Twice Reversible Poncho Using Berroco Ultra Alpaca Chunky

The Design

“Stylish, comfortable and quick to knit.”

We’ve finessed the details of this longtime favorite style to make it ‘twice reversible’: both the fabric and the shape can be flipped. We chose a stitch pattern that has two ‘right sides’ and added a nifty hybrid graft/seam for true reversibility. You can wear your poncho point-in-front for relaxed ‘boho’ style or point-in-back for a little more polish. Options upon options!

This version uses the chunky gauge option; the pattern also has instructions for worsted-weight yarns like Berocco Ultra Alpaca (if you’d like a more refined fabric).

This poncho shape doesn’t follow the usual conventions of sizing (bust/waist/hips)—it’s more about scale. We designed this poncho in two sizes so your result will be comfortable and flattering. The two keys to the fit are the neckline and the back/arm length. The width of the rectangle determines where it hits—we like just at the bent elbow, which is also just above the waist.

The Details

FINISHED SIZES
S/M: 17″/43cm x 50″/127cm, after blocking and resting, before seaming.
L/XL: 19″/48cm x 54″/137cm, after blocking and resting, before seaming.
Instructions given for S/M; L/XL in parentheses ( ).

YARN
6 (7) skeins Berroco Ultra Alpaca Chunky (131 yds/120m each). Shown in S/M in color 7201 (cream). Or approx. 680yds/622m (825yds/754m) of an equivalent chunky-weight yarn.

NEEDLES & NOTIONS
US 9 (5.5mm) needles(straight or circular), or size to obtain gauge.
Blocking wires and/or pins.
Darning needle to finish.

GAUGE
Blocked & rested to 18 sts = 4″/10cm in pattern.

KNITTER’S NOTES
CHOOSING A SIZE: This poncho shape doesn’t follow the usual conventions of sizing (bust/waist/hips)— it’s more about scale. We designed this poncho in two sizes so your result will be comfortable and flattering. Note: Both are shown here in size S/M.

WHAT ARE THE FACTORS: First, you need to understand how this piece is created. A long rectangle is connected short end to long side. The two keys to the fit are the neckline and the back/arm length. The size of the neck opening is the difference between the width of the short edge and the length of the long edge; i.e., 32″/81cm (34″/86cm). The width of the rectangle determines where it hits—we like just at the bent elbow, which is also just above the waist.

WHERE TO MEASURE YOURSELF: Measure around your shoulders (including upper arms) just above the bust. The neck opening should be smaller than this. Measure your back length from prominent bone at base of neck to natural waistline. The width should not be much longer than this. Measure from side of neck, over shoulder, to just above elbow. The width should not be much longer than this.

WHAT IS YOUR STYLE: We’re guessing you’ll make this poncho more than once. The smaller scale can look a little more tailored and classic, while the larger scale can give a more sporty or bohemian look. You may like to try both sizes.