After receiving yarn support from Cascade Yarns (big thanks to the company!) and making the first swatch, I fell in love with this yarn. It is so silky soft, has a subtle sheen, and is absolutely easy to work with.
The content of the fiber: 55% cotton, 45% viscose (from bamboo). It is DK weight yarn with great yardage 273 yds (250 m)/100g. Highly recommended!
Construction
The construction of the poncho is quite simple. You'll work two flat panels: 1 rectangle and 1 square. Then make 2 seams, leaving the opening for the head, and voila! You got a poncho.
Just a few finishing touches over the neckline and the bottom border, and you are ready to go!
The pattern has a schematic showing which sides of the panels connect together. And if you need more visual help, I also added a video tutorial about assembly.
The assembly process isn't exactly specific just for this design, you can make your own rectangular and square panels and transform them into a poncho. Here is the video tutorial on how to do it.
Stitch pattern
The original idea was to create something light and airy for spring and summer. That's why I decided to go with a lacy stitch pattern for this design, but not too complicated at the same time. I wanted a relaxing crochet with a few rows of repetition and a couple easy stitches. After browsing several stitch dictionaries, I found Lattice and Shell Rows stitch pattern. After making a swatch and blocking it, the arches between some rows were clearly visible, and they reminded me of the arched bridge (Alte Brücke) in Heidelberg, Germany. Can you guess how I got the name of the design? :)
Skills needed to make the poncho
The pattern difficulty is marked as Easy. You’ll need to know how to do basic crochet stitches (ch, sc, dc), how to work Shell and V-stitches. Also, you need to know how to make a seam using mattress or whip stitch.
Sizes
The pattern is written for 3 sizes 1 (2, 3).
Size 1 is about women XXS-S, size 2 - about M to XXL, size 3 is above 3X
Here are all the measurements:
a – shoulder length: 13.5 (17.5, 21.5)" / 34 (44, 54) cm
b – side length: 20.5 (27, 31)" / 51 (67.5, 77.5) cm
c – width: 29 (38, 43.5)" / 72.5 (95, 109) cm
What do you need to make the poncho
Yarn: DK weight yarn
Sample made with Cascade Yarns Pandamonium: (55% Cotton, 45% Viscose), 273yds/250m, 3.5oz/100g.
MC: 2 (4, 5) skeins or 525 (890, 1255) yds /480 (815, 1150) m
CC: 1 (2, 3) skeins or 245 (410, 620) yds /225 (375, 570) m
Hook: size US7 (4.5 mm)
Notions: tapestry needle, stitch markers
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