Plymouth Yarn Side to Side Crochet Poncho Pattern

Plymouth Yarn Side to Side Crochet Poncho

What is Being Made

This is a one-size crochet poncho featuring Pattern No. 3347 from Plymouth Yarn, crafted using their Moon Shadow yarn. The finished poncho measures 23 inches wide and 18 inches in length (excluding the optional loopy edge). The design creates a comfortable, easy-to-wear garment with a 10-inch neckline opening and includes optional armhole shaping positioned 5 inches up from the bottom on each side.

Construction Method and Techniques

The poncho is constructed using a side-to-side worked flat technique, which means the piece is crocheted horizontally rather than from top to bottom. This approach requires minimal shaping—the garment consists of just two rectangular panels that are subsequently seamed together at the top. The two rectangles are joined with the center left open to create the neckline, and additional seaming 5 inches up from the bottom on each side forms the armholes. This straightforward construction method makes the poncho an excellent project for crocheters seeking a garment with uncomplicated shaping.

An optional loopy edge finish is available for those seeking additional decorative detail, though this step is not required to complete the poncho. The loopy edge involves more intricate work than the main body but adds a distinctive textured border.

Stitches Used

• Half Double Crochet (HDC): The primary stitch throughout the main body of the poncho. This stitch is executed by inserting the hook into the next chain or stitch, yarning over and bringing up a loop, then yarning over again and pulling through all three loops on the hook. The first two rows of the pattern repeat are worked entirely in HDC.
• Extended Treble Crochet (XTR): Used in the third row of the repeating pattern sequence. This stitch is created by yarning over the hook twice, inserting the hook into the next stitch and bringing up a loop, chaining one, then yarning over and pulling through two loops three times in succession.
• Single Crochet (SC): Applied as an optional finishing detail on the four long edges of the rectangles (working 2 single crochets into extended treble stitches and 4 single crochets into the 2 rows of half double crochet). Single crochet is also used extensively in the optional loopy edge finish.
• Chain (CH): Used to establish the foundation and throughout the pattern for shaping and the decorative loopy edge.
• Slip Stitch (sl): Referenced in the abbreviations and used in finishing techniques.

Pattern Repeat and Stitch Sequence

The main body follows a simple three-row repeating pattern. Row 1 begins with a half double crochet into the third chain from the hook, continuing in half double crochet to the end of the row. Row 2 chains two (which counts as a half double crochet) and works half double crochet across to the end. Row 3 chains four and works extended trebles across the entire row. This three-row sequence repeats until each rectangle reaches the required 23-inch width measurement, concluding after completing Rows 1 and 2 of the final repeat.

Materials and Gauge

The poncho is constructed using Moon Shadow yarn by Plymouth Yarn, requiring five 50-gram balls. The pattern is shown in color 8, Key Lime. A size 7 (4.5mm) crochet hook is used throughout the project. The gauge is established at 15 stitches over 4 inches, which is essential for achieving the correct finished measurements.

Finishing Considerations

While not absolutely necessary, the pattern recommends working a single crochet row along the four long edges of the rectangles as a finishing touch. This optional step provides a more polished edge and helps stabilize the sides. For the optional loopy edge finish, work begins at either side seam at the bottom of the poncho, creating chains of seven with single crochets worked into specific spots along the two rows of half double crochets, with adjustments made as needed to accommodate the stitch count.