A424 Poncho Pullover

How to Knit the Poncho Pullover

Knit a relaxed poncho-style pullover with a curved hemline, raglan shaping and long sleeves. The curved lower edge is created using short rows, while the wide body remains open at the lower side seams for a flowing poncho silhouette.

The pattern includes sizes S, M, L and XL and uses Lincraft Bio Lana yarn with 5.00mm knitting needles.

Measurements

Yarn Required

Needles

• A pair of 5.00mm knitting needles.
• A 5.00mm circular knitting needle, 80cm long.
• Wool needle for sewing up.

Requirements

4 stitch holders.

Tension

18 sts and 25 rows to 10cm over stocking st, using 5.00mm needles.

Note

This Poncho Pullover uses short rows to create the curved hemline. We recommend using the Sunday Short Row technique, however, other short row methods will also work. If you are not familiar with working short rows, there are excellent videos online that will show you how to work short rows.

BACK

Using 5.00mm circular needle, cast on 173 (183-191-201) sts.

Note: A circular needle is used to accommodate the large number of sts. Work backwards and forwards in rows, not rounds. When shaping the raglan, you can switch to a pair of needles once sts will fit comfortably.

1st row: K2, * P1, K1, rep from * to last st, K1.

2nd row: K1, * P1, K1, rep from * to end.

Last 2 rows form rib.

Work a further 16 rows rib.

Work 2 rows stocking st.

Beg Short Rows:

1st row: K104 (114-122-132), turn.

2nd row: P35 (45-53-63), turn.

3rd row: K40 (50-58-68), turn.

4th row: P45 (55-63-73), turn.

5th row: K50 (60-68-78), turn.

6th row: P55 (65-73-83), turn.

7th row: K60 (70-78-88), turn.

8th row: P65 (75-83-93), turn.

Cont in this manner, working an extra 5 sts each time, until the row, ‘P165 (175-183-193), turn.’ has been worked.

Next row: Knit to end.

Cont in stocking st, beg with a purl row, across all sts until work measures 26 (27-28-29) cm from beg, when measured up the centre, ending with a purl row.

Tie a coloured thread at each end of last row, to assist with sewing up. **

Shape Raglan:

Dec one st at each end of next row, then every alt row until 113 (131-145-163) sts rem, then every row until 47 (49-51-53) sts rem.

Shape Back Neck:

Next row: K2tog, K11, turn.

Cont on these 12 sts.

Dec one st at raglan edge in every row 7 times, AT SAME TIME, dec one st at neck edge in every alt row 3 times … 2 sts.

K2tog and fasten off.

Slip next 21 (23-25-27) sts onto a stitch holder.

With right side facing, join yarn to rem sts, knit to last 2 sts, K2tog.

Dec one st at raglan edge in every row 7 times, AT SAME TIME, dec one st at neck edge in every alt row 3 times … 2 sts.

K2tog and fasten off.

FRONT

Work as for Back to **.

Shape Raglan:

Dec one st at each end of next row, then every alt row until 113 (131-145-163) sts rem, then every row until 75 (77-83-89) sts rem.

Shape Neck:

Next row: K2tog, K29 (29-32-35), turn.

Cont on these 30 (30-33-36) sts.

Dec one st at raglan edge in every row 21 (21-23-25) times, AT SAME TIME, dec one st at neck edge in every alt row 4 (4-5-6) times, then every 4th row 3 times … 2 sts.

K2tog and fasten off.

Slip next 13 (15-15-15) sts onto a stitch holder.

With right side facing, join yarn to rem sts, knit to last 2 sts, K2tog.

Dec one st at raglan edge in every row 21 (21-23-25) times, AT SAME TIME, dec one st at neck edge in every alt row 4 (4-5-6) times, then every 4th row 3 times … 2 sts.

K2tog and fasten off.

SLEEVES

Using a pair of 5.00mm needles, cast on 41 (43-45-47) sts.

Work 18 rows rib.

Working in stocking st for rem, inc one st at each end of 3rd row, then every 6th (6th-4th-4th) row until there are 47 (57-55-69) sts, then every 8th (8th-6th-6th) row until there are 57 (61-67-73) sts.

Work 1 row.

Tie a coloured thread at each end of last row to assist with sewing up.

Shape Raglan:

Dec one st at each end of next row, then every 8th (6th- 6th-6th) row until 47 (29-43-61) sts rem, then every 6th (4th-4th-4th) row until 25 (25-27-27) sts rem.

Work 1 row.

Leave sts on a stitch holder.

NECKBAND

Join Front and right Back raglan seams (from coloured threads upwards), noting that tops of Sleeves form part of neckline.

With right side facing and using a pair of 5.00mm needles, [K2tog, K21 (21-23-23), K2tog] across sts from left Sleeve stitch holder, knit up 17 (17-18-20) sts along left front neck, knit across sts from Front stitch holder, knit up 17 (17-18-20) sts along right front neck, [K2tog, K21 (21-23-23), K2tog] across sts from right Sleeve stitch holder, knit up 6 sts along right back neck, knit across sts from Back stitch holder and dec one st in centre, then knit up 6 sts along left back neck … 125 (129-137-143) sts.

Work 7 rows rib, beg with a 2nd row.

Cast off in rib.

FINISHING

Join left Back raglan and Neckband seam. Join Sleeve seams but leave lower body seams open. Sew in all ends.

Alternative Yarns

The original pattern uses Lincraft Bio Lana. When choosing an alternative yarn, select a yarn that can achieve the original tension of 18 sts and 25 rows to 10cm over stocking stitch using 5.00mm needles.

Suitable Yarn Types

• Wool blend yarn – provides warmth, elasticity and good drape for the oversized poncho shape.
• Merino blend yarn – creates a soft fabric suitable for wearing directly over lightweight layers.
• Wool-acrylic blend – combines warmth with easier care and durability.
• Soft acrylic yarn – an easy-care option provided the original tension and drape can be achieved.
• Alpaca-wool blend – may create additional softness and drape, but should be tested carefully for stretching.

Customisation Ideas

• Choose a neutral shade for a versatile everyday layering piece.
• Use a rich jewel tone for a more dramatic oversized pullover.
• Work the I-cord-free design as written for a clean, minimalist finish.
• Use a lightly heathered yarn to add subtle depth to the large areas of stocking stitch.
• Adjust the sleeve length cautiously by changing the number of straight rows before raglan shaping while preserving the original raglan instructions.

To retain the original curved hem and garment proportions, keep all short-row instructions, stitch counts, size brackets and raglan shaping unchanged when making colour or fibre customisations.

Care Instructions

Follow the washing and care instructions provided on the ball band of the yarn used.

1. Sew in all ends securely before washing.
2. Wash using the method and temperature recommended for the selected yarn.
3. Avoid excessive agitation when using wool or fibres prone to felting.
4. Gently reshape the curved hemline, neckline and raglan seams while damp.
5. Lay flat to dry where appropriate to help maintain the oversized lower edge and prevent stretching.
6. Store folded rather than hanging to help prevent the shoulders and wide body from stretching.