Granny Square Poncho


Tristin from Two Girls Being Crafty is here to share this Too-Cute Tute for a Granny Square Poncho. Hmnn. I think we might need her to do one for the hat too, right? Leave Tristin a comment here and you could win a yard of my pom-pom trim which I have been creepily petting for you until it ships off to it’s new home. I love trim. Sorry, I’m sleep deprived. Take it away Tristin… please.

Hey Prudent Baby-Mommas! I am so excited to share a fun and funky granny square project with you today–so get your crochet hook ready! I glean so much inspiration from Prudent Baby and am happy to be able to share a project in hopes of inspiring you.

Get the full Granny Square Poncho Tutorial after the jump.

I came up with the idea to crochet a poncho for my toddler to wear in cold weather because she strongly dislikes wearing long-sleeves (she’s a Florida girl, through and through–if it were up to her, clothing and shoes would always be optional).  Anyhow, after looking all over the web for free toddler poncho patterns (’cause I’m cheap like that) with very depressing results, I decided I’d just have to come up with my own design.

I was inspired by running across this retro concept for an adult granny square poncho.

Sure, it’s a pretty old pattern, and I’d never wear it–but putting the concept into a more modern design suited for a kiddo worked like a charm. Note from Jacinda: I would totally wear that.


I used 4 colors of yarn for Junebug’s poncho–all from the Caron Simply Soft collection. Obviously, you can use whatever you like!

Off White
Soft Pink
Pistachio
Camel

Round 1: Off White
Round 2: Soft Pink
Round 3: Pistachio
(Rows 1-3 are made using a basic granny square method.  For super-awesome instructions on granny square making, check out the Purl Bee’s step-by-step tutorial.)
Round 4: One round of sc in each stitch using Off White
Round 5&6: 1 sc in each st using Camel

In total, you’ll need 16 squares to make a toddler-sized poncho.  My squares were about 4″ each when finished. 

I estimate that this would fit a toddler from 12 months to a 2T size–and of course the pattern is totally adjustable based on the size you desire.  If it’s for an older child, just add an extra row or two when creating your granny squares.   Junebug is a teeny toddler–she’s 19 months old and still wearing 12 month sized clothing.  I’m thinking this poncho will fit her next winter, too.

I used a version of the slipstitch method (using Caron Simply Soft in Camel) to join the squares in this layout:

Once they’re joined in the “seven” shape, use this schematic to join the poncho into it’s final shape:

Once the poncho had the structure in place, I crocheted one row of single crochet around the neck opening to make it stronger and more cohesive.

I finished the bottom of the poncho by single crocheting two rows around (again, to make it stronger and more cohesive) and then used a basic shell stitch for some girly flair.  A fringe would be a lot of fun if your kid is past the stage of putting everything in their mouths.
The shell edging pattern I used goes a little something like this:

1 sc *skip 1 st, 5dc into next st, skip 1st, 1sc into next st; rep from * to end.


Then, of course, I tucked in all the loose strands. That’s never the fun part of the project, but alas, it’s necessary for true “completion”.

In hindsight I wish I had used different colors. You know, something brighter and bolder, and a bit more fun. I think the poncho came out very sweet and baby-like, and very un-toddlerish (don’t you like my technical terms?).  Well, live and learn! 


So, don’t you want to make a granny square poncho now?
And in case you were wondering, Junebug doesn’t actually like to wear the poncho I made her. In fact, she pretty much hates to wear anything I make for her. Some of you may recall the ladybug costume I made her for Halloween and her, umm, less than grateful reaction. The first dozen reactions to the poncho were pretty similar.

Persistence paid off and on one super-cold day, I finally got Junebug to leave the poncho on. My will just had to be a little bit stronger than her will of iron.

by

46 Comments

amomwithalessonplan.com

I have a Junebug!! Of course we call her Maddy; she also loves to be naked, and refuses anything I actually pick for her. I'm new to crochet and can't wait to go check out your site. . .I hope it's full of more crochet patterns.

