Nicole Poncho in Rowan Kid Classic

Nicole Poncho in Rowan Kid Classic – Free Crochet Pattern by Lisa Richardson

The Nicole Poncho is a beautifully crafted crocheted cape-style poncho designed by Lisa Richardson and published by Rowan. Available as a free downloadable PDF, this pattern produces an elegant, lacy poncho with a distinctive open-work stitch pattern that creates a graceful drape. It is a versatile layering piece suitable for a wide range of bust sizes, making it an accessible and rewarding project for crocheters who are comfortable working with treble crochet and simple lace repeats.

What Is Being Made

The finished garment is a poncho, falling into the capes and ponchos category of wearable crochet. It features a structured welt at the lower edge, transitioning into a flowing lace pattern across the body. The poncho is worked in separate back and front panels and is designed to sit comfortably across the shoulders and drape over the bust. It is photographed in Victoria 852, a rich, warm colourway from the Rowan Kid Classic range.

Sizes and Fit

• Five sizes available: S, M, L, XL, and XXL
• Designed to fit bust measurements of 81–86 cm up to 122–127 cm (32–34 in to 48–50 in)
• Back length ranges from 60.5 cm to 68.5 cm (24 in to 27 in) depending on size
• Width above the welt ranges from 70 cm to 93.5 cm (27½ in to 37 in)

Techniques Used

• Foundation chain construction: The back panel begins with a chain of 48 to 74 stitches depending on size, establishing the base row with treble crochet
• Welt section: Several rows of plain treble crochet are worked first to create a firm, structured lower welt before transitioning to the lace pattern
• Lace pattern construction: The main body of the poncho uses a repeating lace motif built from double crochet, chain spaces, and tr2tog (treble crochet two together) clusters, creating an open, airy fabric with elegant texture
• Yarn doubled: Throughout the entire pattern, the yarn is held double, which gives the fabric additional body and warmth despite the open lace structure
• Shaping through pattern repeats: Size differentiation is achieved by adjusting the number and type of pattern repeats within each row rather than through traditional increases or decreases alone

Stitches Used

• ch – chain stitch, used for foundation and within the lace pattern as chain spaces
• dc – double crochet, used as anchor stitches within the lace repeat and at row edges
• tr – treble crochet, the primary stitch of the welt section and the building block for cluster stitches
• tr2tog – treble crochet two together; a decrease cluster stitch worked by inserting the hook into two separate positions and drawing through all loops together, creating the distinctive pointed lace motifs
• dtr – double treble crochet, referenced in the abbreviations for use within the pattern
• ss – slip stitch, used for joining and finishing
• sp(s) – spaces, referring to chain spaces integral to the lace repeat
• yoh – yarn over hook, the foundational action underpinning all treble and cluster stitches

Materials Required

• Yarn: Rowan Kid Classic, a luxuriously soft blend known for its halo and warmth, used doubled throughout. The pattern requires 8 to 10 x 50g balls depending on size, photographed in Victoria 852
• Crochet hook: A 6.00mm (UK size 4 / US size J