The Big Mountain Poncho is a free crochet poncho pattern in children’s sizes 2-12yo. It is a form-flattering design that is made from the top down in a chevron design. The beginning rows are increased in an unusual method that provides continuity of the stitch pattern with a bottom edging that features an interesting textural component. The Big Mountain Poncho features an optional hood and is also available as an adult pattern in sizes XS-5x.
This design can be made in a variety of color schemes or in all one color, it also looks great when made with variegated or long color change yarn.
This pattern contains affiliate links. You can click on any yarn or material highlighted to purchase. By using this pattern, you agree to the Pattern Terms of Use set forth by Cre8tion Crochet
Materials
YARN
any worsted weight yarn
that you can obtain gauge with
584 (659, 749, 838, 939, 1051) yards- w/o optional hood
Hood adds an additional 250-350 yards
Sample – Red Heart Soft Yarn
by Yarnspirations in Pewter, White and Minty
OTHER MATERIALS
K/6.5mm hook
Stitch Markers
Pattern Details
DIFFICULTY
Intermediate
FINISHED SIZE or SIZE(S)
follows CYC Standard Sizes- for more information click here
FINISHED MEASUREMENTS
Neck opening
7.5 (7.5, 7.5, 8, 8, 8)”
From neck to edge (peak)
15 (15.5, 16, 16.5, 17, 18)”
GAUGE
11sts and 6 rows = 4”
Gauge is not super important with this design, as long as you are close
STITCH GUIDE
ch(s) – chain(s), sc – single crochet, dc – double crochet, st(s) – stitch(es), RS – right side, WS – wrong side, sl st – slip stitch
Add this pattern to your Ravelry Favorites | Pin this pattern for later
SPECIAL STITCHES
Fdc- Foundation Double Crochet – Tutorial
Chain 4 (counts as first fdc) yarn over (YO) and insert hook in 4th chain from hook, *YO and pull up loop (3 loops on hook), YO and pull through 1 loop creating a chain st, (this is an important step but easy to forget), YO again and pull through first two loops on hook (two loops remaining), YO again and pull through last two loops on hook. This completes the first fdc; to stitch the next fdc, yarn over and insert the hook into the chain made in the first fdc and repeat from * to desired length or desired amount of sts are achieved.
dc3tog- double crochet three together
yarn over (YO), insert hook into first st, YO and draw up a stitch, (three loops on hook), YO and pull through first two loops (two loops remaining on hook), YO, insert hook in next st, YO and draw up a loop (four loops on hook), YO, pull through first two loops on hook (three loops remaining on hook), YO, insert hook in next st, YO and draw up a loop, pull through first two loops on hook, YO and pull through remaining four loops.
Ex-fpdc- Extended Front Post Double Crochet
Yarn over (YO), insert hook from front to back around the post of the indicated st, st, YO and pull through st (3 loops on hook), YO and draw through one loop, [YO and draw through two loops] 2x.
Ex-fpdc3tog- double crochet three together
yarn over (YO), insert hook from front to back around the post of the indicated st, YO and draw up a stitch, (three loops on hook), YO and pull through one loop, YO and pull through first two loops (two loops remaining on hook), YO, insert hook from front to back around the post of the next st, YO and draw up a loop (four loops on hook), YO and pull through one loop, YO and pull through first two loops on hook (three loops remaining on hook), YO, insert hook from front to back around post of next st, YO and draw up a loop, pull through one st, YO and draw up a loop, pull through first two loops on hook, YO and pull through remaining four loops.
Increase Rows
[Ch 3 and 2 dc in same st], dc in next dc, dc in each dc of previous row, until you reach the dc3tog of the previous row, beginning in the last st worked; dc3tog, dc in the same st that the dc3tog finished in, dc in each dc until you reach the center of 3dc of previous row, *3 dc in the center of 3-dc from previous row, dc in next st, dc in each dc of previous row, until you reach the dc3tog of previous row, beginning in the last st worked; dc3tog, dc in the same st that the dc3tog finished in, dc in each dc until you reach the center of 3-dc of previous row, repeat from * until all sts are worked, sl st top of ch-3 to join, sl st into next st to set up for next row <st count will increase by one dc between each peak and valley>
Even Rows
[Ch 3 and 2 dc in same st], dc in next dc, dc in each dc of previous row until you reach one st before the previous row’s dc3tog, dc3tog, dc in each st until you reach the center of 3-dc from previous row, *3 dc in the center of 3-dc from previous row, dc in next st, dc in each dc of previous row until you reach one st before the previous row’s dc3tog, dc3tog, dc in each dc until you reach the center of 3-dc from previous row, repeat from * until all sts are worked sl st top of ch-3 to join, sl st into next st to set up for next row sl st top of ch-3 to join, sl st into next st to set up for next row <st count will remain the same as previous row>
NOTES
- Ch 3 counts as first dc
- Poncho is made in rounds, one direction, not turned
- The textured details are shown only on the bottom hem (last 6 rows). You can add the arrow shape texture (that takes place over the peak of the chevron) to the entire poncho. See directions for textured section and perform the bolded section only, beginning on Row 3 of the pattern.
