I’m not proud to admit it, but I used to really dislike ponchos. I didn’t understand why you wouldn’t just wear a sweater instead. And while I still prefer the swancho (poncho with sleeves) concept, I’ve softened in my view of ponchos over the years. Particularly in the summer, when a poncho can serve like a shawl, but easier to wear, when you need just a little protection from the sun or a cool ocean breeze.
Here are a few great looking summer poncho knitting patterns that might be just the thing to knit before your next summer adventure.
Speaking of ponchos that look just like shawls, Esther Tg on Etsy has a project that’s exactly what I mean. She calls it a wraponcho, which makes sense. It looks like a big rectangle, knit on needles larger than the yarn would normally require for a loose and airy look and feel. Then the edges are sewn together to make it into a poncho shape.
Similar in design is the summer poncho from iLE AiYE Designs on Etsy. It’s worked on size 17 US knitting needles (that’s 12mm) and you can use any weight of yarn you like to get the super airy, almost scribbly look.
Another common silhouette for ponchos is a large rectangle with a head hole. You can see this version in the Easy-Peasy Poncho from the Noro Design Team (now available on Ravelry). The luscious yarn makes this garter stitch poncho more fun to knit and to wear, but even in a basic yarn this pattern would be a great summer staple.
If you like the more traditional triangular look for your poncho, try this design from Etsy seller Studio Rajka Boutique. It’s worked in stockinette stitch on size 10 US knitting needles, so it’s still a pretty fast knit.
The Newport Clambake Poncho from Rosann Fleischauer on Ravelry is another cute rectangular poncho, this one using superfine yarn. The stripes on the shoulder are reminiscent of a beach towel but this project is a lot more stylish than throwing a towel over your shoulders.
Making ponchos with lightweight yarn is one way to make them perfect for summer; another is adding eyelets and lace. Karen Blanchet’s Poncho Estival (available on Ravelry) uses eyelets and a bit of lace at the edges to keep it cool, as well as DK weight yarn. Sanna Mård Castman uses panels of feather and fan paired with a cool cotton yarn to make her Silverwaves Poncho both feminine and warm-weather friendly (it’s also on Ravelry).
Or try Donna Estin’s Mile End Poncho, with its allover lace pattern worked in sport weight yarn. It comes in four sizes so you can decide how drapey you want it to be. You can find the pattern on Ravelry.