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Shannon

This makes me wish I could crochet!

Okay, so seriously, it's me again – the pom pom stalker – I don't mind at all that you are petting it in the interim….oh please please I want some pom pom trim (is there a prize for most persistent reader??)

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Andrea

I couldn’t crochet either but I watched some YouTube tutorial videos and hey presto! I love crochet more than knitting!!!

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Lucha Lovely

First of all, what a cutie pie!!!!!!!
Now about the poncho, I would totally rock this! I think that I would make this a matching mommy daughter deal in bright colors, ethnic colors, and make it a total celebration of Frida Kahlo, minus the unibrow and mustache of course.In fact, if I win that pom pom trim it would lend nicely to my Frida Kahlo tribute!

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Lynn

Another chance to win some pom-pom trim? Yes please! Ponchos are so practical but I'm not sure I could wear one either! But my grand-daughter could!! I'm off to the Purl Bee tutorial!

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Kristen McD

I LOVE this idea! But I'm having a hard time matching those Xs and coming up with the right shape… Maybe my brain can't fold correctly, but should the Xs on the long end of the 7 actually be on the bottom side? Do you know what I mean?

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Jacinda

Ladies- Get started on your granny squares and Tristin will get us an updated diagram as soon as she can. Thanks Kristen for your eagle eye!

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Jenn/hippygoth

Okay, the poncho is cute and all…but I am all about the wall hooks inside the gold frame. I LOVE this idea for a dress-up area I'm planning for Charlotte's room as soon as I get the changing table out of there.

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Unknown

HA I had the same reaction with the Butterfly costume I made my "Sox" this year! Needless to say we moved onto a chef costume I made from my old chef's uniform from culinary school. Totally cute Poncho!!!

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M. Inez

Very cute! I love granny squares. they are so quick to whip up. It's the stitching them together part that causes me to have an entire rubbermaid tote full of them in the basement. *shame*

Here's a quick tip to keep those corners nice and square when you add your border (rounds 4-6). Single crochet (sc) in each stitch around the edges but the corners need extra stitches to keep from rounding.

You can either 3sc in each corner OR sc, chain 1, sc in each corner stitch. There's only a slight difference in appearance. It will basically come down to personal preference. Hope that helps!

Now to decide which of my nieces is getting one of these lovelies first!

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Colette

Love this pattern. Was looking for an adorable Granny Square poncho to make for my little grand daughter, Mahayla ( she's my little Tomato)So this was just an awesome find for me…. and her. I made one in her favorite colors of purple. When I told her it was a Granny Square poncho,she kinda thought about that, and when she went to show her Mommy what I had made for her, she called it her "Memaw Square" poncho!! LOL.. Sweet

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Lexi

Not a mom, but a second aunt. I've been looking for a project for my 2nd Cousin's birthday for almost three weeks, when I came across this. I am so pumped to make it! I'm sure he'll love it. Who knows? Maybe his mom will want me to make one for all her kids? 😀

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cheryl

love your project geting on it tonight,can;t wait to see my little grand childs face when she sees it. wish there was a pattern for the hat.

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linda

how do you put the cuffs on like in the pic of the pink one?January 18, 2011

Granny Square Poncho
linda

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elaine

hi julia, just wondered if you got the pattern for the granny squares poncho as ive emailed them twice but no reply, elaine

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Jaime

Elaine, The pattern is described in the post above. There is no additional pattern to email. You would have to read the post and follow the instructions provided. Good luck!

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elaine

thanks jaime, i was wanting to know how to do the cuffs and where to place them like the other ladies are wanting to know if possible please

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Thalia

I was trawling the net to find something to make for my grand daughter and came across THIS! it is stunning and I can’t wait to make it. Well done. Thalia

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Pauli

I would also like the cuffs on this poncho. Did anybody find the pattern

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Allison

Im confusd about adding a row or two, just add another row to the outside of the 7?

Reply

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