Poncho Knitting Patterns: Winter Wear Designs for Women

With cooler weather just around the corner, it’s time to start thinking about your winter wear. This collection of free poncho knitting patterns will help get your knit fashion in check. You'll be inspired by these cool pattern designs to cast on and start knitting.

Before you begin, I just want to share a quick note. The patterns below are not my own but the works of some creative designers. If you have questions or concerns about a specific pattern, please contact the designer directly.

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Surfside Poncho

Love chunky knits? This cable knit poncho features a knitted lace panel bordered by two cables and stockinette columns. 

The cable’s an easy 2/2 left cross knit (2/2 LC), also known as Cable 4 left or C4L). Learn more about these (and other) knitting abbreviations here. 

Aside from the cable, you’ll use knitting increases and decreases for the lace knit stitch pattern. You’ll also use a stretchy knit cast on like the long tail (LTCO).

To make this knit poncho, you’ll make two identical panels using Premier Puzzle yarn, a chunky acrylic yarn (for sensitive skin). When you’ve knitted both pieces, you’ll seam them together to create this v-neck knit poncho. 

This chunky knit poncho pattern includes written instructions and requires size 9 circular knitting needles.

Olive Poncho

Here’s an easy knit poncho pattern that any beginner knitter could make. If you can knit and purl, you can make this ribbed knitting pattern. 

This 4 x 4 rib knit fabric uses Berroco Vintage worsted weight, machine washable yarn. The pattern includes two sizes so you’ll need about 4 - 5 yarn hanks of this acrylic wool blend yarn. Learn what you need to know about yarn hanks here. 

You’ll knit back and forth on circular needles to create this rectangle poncho knitting pattern. Then all that’s left is seaming your knitting and weaving in yarn tails.

Route 66 Poncho

Looking for a two color knitting pattern that’s a fast knit? This poncho pattern is what you’ve been looking for. 

This seamless neck and shoulder wrap uses Lang Yarns super bulky (6) superwash wool and size 15 circular knitting needles. It’s also an easy stockinette stitch in the round poncho pattern, so you’ll knit every round (no purls). 

You’ll need to be able to cast on in the round and change colors in the round. For shoulder shaping, you’ll use the M1L / M1R knitting increases.

The pattern includes written knitting instructions for small / medium, and large / XL sizes.

Squared Poncho

Here’s a knitted wrap pattern that’ll help you use up your yarn stash. Each knit section uses Hedgehog Fibres sock yarn held double creating an interesting marled yarn design. 

A flat knit in garter stitch, this knit wrap top’s constructed with yarn overs (YO) and knitting 2 together through the back loop (K2TOG TBL). Additionally, you’ll need to know how to pick up and knit stitches, cable cast on, and finish with an i-cord edge.

The pattern suggests you could also use single strands of DK yarn so long as you can meet gauge. This may not produce quite the marled yarn effect as shown here, so be sure to knit a gauge swatch first. 

One last yarn option you could try would be to use your collection of mini yarn skeins. You’d need quite a lot of them, but might be useful if you’re looking for a knit project for leftover yarn. 

The written pattern includes step-by-step knitting instructions and pattern schematics.

Virtual Cable Poncho

Love the look of a cable knit poncho? Here’s one with a hidden surprise. This navy blue poncho pattern features a mock cable stitch, not actual knit cables!

This one piece rectangle poncho knitting pattern uses circular needles but it’s flat knitting (back and forth). You’ll need to cast on a lot of stitches, but I’ve got a tutorial to help you. Learn exactly how much yarn for the long tail cast on you need. 

Slip stitches and yarn overs (yo) make up this faux cable knit stitch so it’s really easy to do. Other than that, it’s only knits and purls. You’ll need regular or locking stitch markers to keep your place in the pattern and two skeins of Lion Brand Touch of Alpaca yarn. 

See other knitters’ finished projects here.

Bringing in the Wheat

Here’s an easy knitted lace pattern that even a beginner could make. This hand knit poncho features a single center panel of the wheat ear stitch on a background of stockinette.

The pattern works up sideways in two rectangles which are seamed together later. This black knit poncho also includes positive ease knitting, a rolled collar, and uses an aran weight wool/acrylic blend yarn. Be sure to read the yarn label if you use a yarn substitute.

You’ll need to knit two and three together (k2tog and k3tog), yarn over (yo), and pass slipped stitches over (psso). You’ll also pick up and knit (PU/K) and need to know how to join new yarn. Try the Russian Join for your knitting as you’ll have multiple yarn skeins to join. 

This wheat ear stitch poncho would look best in solid colored yarn or tonal yarn colors. 

Level 2 Knit Poncho

Here’s an off the shoulder top pattern from Lion Brand that’s a fast knit. It features knitting sections of garter stitch and a rib knit fabric. 

To make this one-piece knitted shoulder wrap, you’ll need to be able to join in the round, pick up stitches and 2x2 rib knit (k2, p2). When you’re done, you’ll fasten off your knitting with a bind off.

Unfortunately, the recommended Lion Brand Woolspun is now a discontinued yarn but you could use a yarn substitute. Other knitters have tried Berroco Vintage Chunky acrylic yarn with success.  Don’t forget to swatch in the round to check gauge. 

The written pattern also comes with schematics and includes instructions for sizes Small through Large.

