This poncho pattern is symbolic of me giving into temptation! I’ve been watching all the posts on the Caron Yarn Cake and I was determined not to get bit by the bug, but alas, I was in Michael’s one day and they were lined up, and so pretty, and one just flew into my basket! What was I to do? These are actually really neat cakes with many color combinations. The yarn is worsted weight and pleasant to work with. There are knots at some of the color changes, but I found they were small enough that they just worked right into the stitches. The ball is a generous 383 yards and I used every last inch for the child size poncho!
The dragonfly poncho was actually inspired by a special request. These little dragonflies are so much fun to make. The poncho is sized for child and adult sizes (I’ve provided measurements so you can determine sizing) but it is super easy to size larger or smaller too and while I used the Caron Cake, of course you may use any worsted weight yarn you like.
Dragonfly Poncho
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Skill Level: Easy
Size:
- Child 25″ point to point across chest; 21″ back neck to hem point
- Adult 35″ point to point across chest; 29″ back neck to hem point
Materials:
- Worsted Weight yarn, I used Caron Cakes – 383 yards, in color Faeire
- Child – 1 balls
- Adult – 3 balls
- Clover Amour Hook US I/5.50 or size needed to obtain the gauge
- Tapestry Needle
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Gauge: 16 dc x 8 Row s = 4″ (10 cm)
Abbreviations (US Crochet Terms):
ch: chain
dc: double crochet
hdc: half double crochet
sc: single crochet
sl st: slip stitch
st(s): stitch(es)
Split Stitch: Working a split stitch means that you will be working into the center “V” of the stitch below, not into the top loops.
If you’d like to add fringe, you can find plenty of fringe tutorials on line, here are two I like:
- My friend Rhonda’s at Oombawka Design – Click HERE for tutorial
- My friend Carolyn’s at The Purple Poncho – Click HERE for tutorial
Special Instructions:
- The poncho is worked in two rectangular panels that are joined at front and back to form the poncho shape
- Instructions between [ ] are to be repeated as specified.
- When a number is followed by a stitch, work that number of stitches in the next stitch (ex. 3sc means you will work 3 single crochets in the next stitch)
Instructions for Dragonfly Poncho
Panel – Make 2
Child 12” x 24” (will fit average 3 to 6 year old); Adult 18” x 36” (Approximately Size Large) – adjust sizing in increments of 14 at the beginning chain and add as many row repeats as necessary to achieve desired length.
Row 1: Ch 86 (128), hdc in 3rd ch from hook and each remaining ch – skipped chs count as hdc. (85, 127)
Row 2: Ch2 (counts as hdc), turn, hdc in each st to end. (85, 127)
Row 3: Ch3 (counts as dc here and throughout), turn, dc next 6, [ch2, skip 1, dc next 13] repeat until there are 8 sts remaining, ch2, skip 1, dc last 7. (6 ch2 spaces + 79dc; 9 ch2 spaces + 118 dc)
Row 4: Ch3, turn, dc next 3, ch3, skip 3, sc in ch2 space, ch3, skip 3, [dc next 7, ch3, skip 3, sc next ch2 space, ch3 skip 3] repeat until there are 4 sts left, dc last 4 sts. (12 ch3 spaces + 49 sts; 18 ch3 spaces + 73 sts)
Row 5: Ch3, turn, dc next 2, ch4, skip next dc and ch3, split sc in next sc, ch4, skip next ch3 and dc, [dc next 5, ch4, skip next dc and ch3, split sc in next sc, ch4, skip next ch3 and dc] repeat until there are 3 sts left, dc last 3 sts. (12 ch4 spaces + 37 sts; 18 ch4 spaces + 55 sts)
Row 6: Ch3, turn, work 4dc in each ch4 space and dc in each sc and dc to end. (85, 127)
Row 7: Ch3, turn, dc each st to end. (85, 127)
Row 8: Ch3, turn, dc next 13, ch2, skip 1, [dc next 13, ch2, skip1,] repeat until there are 14 sts remaining, dc last 14 sts. (5 ch2 spaces + 80 dc; 8 ch2 spaces + 119 dc)
Row 9: Ch3, turn, dc next 10, ch3, skip 3, sc in ch2 space, ch3, skip 3, [dc next 7, ch3, skip 3, sc next ch2 space, ch3 skip 3] repeat until there are 11 sts left, dc last 11 sts. (10 ch3 spaces + 55 sts; 16 ch3 spaces + 79 sts)
