Lichen it poncho

Lichen it Poncho by Victoria Bee Designs

What is Being Made

The Lichen it poncho is a crochet design created by Victoria Bee Designs that produces a wearable layering piece. This poncho is constructed as two identical panels that are joined together, resulting in a finished garment with a total length of 56cm across all sizes. The design offers nine size options ranging from XS to 5X, with poncho widths spanning from 90cm to 173cm, providing inclusive sizing with 20cm of positive ease built into the fit.

Craft and Primary Technique

The Lichen it poncho is worked entirely in crochet using UK terminology. This beginner-level project uses the alpine stitch as its primary textured stitch, which creates visual interest and dimension throughout the garment. The alpine stitch is a foundational crochet technique that builds depth and drape, making it ideal for poncho construction where fabric movement and comfort are important design considerations.

Stitches Used

The pattern employs a variety of fundamental crochet stitches to build the structure and texture of the poncho:

• Chain (Ch) – Used for foundation rows and throughout the pattern for creating openwork and stitch spacing
• Chain space (Ch-sp) – Creates gaps and open areas within the fabric
• Double crochet (Dc) – A core stitch providing structure and density
• Foundation double crochet (Fdc) – Used to create the initial foundation row with integrated chain base
• Half treble crochet (Htr) – Adds height and texture variation
• Treble crochet (Tr) – Taller stitch for creating openness and drape
• Raised treble front (RtrF) – Also known as front post treble crochet (FP), this stitch creates textured raised elements
• Slip stitch (Sl st) – Used for joining rounds and seaming panels together
• Front loop only (FLO) – A technique worked through only the front loop of stitches to create ridged texture

Materials and Tools

The Lichen it poncho is designed to be worked in DK weight yarn, specifically Paintbox Yarns Simply DK. The yarn requirements vary by size, ranging from 5 to 10 balls of 100g each in the main color Stormy Grey 104, plus 1 ball of the contrast color Mustard Yellow 123 for accent details. A 4.5mm crochet hook is used to work the pattern at the specified gauge of 14 stitches by 14 rows over 10cm when measured in alpine stitch.

Additional tools required include 2 stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats and construction points, a needle for weaving in yarn ends, and scissors for cutting yarn. The gauge measurement of 28cm and 56cm references in the pattern documentation indicate key measurement points for ensuring proper fit and finished dimensions.

Pattern Construction

The Lichen it poncho is constructed by making two identical front and back panels that are subsequently joined together. This two-panel construction method is a classic approach for poncho design, allowing for symmetrical shaping and straightforward assembly. The pattern uses stitch markers to help track repeats and maintain consistency across both panels, and slip stitches are employed to seam the pieces together into the finished garment.