A Very Harlot Poncho

Looking for a super easy knit wrap top? This free fringed poncho pattern from Yarn Harlot definitely meets that criteria. 

This knitted shoulder wrap is stockinette stitch in the round, which is basically knitting around. Using the knit YO (yarn over) knitting increase results in a center panel of knit eyelet fabric.

The pattern calls for size 13 circular knitting needles and aran weight merino superwash wool yarn. The original yarn is discontinued but I’ve included two substitutes below. Just be sure to purchase enough yarn. Don’t like superwash? Make it in non-superwash wool yarn.

Just FYI, U.S. knitting needle sizes can vary from other regions so be sure to check this handy knitting needles conversion chart. 

You can visit Stephanie Pearl-McPhee’s Yarn Harlot blog here. For more knitting inspiration, see what other knitters made with this pattern here. 

My Poncho

If you love cotton yarn knitting patterns, this easy two piece knit wrap top is for you. 

To make this knit poncho, you’ll need to know how to knit purl stitches, pick up stitches, make a right leaning decrease, and a left leaning knit decrease. These include K2tog, P2tog, SSK, and SSP.

You’ll knit two pieces (front and back), then join shoulder seams in knitting with a 3 needle bind off. For your knitting tools, you’ll need a knitting stitch holder. I also recommend using an interchangeable knitting needle set to make easy needle size and cord length changes. These ChiaoGoo circular needles are the best. 

My Poncho uses up to 7 skeins of dk mercerized cotton yarn. You might also consider a yarn sub using a couple of yarn cones instead for more seamless knitting. 

This women’s plus size poncho pattern includes a stitch pattern chart, schematics, and written instructions for small - 3XL sizes.

Shoulder Poncho

Looking for something with an interesting knitted zig zag pattern? This one size shoulder wrap features an easy two color knit pattern and uses size 13 circular knitting needles. 

The chunky knitted poncho lets the solid color and multi-colored yarn do all the hard work. You’ll change colors while knitting in the round, but you’ll only work one color at a time. Self-striping yarn is another fun idea to consider substituting for this knitting project. 

See what other knitters made with this pattern here.

Combined with the knit and purl stitches, and knitting increases and decreases, you’ll create this chevron knitting pattern in the round. When you’re done, a loose knitting bind off will be the finishing touch. 

Want more chevron knitting patterns? Check out these easy knit baby blanket patterns for more fun ideas.

Caracara Poncho

Have you been wanting to knit an ombre effect poncho? This is the perfect pattern to do it. Knit in the round, Skeino’s Caracara is an easy top-down, a-line poncho pattern.  

It’s knit with superwash merino wool yarn in DK weight. The beauty of it comes from using 5 skeins of hand painted yarn in the same colorway. This gives it that flattering and gradual ombre look.

To make your own knitted poncho, you’ll need to know knitting basics. Specifically, how to knit stockinette stitch and how to knit garter stitch. You’ll also need to know how to make knitted increases and how to knit in the round.

This simple knit pattern comes with written instructions only.

April PonShawl

When you need just the right amount of warmth, this poncho is ideal. Knit with merino wool, it’s both light and airy.

To knit this free top down knitting pattern you should be able to knit and purl, and make basic increases. You’ll need two skeins of yarn in fingering weight or about 875 yards (800 meters) and circular knitting needles.

This simple knitting pattern is available in English and French translations.

Fair Isle Poncho and Arm Warmers

This fair isle poncho knitting pattern from Yarnspirations with just enough colorwork knitting for beginners to try. 

This knitted poncho knits up with worsted weight Red Heart With Love yarn in two colors using stranded colorwork. It begins with a rib knit collar and then proceeds to stockinette stitch in the round for the fair isle knitting.

One knitting technique you’ll need to know is how to knit with circular needles. You’ll also need to know how to slip-slip-knit (SSK) and how to make one (M1) in your knitting. The finishing touch is an i-cord bind off. Here’s a video tutorial on how to do this.

The poncho pattern includes both written and charted knitting instructions.

Adriana Poncho

This free poncho knitting pattern from Berroco is in full swing. Knit with one shade of Berroco Millefiori Light, an alpaca yarn blend, the end result will be luxurious.

Adriana is an intermediate knit worked in three panels. First you knit the center panel. Then you pick up stitches to create the side panels. This styling, along with the sport weight yarn, creates a swingy piece perfect for layering.

You'll need to have circular knitting needles, a couple of stitch markers, and stitch holders to help you through this pattern.

The plus size poncho pattern includes written instructions and schematics for sizes in Small - 3XL.

Asymmetrical Striped Poncho

Here’s another knitted poncho pattern that’s easy enough for beginners. Knit with Bernat Satin Solids, an aran yarn, and U.S. size 10 needles, you could make this pretty quickly, too.

The stripes on this asymmetrical poncho are everything. To make your own, you’ll need to know how to read a knitting pattern and how to knit stockinette stitch.

Then you’ll knit two panels separately. No knitting in the round here. Later, you’ll sew the two pieces together. You’ll also need to pick up stitches to create the neckline. That’s it.

There’s fun possibilities here.

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I hope that some (or all!) of these free winter knitting patterns made it to your list of cool things to knit. Be sure to check back for more poncho patterns to love.

Like what you see? Drop me a note and tell me all about it. I'd love to hear from you.

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