Florina Cutaway Poncho

This design was inspired by thoughts of garden flowers with fluttery winged butterflies and interpreted in the fluid drape of crochet lace stitches.

Make this for the elegant shape and flowing, fluid texture as a flexible and practical outer garment to wear with both fun and formal outfits for extra neck and shoulder warmth/sun protection during a changeable season. A poncho is a handy, easy to wear, alternative to a coat that works well over fashionable oversized garments or big sleeved garments that won’t fit comfortably in coat sleeves.

The stitches are easy to and enjoyable to work and the stitch pattern is fast growing and easy to memorise, resulting in a relaxing and motivating project for makers of all skills levels.

Sizes: XS (S-M, L-2XL, 3-5XL) designed with slight positive ease in mind

Tension: 16 sts x 15 rows = 10cm x 10cm / 4” x 4” measured over alternate dc and sc in FLO row patt rep using 3.5 mm hook, after blocking.

Working method: The main body of the poncho is worked sideways around the body in rows with longer stitches and chain spaces on alternate rows creating lacy flared sleeves and denser, shorter stitches forming the more solid upper shoulder and chest section. A short join is worked to form a loop. Each shoulder is closed by working into the sides of the upper section stitches and decreasing to create a rounded shape. The square neckline is rounded off and a collar added. Small flowers and leaves are created working around a loop or row of chains and appliqued to the front of the poncho. The main body section may be blocked before the shoulder closure is completed. A button and loop or ribbon ties may be added to fasten the collar or it can be left open.

Finished measurements
a. Shoulder circumference: 86 (92, 100, 108) cm / 34 (36, 39.5, 42.5)”
b. Length (shoulder to fingertip): 71cm / 28”

Requirements
- Drops Alpaca 4-ply/fingering (100% Alpaca; 167m / 182yd per 50g) or similar yarn
Sample in Natural 0100 (MC), Pink 9033 (CC1), Lt Green 9030 (CC2).
MC: 5 (5, 6, 7) balls / 825 (850, 1000, 175) m / 900 (950, 1100, 1275) yd
Each of two CC: 20m / 25 yd
- 3.5mm (US E/4) hook
- Yarn needle and scissors

I sometimes add extra resources for my patterns, e.g. yarn substitutions, adaptations, styling suggestions or helpful video clips as updates on my original blog post for the release, so consider checking it out here.