Kelley's Ponchito

Kelley's Ponchito by Julie Blagojevich

What is Being Made

Kelley's Ponchito is a lightweight crochet poncho designed by Julie Blagojevich as part of the capes and ponchos collection. This garment is constructed as a rectangular piece that is blocked flat and then shaped into a wearable poncho. When completed, the piece measures 31 inches around the top of the neck and extends 25 inches from the top of the neck to the poncho point, creating an elegant draped silhouette suitable for layering or wearing as a statement piece.

Techniques and Construction

The ponchito employs fundamental crochet techniques combined with strategic shaping to achieve its distinctive form. The pattern utilizes a foundation single crochet base to establish the initial row, which provides a stable and neat edge. The design incorporates both solid sections and openwork pattern areas, creating visual interest and allowing for drape. Blocking is an essential finishing technique, with the flat rectangle measuring 17.5 inches wide and 54 inches long before being shaped into its final poncho form. Stitch markers are recommended to help track pattern repeats and maintain consistency throughout the project.

Stitches Used

• Chain (ch): The foundational stitch used to create loops and establish turning chains throughout the pattern
• Single Crochet (sc): A basic short stitch that creates a dense, tight fabric
• Extended Single Crochet (esc): A variation of single crochet that adds height and creates a more open texture by drawing yarn through one loop on the hook before completing the stitch
• Double Crochet (dc): A taller stitch that creates a more open and flowing fabric, ideal for lightweight garments
• Foundation Single Crochet (fsc): A technique that combines the chain and single crochet into one motion, eliminating the need for a separate foundation chain and creating a professional, finished edge
• Slip Stitch (sl st): Used to join rounds or move yarn across stitches without adding height
• Single Crochet Decrease: A shaping technique that reduces stitch count by working two stitches together, allowing for custom shaping and fit

Materials and Yarn Weight

Kelley's Ponchito is designed to be worked in fingering-weight yarn, requiring 700 to 750 yards total. The pattern specifies Debbie Bliss Fine Donegal, a blend of Merino and Cashmere, with 415 yards per 100 grams, meaning 2 balls of this yarn will provide sufficient yardage. A size 7 (4.5 mm) crochet hook is used to achieve the specified gauge of 21 stitches and 16 rows in the solid portion of the pattern, measuring 4 inches square. Additional materials include a darning needle for weaving in yarn ends, blocking tools to shape and set the finished piece, and optional stitch markers to assist with pattern tracking during construction.

Difficulty Level

This project is rated as intermediate difficulty, making it suitable for crocheters with some experience beyond basic skills. The combination of multiple stitch types, including the specialized extended single crochet and foundation single crochet techniques, along with the need for precise gauge and blocking, requires solid foundational knowledge and attention to detail.