Row 10: Ch3, turn, dc next 9, ch4, skip next dc and ch3, split sc in next sc, ch4, skip next ch3 and dc, [dc next 5, ch4, skip next dc and ch3, split sc in next sc, ch4, skip next ch3 and dc] repeat until there are 10 sts left, dc last 10 sts. (10 ch4 spaces + 45 sts; 16 ch4 spaces + 63 sts)
Row 11: Ch3, turn, work 4dc in each ch4 space and dc in each sc and dc to end. (85, 127)
Row 12: Ch3, turn, dc each st to end. (85, 127)
Repeat Rows 3 to 12:
- Child = 1 more time
- Adult = 2 more times
Turn to work down side of Rows (short side), ch1, 2sc in side of each Row to end. (This creates an edge to make it easier to join the short side to the long side of the poncho) Fasten off. (44, 64)
Joining
Match sts as shown in diagram, working through back loops only slip stitch across to join. Fasten off.
Neckline
Round 1: Join at center of V, ch1, working around sts of previous round, [FPdc, BPdc] around to end, join with sl st to first post st.
Round 2: Ch1, work FPdc in each FPdc, and BPdc in each BPdc around, join with sl st to first post st (for a smaller neck opening you may add repeats of this round skipping the first and last stitch at the center front and center back). Fasten off.
Border
Round 1: Join at bottom point, ch1, 3sc in same st, 2sc in side of each Row of panel, sc in each dc to next point, 3sc in point, 2sc in side of each Row of panel, sc in each dc to end, join with sl st to first st.
Round 2: Ch1, sc in each st around, 3sc in each point, join with sl st to first st. Fasten off.
If you like this pattern, you may also like the coordinating 18″ Doll pattern.
Here are some other fun patterns that would look terrific in the Caron Cake!
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Do you have a picture of the back of the poncho? Not sure if I have the panels together correctly.
The back and front are identical. If you’d like to send me a photo, I can help you through. Email me at [email protected]
Thank you for this great pattern!! I am finishing a baby one now! I really hope I calculated right and it fits!! It is adorable!!
Thank you! Glad you enjoyed it 🙂
On I’ve completed the 1st panel, my problem is the 2 single crochets in the side panel. There are only 21 rows so how will that equal 64 stitches? I’m confused
For the adult size there are 32 rows and the stitch count is 64; for the child size there are 22 rows and the stitch count is 44. Perhaps you missed one of the repeats.
The child’s dragon fly poncho, is 12” the width & the 24” the length? I crocheted 86 & the chain is 18”. Am not sure which is the length & which is the width.
When your piece is laying flat, the 24″ is the length from the first stitch to the last, the 12″ is the height you will work.
If your measurements aren’t coming out correctly, please check the gauge and adjust your yarn/hook accordingly.
Do you have a starting chain for an adult size medium? I see the pattern is in multiples of 14. I accidently bought a light weight yarn (#3), so will try and see if it can work up with this yarn. Will check the gauge first, but not sure how many multiples of 14 to subtract. I can play around with it, but am hoping you’ve figured this out already!
I’m sorry, I have not tested it in other size or yarn combinations 🙁
I need some help. I guess my panels are not the same size so when I crochet the panels together, the Poncho was not even ( the points in the front and back did not line up.. I think the only way to fix this is to overlap the panels and stitch them together somehow, but I am not sure how to do that. Please let me know your ideas! I am desperate to finish this tonight for my nieces birthday this weekend!
If the pieces are not even, then the poncho will not hang properly. I don’t advise overlapping and sewing as that will give you extra bulk and distort the look of the poncho. I’m sorry, but the only way I know to fix this is to make two pieces that are alike.
