Crochet Kids' Poncho

Instructions

Tap a section when you finish it.

1. 1Starting a rectangleWith the main colour, ch 37/41/45. Row 1: sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across (36/40/44 sc), turn.
2. 2Grit stitchGrit row: ch 1 (does not count), *skip 1 st, (sc, dc) in next st* to end, turn (18/20/22 groups = 36/40/44 sts). Repeat the same row every time: the stitch you skip is the dc of a group in the previous row, and the one you work into is its sc. The sc and dc side by side give a bumpy, dense, warm fabric.
3. 3Stripe sequenceChange colour every 4 rows in the order main colour, second colour, main colour, third colour. When changing, finish the last stitch of the old colour with the new colour and leave at least 10 cm of each yarn at the edge. Stop when the rectangle measures 48/54/60 cm (about 62/70/78 rows).
4. 4Second rectangleMake a second rectangle of the same size. Make sure both pieces are the same length; if needed, dampen lightly and pin to size. Weave the ends into the main-colour stripes.
5. 5JoiningPin the short edge of rectangle A to the first 22/25/28 cm of the long edge of rectangle B and join from the wrong side with sc or sew with a yarn needle. Then join the short edge of B to the first 22/25/28 cm of the long edge of A in the same way. The remaining parts of the long edges form the neck opening, and a V forms at the front and back.
6. 6Neck and hem edgingNeck: join yarn at a shoulder corner and sc around the neck, 1 sc per row end and 1 sc per st; round 2 rev sc. Hem: sc around the lower edge with 3 sc at the V points; round 2 rev sc. For ages 4 and up you can add 8 cm tassels to the lower edge if you like.
7. 7FinishingWeave in all ends. Wash the poncho and dry it flat, straightening the V points. The neck opening should slip easily over the child's head; if it feels tight, redo the first neck round more loosely.