Lisbon Poncho Cape Crochet Pattern

Lisbon Poncho in Berroco Fuji

What Is Being Made

The Lisbon Poncho is a crocheted cape-style garment designed exclusively for Berroco by Robyn Chachula. This poncho is worked in the round from the top down, beginning at the collar and expanding outward to the lower edge. It features a fitted upper edge that gradually widens to create a dramatic, flowing silhouette perfect for layering. The poncho is available in three sizes—Small, Medium, and Large—with finished measurements ranging from 52 to 63 inches at the lower edge and 25 to 30 inches at the upper edge, with a consistent length of 18 inches.

Techniques Used

This intermediate-level crochet project employs top-down construction, a technique that allows the crafter to work circularly from a small starting point and gradually increase stitches to achieve the poncho's signature flared shape. The garment is worked in continuous rounds, which creates a seamless construction. Blocking is an essential finishing technique for this project—the pattern recommends using a spray bottle with water and straight pins to shape and set the final garment. Weaving in ends with a tapestry needle completes the finishing process.

Stitches Used

The Lisbon Poncho utilizes fundamental crochet stitches combined into a stitch pattern repeat. The stitch glossary references the following stitches:

• Chain (Ch) – the foundation stitch used to create loops and spaces
• Single Crochet (Sc) – a basic short stitch for structure
• Half Double Crochet (Hdc) – a medium-height stitch providing body to the fabric
• Double Crochet (Dc) – a taller stitch used within the shell stitch motif
• Slip Stitch (Sl st) – used to join rounds seamlessly
• Shell Stitch (Sh) – a decorative motif created by repeating the sequence [chain 1, double crochet] seven times, producing a fan-like or scalloped effect

The pattern is organized into Stitch Repeats (SR) and Row Repeats (RR), allowing crafters to understand how many times to repeat a sequence of stitches and how many rows or rounds comprise one complete pattern repeat.

Materials

The Lisbon Poncho is designed to be worked in Berroco Fuji, a yarn available in color #9203 Sandy. Yardage requirements vary by size: 7 hanks are needed for the Small size, 8 hanks for Medium, and 9 hanks for Large, with each hank weighing 50 grams. A 5.00 mm (H/8) crochet hook is used to achieve the specified gauge, though crafters should adjust hook size as needed to match their personal gauge. Additional materials include a tapestry needle for weaving in yarn ends, a spray bottle filled with water for blocking, and straight pins to hold the poncho in shape while it dries.

Gauge and Finished Dimensions

The pattern specifies a gauge of 2 shell stitches (2 SR) by 10 rows (2 RR) equaling 5.75 inches wide by 4.25 inches tall in the stitch pattern. Achieving proper gauge is essential for obtaining the correct finished measurements. The poncho's lower edge ranges from 52 inches (Small) to 63 inches (Large), while the upper edge is more fitted at 25 to 30 inches depending on size, creating the characteristic poncho drape.