I am fairly new to crocheting and have a question about th85 e way patterns are written. when a pattern states as in row 2 : chain 2(counts as hdc ) and hdc to end with 85, does that mean a total of 84 since the chain 2 counts as one hdc. ? And in row 3 when it says chain 3 counts AS dc here and throughout then turn which stitch do you dc into from the hook? Do you dc 5 since the chain counts as 1?I must have counted wrong because when i got row 4 it dididn’t line up correctly into the chain 2 spots.
Welcome to crocheting! Regarding your first question, yes, when the chains count as a stitch, that chain goes into the stitch count. Regarding your second question, no, the chain 3 does count as a stitch, but then you follow the pattern after that as written, so the pattern states to dc 6 stitches, that would be a total of 7 with the ch3. As for where to start the first stitch after the ch3, the general rule is when the chains count as a stitch, that takes the place of the very first stitch, therefore, the next stitch would be in stitch number 2.
I hope that helps, but if you have further questions, please email me at [email protected]
Completed the two beautiful panels for a child poncho and can not figure out out to place together (even with diagram). Please help me finish this beautiful poncho. Thank you.
I’m sorry you are having trouble. I’m not sure how to help you from afar 🙂
You are connecting one short side along the long side of the other panel, then turning it around and doing the same on the back.
I just made this and the neckline is huge. It doesn’t even look close to the picture as far as the neck goes. I am so disappointed. And I dont even know how to fix this. Am I missing something? Thi swas supposed to be a Christmas present, and it’s going to slide right off her.
I’m sorry you are disappointed. My first question would be did you meet gauge? If not, that could be the problem.
You might be able to fix it by adding more rounds to the neckline and making sort of a stretchy band, it just depends how big it is compared to what you need.
I really enjoyed making this poncho for my granddaughter. I did have to drop to a G hook to control the gauge and use a bit of yarn from a second skein in order to complete it. I’ll make it again, for my older granddaughter, using a larger hook. Thank you
You are very welcome!
I am having trouble with row 9. I came out with 16 stitches in the previous round that states i should only have 14 stitches left. I counted and had 85 stitches in row 7. Then in row 8, I come out with 81 stitches and 5 ch 2 spots. What could I have done wrong?
Sounds like you might have made 14 dc in each repeat of Row 8 rather than 13. There are only 14 in the beginning and end, but the repeats between are 13.
I’m fairly new at this and did my first poncho. I’m have trouble understanding some of these instructions :
Round 1: Join at center of V, ch1, working around sts of previous round, [FPdc, BPdc] around to end, join with sl st to first post st.
Does this mean I slip stitch on both FPdc and the BPdc my my previous work?
Round 2: Ch1, work FPdc in each FPdc, and BPdc in each BPdc around, join with sl st to first post st. Fasten off.
Is this only a slip stitch?
(I’ve purchased the pattern)
Hi there, thank you for your note. The slip stitch is just to the first stitch of the round and is intended to join the round. You do not slip stitch into each FP and BP double crochet.
I hope this helps. Please email me at [email protected] if you have further questions.
After I sewed the two pieces together the head opening was huge! I made a child’s size with 100 starting chains. What did I do wrong and if I make it again (I tore it all out) how do I adjust the head opening size?
Did you check gauge?
I’m loving your patterns! Thank You! I was getting ready to assemble and I looked through comments to see if there was any info, I noticed a comment on how to attach, which took me a few minutes to realize that the diagram lines up the a to a and b to b🤣 my first poncho. That it needs to be folded and attached on two sides.
Do I work scs around each panel? Or just down the one side?
Just the one short side in order to have a place to join it to the other panel.
I have a question about working down the side of the panels. Do I go around entire panel working the 2 scs down the short sides and school in the long sides? If so how many scs in corners? Thank you.
No it’s just worked on one short side to give you a place to join the stitches to the other panel.
Here i go being a pain again lol on the neckline—
Round 1: Join at center of V, ch1, working around sts of previous round, [FPdc, BPdc] around to end, join with sl st to first post st.
previous round..ok just want to clarify? we are to do the fpdc ect. on the raw edge? lil confused…thanks!