- All increases (3dc) will take place in the center of the previous row’s 3dc. The previous row’s dc3tog will always be the center of the current dc3tog. You may want to mark the peaks (center of the 3-dc) and valleys (dc3tog) in order to keep your place, or until you develop a rhythm of working this stitch pattern.
- Most chevron designs increase in the peaks, this pattern increases in the valleys. This is accomplished by placing additional sts on the first and last section of the dc3tog. Directions are written out in the ‘Increase Row’ section of the pattern.
PATTERN
Pattern is written in size 2yo with changes for 4, 6, 8, 10 and 12yo in parenthesis. Instructions with only one number pertain to all sizes.
Row 1: Fdc 54 (54, 54, 60, 60, 60), sl st into top of first dc to join into round. The top of the row will not be connected and we will join this area before the completion of the hood (or during finishing).
Row 2: [Ch 3 and 2 dc in joined st], dc in next st, dc3tog, dc in next st, *3 dc in next st, dc next st, dc3tog, dc next st, repeat from * until all sts are worked, sl st top of ch-3 to join, sl st into next st to set up for next row <9 (9, 9, 10, 10, 10) repeats of one peak, one dc, one valley, one dc>
Next 2 (3, 3, 3, 3, 3) Rows: Increase Row
Next Row: Even Row
Alternate Increase Rows and Even Rows 4 (4, 5, 5, 6, 7) times OR to your desired size.
<9 (9, 9, 10, 10, 10) repeats of one peak, 7 (8, 9, 9, 10, 11) dc, one valley, 7 (8, 9, 9, 10, 11) dc OR 162 (180, 198, 220, 240, 260)>
Next 3 (2, 2, 3, 2, 2) Rows: Even Row (you can add or subtract repeat rows here, till near your desired length, you will add 6 more textured rows after this to complete
Row count prior to textured rows- 16 (17, 18, 19, 20, 22)
TEXTURED ROWS- Stitch count remains the same as previous row
First Textured Row: [Ch 3 and 2 dc in same st], ex-fpdc in next dc, dc in each dc of previous row until you reach one st before the previous row’s dc3tog, ex-fpdc3tog over the st prior to the dc3tog, the center st of the dc3tog and the st after the dc3tog (skipping the first and last legs of the dc3tog), dc in each st until you reach the st before the center of 3-dc from previous row, *ex-fpdc in the first st of the 3-dc, 3 dc in the center of 3-dc from previous row, ex-fpdc in next st, dc in each dc of previous row until you reach one st before the previous row’s dc3tog, ex-fpdc3tog over the st prior to the dc3tog, the center st of the dc3tog and the st after the dc3tog (skipping the first and last legs of the dc3tog), dc in each dc until you reach the st before center of 3-dc from previous row, repeat from * until all sts are worked (the last ex-fpdc repeat will take place over the beg ch-3), sl st top of ch-3 to join, sl st into next st to set up for next row sl st top of ch-3 to join, sl st into next st to set up for next row <st count will remain the same as previous row>
Next Textured Row: [Ch 3 and 2 dc in same st], ex-fpdc in next ex-fpdc and each previous ex-fpdc, dc in each dc of previous row until you reach one st before the previous row’s ex-dc3tog, ex-dc3tog over the st prior to the ex-fpdc3tog, the center st of the ex-fpdc3tog and the st after the ex-fpdc3tog (skipping the first and last legs of the ex-dc3tog), dc in each st until you reach the st before the first post st of previous row, *ex-fpdc in each of the previous rows ex-fpdc and the first dc of the 3-dc from the previous row, 3 dc in the center of 3-dc from previous row, ex-fpdc in next ex-fpdc and each previous ex-fpdc, dc in each dc of previous row until you reach one st before the previous row’s dc3tog, ex-dc3tog over the st prior to the ex-fpdc3tog, the center st of the ex-fpdc3tog and the st after the ex-fpdc3tog (skipping the first and last legs of the ex-dc3tog), dc in each dc until you reach the st before center of 3-dc from previous row, repeat from * until all sts are worked (the last ex-fpfpdc repeat will take place over the beg ch-3), sl st top of ch-3 to join, sl st into next st to set up for next row sl st top of ch-3 to join, sl st into next st to set up for next row <st count will remain the same as previous row>
Repeat previous row 4 times more (or to desired length). Fasten off and weave in ends.
Use beginning tail to seam the top of the foundation row closed.
Continue to Optional Neck Finishing OR Optional Hood
OPTIONAL NECK FINISHING- instead of hood
If you choose not to do the hood you can either leave the neck as it is, or if it is larger than you like you can; with the RS facing out, join yarn in any dc with a sl st, ch 1 and sc in the same st, sc evenly around the neck opening, placing decreases if necessary, sl st in first sc (skipping the beg ch-1) to join. Fasten off, weave in all ends.
OPTIONAL HOOD
Turn finished poncho so that seam is towards the back, place a stitch marker in a foundation stitch that corresponds with any dc3tog, count 3 (6, 6, 6, 6, 12) (Children) or 12 (Adult) sts to either side, this will put you at a st that corresponds with the center of a 3-dc.
