Pick up 600 yards of super chunky yarn, and spend a couple of evenings with huge needles. Ta da.
This one is worked in one piece, with a few short rows at the left shoulder, before returning to the right again. One shoulder seam and two tacked spots make it custom fit, and one size fits all (make it a bit wider or longer if you want more coverage!).
NO Purls in this pattern, but the skill of SHORT ROWS is required, or take this opportunity to watch this video and master a new technique!
Yarn: Lion Brand Woolease Thick and Quick, super chunky yarn About 550 - 600 yards (or any yarn with recommended needles of 9mm - 10mm)
Gauge: 8 sts = 4 inches in garter stitch (realistically , this is one where you can get away with between 7 and 9 sts to 4 inches and still succeed) further afield from these numbers, change your yarn.
Needles: 10mm (US 15). Circulars help with weight of this bulky yarn, but straight works well. NOT knit in the round anyway!
Note: you are knitting from front right side, to left shoulder, then back to right back edge. BUT, once finished you can wear the short rows over either shoulder.... Asymmetric!
Right Front edge: Cast on 30 sts. Knit EVERY row (garter stitch) for 25 inches (measure without stretching please).
SHORT ROWS: With right side facing (bottom edge of the wrap poncho) start short rows:
Row 1: Knit until only 5 stitches remain on left needle, wrap and turn, knit back on row 2.
Row 3: knit until only 10 sts remain on left needle, wrap and turn, knit back on row 4.
Row 5: knit 15 sts, wrap and turn, knit back on row 6.
Row 7: knit 10 sts, wrap and turn, knit back on row 8.
Row 9: knit 5, wrap and turn , knit back on row 10.
ROW 11 and 12 : knit the whole row
Row 13: knit 5, wrap, turn and knit back
Row 15: knit 10, wrap and turn and knit back
Row 17: knit 15, wrap and turn and knit back
Row 19: knit 20, wrap and turn and knit back
Row 21: knit until only 5 sts remain on left needle, wrap , turn and knit back.
Work again in garter stitch for 20 rows (10 ridges are completed) and you are again facing the right side. (very important that you start your short rows at the same edge as the last set of short rows!!)
Repeat the short rows again....
SHORT ROWS: With right side facing (bottom edge of the wrap poncho) start short rows:
Row 1: Knit until only 5 stitches remain on left needle, wrap and turn, knit back on row 2.
Row 3: knit until only 10 sts remain on left needle, wrap and turn, knit back on row 4.
Row 5: knit 15 sts, wrap and turn, knit back on row 6.
Row 7: knit 10 sts, wrap and turn, knit back on row 8.
Row 9: knit 5, wrap and turn , knit back on row 10.
ROW 11 and 12 : knit the whole row
Row 13: knit 5, wrap, turn and knit back
Row 15: knit 10, wrap and turn and knit back
Row 17: knit 15, wrap and turn and knit back
Row 19: knit 20, wrap and turn and knit back
Row 21: knit until only 5 sts remain on left needle, wrap , turn and knit back.
Now continue in garter stitch for 25 inches, and cast off all loosely. See photo below for stitching seam and arm tacks. Sew the shoulder seam 14 inches from the straight edge towards the shorter side of the short rows. (B to A in the photo). Tack the front to back with a few overhand stitches at D and C, about 5 inches from right shoulder edge and bottom of short row arm edge. These can be wider or smaller, depending on your arm width and comfort (tight or loose). Best to put a safety pin on first and try it on!