Yes you are creating a band.
I do not understand how the two rectangles connected as the picture shows will make a poncho. I have the two rectangles but I am stuck. It seems that if I sew them as shown, the back will have two separated panels. I may be wrong but need clarification PLEASE.
TIA
I’m not sure how to assist without being with you. I suggest you lay your two pieces down on a flat surface and follow the diagram included in the pattern and hopefully it will make sense that way.
On dragonfly poncho, i’m not understanding Row 5: “ch 4, skip next DC and ch 3, split sc in next sc, ch 4, skip next ch 3 and DC”
Doesn’t that mean ch 7 (4+3?)
What is a “split sc”?
No it is indicating the stitches you will need to skip in the previous row. So you are chaining 4 and then skipping the dc + ch3 in the previous row to get to the next st, which is where you will make the split sc.
Row 5: Ch3, turn, dc next 2, ch4, skip next dc and ch3, split sc in next sc, ch4, skip next ch3 and dc, [dc next 5, ch4, skip next dc and ch3, split sc in next sc, ch4, skip next ch3 and dc] repeat until there are 3 sts left, dc last 3 sts. (12 ch4 spaces + 37 sts; 18 ch4 spaces + 55 sts)
Row 5: Ch3, turn, dc next 2, ch4, skip next dc and ch3, a lil confused? is that to be a total of ch7 then split sc in the next sc, then ch 7 again?
No it is indicating the stitches you will need to skip in the previous row. So you are chaining 4 and then skipping the dc + ch3 in the previous row to get to the next st, which is where you will make the split sc.
Yaaaayyyyyy!!!! I absolutely LOVE it! I believe this was my request a couple months ago on FB. My heart sunk when I heard Charmedbyewe was moving on…but dragonflies do what dragonflies do! Thank you, thank you. <3
I’m glad you like it 🙂
Is there an error on Row 6? It says Ch3, turn, work 4 dc in each chain 4 space…
Should it be Ch3, turn, work dc in next 2, then work 4 dc in each chain 4 space…?
Hi there Shawn. No there is no error, it is a stylistic thing. The way the pattern is written it is telling you what to do in each type of stitch. Basically you will be working a dc in each st, or ch across.
Is my gauge incorrect? I’ve now completed both panels, but needed to open up a second ball of yarn to complete (so glad I picked up an extra). I am doing the child size, and wouldn’t have had enough to complete the whole project.
I’m not sure. Did you check your gauge to the pattern? Not all balls of yarn have the exact same amount (even though they are all labeled with the same yardage) so it is possible the ball I used had more than the one you picked up. As I noted in the post, I did not have an inch left over form my ball so it is possible you may have to go into another ball. The good news is now you can make a matching hat – I have a pattern coming out soon using the Caron Cakes yarn 🙂
How many chains I need for a 11 years old?I mean the chain to beginning .thank you
I don’t know, I did not work the free pattern up in every size variation, however, the stitch multiple is in increments of 14 so that should help.
If ï counted correctly it’d a multiple of 14 +2, so I might try to go a bit more than for the child so maybe 100…😊
Hi, I just began making this poncho and ran into an issue. It says to chain 128, hdc in the 4th chain from the hook, and that, at the end of the row, I should have 127 hdcs. If the 3 skipped chains=1 hdc, that’s only 126 hdcs at the end of the row. (128-3=125 actual hdcs+1 3 chain hdc=126)
So should i chain 129 or put my first hdc in the 3rd chain from the hook?
You are correct and thanks for letting me know. You should work the first hdc in the 3rd ch.
Dragon fly child pattern, what is the age? , thank you.
It should range from 4 or 5 to 8, but the best way to determine the sizing is by checking the finished measurements.
I love this dragonfly poncho design. I’m making the child size poncho. Although my gauge is correct, the panel is much shorter than the 36 inches listed in the patten. Is that a misprint?Gerri
Yes it was a typo and been corrected. Thanks..