Row 1: With the RS facing towards you; Join yarn with a sl st (in either marked st- depending on if you are left or right handed), [ch 3 and one dc] in same st (counts as 2-dc), dc next st, dc3tog, dc next st, *3 dc next st, dc next st, dc3tog, dc next st, repeat from * to st before next marked st, 2 dc in marked st, turn work. Leave the center marked st.
Row 2: Increase Row; [Ch 3 and dc] in first st, dc in next 2 sts, beginning in the last st worked; dc3tog, dc in the same st that the dc3tog finished in, dc in each dc until you reach the center of 3-dc of previous row, *3 dc in the center of 3-dc from previous row, dc in next st, dc in each dc of previous row, until you reach the dc3tog of previous row, beginning in the last st worked; dc3tog, dc in the same st that the dc3tog finished in, dc in each dc until you reach the center of 3-dc of previous row, repeat from * until one st remains, 2 dc in last st, turn work.
Size 12 ONLY – next three rows (all other sizes skip to section titled ‘All Sizes’)
Next Row: Increase Row; [Ch 3 and dc] in first st, dc in next 3 sts, beginning in the last st worked; dc3tog, dc in the same st that the dc3tog finished in, dc in each dc until you reach the center of 3-dc of previous row, *3 dc in the center of 3-dc from previous row, dc in next st, dc in each dc of previous row, until you reach the dc3tog of previous row, beginning in the last st worked; dc3tog, dc in the same st that the dc3tog finished in, dc in each dc until you reach the center of 3-dc of previous row, repeat from * until one st remains, 2 dc in last st, turn work.
Next x (xx, xx, xx, xx, 11) Rows: [Ch 2 and dc] in same st, dc next 3 sts, dc3tog, dc next 3 sts, *3 dc, dc next 3 sts, dc3tog, dc next 3 sts, repeat from * until one st remains, 2 dc in last st, turn work.
Next Row: You will be working a dc5tog over all the decreases, except the first and last decrease. [Ch 3 and dc in the first st], dc in next 3 sts, dc3tog, dc in each st until you reach the center of 3-dc of previous row, 3 dc in the center of 3-dc from previous row, dc in next 2 sts, dc5tog, dc in next 2 sts, 3 dc in next st, repeat from * until the last peak is worked, dc next 2 sts, dc3tog, dc in each st until one st remains, 2 dc in last st, turn work.
Skip to section titled “All Sizes”
Size 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10 ONLY- next two rows
Next 8 (10, 10, 12, 12, xx) Rows: [Ch 2 and dc] in same st, dc next 2 sts, dc3tog, dc next 2 sts, *3 dc, dc next 2 sts, dc3tog, dc next 2 sts, repeat from * until one st remains, 2 dc in last st, turn work.
Next Row: You will be working a dc5tog over all the decreases, except the first and last decrease. [Ch 3 and dc in the first st], dc in next 2 sts, dc3tog, dc in each st until you reach the center of 3-dc of previous row, 3 dc in the center of 3-dc from previous row, dc next st, dc5tog, dc next st, 3 dc in next st, repeat from * until the last peak is worked, dc next st, dc3tog, dc in each st until one st remains, 2 dc in last st, turn work.
All Sizes
Next 2 Rows: [Ch 1 and sc in first st], sc in each st to end, turn work.
Fasten off. Turn hood so that the RS is facing in and the WS is facing out, fold in half and seam the opening. You can use any seaming method, I prefer the mattress st.
FINISHING
Turn so the RS is facing out; Join yarn in any st along the hood and sc evenly around the entire opening to one st before marked st, sc3tog (over st before marked st, marked st and st after marked st), continue to sc around opening, sl st into first sc (skipping over beg ch-1) to join. You can add additional sc rows if you wish.
Fasten off. Weave in all ends.
I hope you enjoyed this free crochet poncho pattern, The Big Mountain Poncho in children’s sizes. The Big Mountain Poncho is also available in adult sizes XS through 5x.
Subscribe to the Cre8tion Crochet Weekly Newsletter for weekly free patterns, discounts on paid patterns, reviews and giveaways and business tips. You’ll be sent a promo code for one free pattern from my Ravelry shop when you sign up- valid for new subscribers only.
Lorene Eppolite is the designer behind Cre8tion Crochet- Where Beautiful is Easy. She has been designing since October 2012. She loves to create fun and easy crochet accessories and garments. Lorene strives to make her designs to be achievable for any skill level. Just because it is easy, doesn’t mean it can’t be beautiful. Lorene was named one of the Top Ten Designers by The Yarn Box in 2012 and by AllFreeCrochet in 2013-2018. Most recently Lorene has become the Creative Director for Furls Crochet.
Follow Lorene on Facebook, Pinterest and Instagram.
Love great free patterns? Check out some of my most popular designs
Two Ways About It– free crochet infinity scarf with two fabulous textures
Winter Skies Ear Warmer– quick and easy and FREE
Blustery Day Cowl– triangle cowl with great design