This free child crochet poncho pattern is the mini version of my popular woman’s poncho, the Sunset Poncho.
I used Caron Big Cakes yarn in color Afternoon Tea for the kid’s crochet poncho pictured. You can now make a Mommy and Me pair.
I was thinking it is going to be a cakewalk designing the child-size poncho as I had already made the woman’s size pattern, but I struggled with the neck sizing.
I had to finally dust my seamstress’s brain and do some real math to figure out a sizing method that would work. I also added a tie around the neck to keep the neckline from stretching on your kiddos.
There are 6 sizes included in this free child crochet poncho pattern and you can make one for every girl in your family. How cool is that?
Free Child Crochet Poncho Pattern
You can pin it for later here.
Materials
1. Caron Big Cakes (size 4) yarn in color Afternoon Tea. It is a self-striping yarn.
2. Hook I(5.5mm)
3. Tapestry needle to weave in the ends.
Finished Size
| Age | Measurement from base of neck to hem (inches) |
| 2 Years | 15 1/2 |
| 3-4 Years | 18 |
| 5-6 Years | 18 1/2 |
| 7-9 Years | 20 1/2 |
| 10-12 Years | 20 1/2 |
| 14- 16 Years | 21 |
Yardage
Note: Each skein of Caron Big Cakes yarn includes 603 yards. The smallest size takes only 1 cake and all the bigger ones will take 2. If you want to substitute it with any other yarn, the approximate yards required are given below.
| Age | Yards Required |
| 2 Years | 600 |
| 3-4 Years | 750 |
| 5-6 Years | 820 |
| 7-9 Years | 1000 |
| 10-12 Years | 1100 |
| 14-16 Years | 1200 |
Stitch Abbreviations
The pattern is written in US terms.
ch- chain
sc- single crochet
dc- double crochet
sk- skip
fpsc- front post single crochet
YO- yarn over
Gauge
5 pattern repeats= 4 inches
Stitch Explanations
Front Post Single Crochet (fpsc): A fpsc is worked as a regular sc except for the way you insert your hook. Insert hook from front to back and to front again around the vertical post (upright part) of the specified dc st and pull up a loop, YO and pull through 2 loops on hook to complete the fpsc.
For a fpsc, the hook is inserted in the same way as working a front post double crochet. See my tutorial on front post double crochet here: Front Post Double Crochet Tutorial
CROCHET PATTERN
Notes
1. The poncho is worked in one big ‘L’ shape and seamed at the back.
2. Stitch counts for bigger sizes are given in the order 2 Yrs(3-4 Yrs, 5-6 Yrs, 7-9 Yrs, 10-12 Yrs, 14-16 Yrs). I am making the alternate stitch counts bold so it will be easy for you to figure out the one for your size.
3. If there was an abrupt color change in the middle of a dc row, I unraveled it and joined the new color at the beginning of the row. If the color change is in a sc row (Repeat of Row 3), you don’t have to do this as it won’t be visible on your poncho. Again, this is a matter of personal choice and you can choose to let the self-striping yarn do its job of changing colors.
4. When you have to join a new skein, make sure you keep the color sequence the same as your first cake of yarn.
CHILD CROCHET PONCHO-FRONT PANEL
Ch 98(110, 118, 126, 130, 138)
Row 1: 1 sc in 2nd chain from hook, *(Ch 3, sk next 3 chs, 1 sc in next), repeat from * across to end, turn.———24(27, 29, 31, 32, 34)ch-3 loops
Row 2: Ch 3 ( counts as a dc here and throughout), 1 dc in same st as beginning ch-3, sk next ch-3 loop, *(3 dc in next sc, sk next ch-3 loop), repeat from * across and after you skip the last ch-3 loop, 2 dc in last sc, turn. ———23(26, 28, 30, 31, 33) 3dc groups with 2 dc on each end
Row 3: Ch 1, 1 sc in same st as beginning ch 1, *(ch 3, 1 fpsc around the middle dc of the next 3dc group), repeat from * across until you work a fpsc in the last 3dc group, ch 3, 1 sc in last dc, turn.——24(27, 29, 31, 32, 34)ch-3 loops
Row 4: Ch 3, 1 dc in same st as beginning ch-3, sk next ch-3 loop, *(3 dc in next fpsc, sk next ch-3 loop), repeat from * across and after you skip the last ch-3 loop, 2 dc in last sc, turn. ———23(26, 28, 30, 31, 33) 3dc groups with 2 dc on each end
Repeat Rows 3 and 4 until your work measures approximately 11(12.5, 13, 14.5, 14.5, 15) inches wide and you end in Row 4. Do not fasten off. Your rectangle will be 19.5(22, 23, 25, 26, 27)inches long.
ADDING THE BACK PANEL
Note: The back panel will be worked as a continuation of the front panel to form an ‘L’ shape.
Row 1: Ch 1, 1 sc in same st as beginning ch 1, 1 sc in the next 32(35, 38, 38, 41, 44) dc sts, you will now be in the middle st of a 3dc group, *(ch 3, 1 fpsc around the middle dc of the next 3dc group), repeat from * across until you work a fpsc in the last 3dc group, ch 3, 1 sc in last dc, turn.———13(15, 16, 18, 18, 19) ch-3 loops
Row 2: Ch 3 (counts as a dc here and throughout), 1 dc in the same st as ch 3, sk next 3 sts, *(3 dc in next fpsc, sk next ch-3 loop), repeat from * across and after you skip the last ch-3 loop, 2 dc in next sc, leave the remaining sc sts unworked and turn. ———12(14, 15, 17, 17, 18) 3dc groups with 2 dc on each end
Row 3: Ch 1, 1 sc in same st as beginning ch 1, *(ch 3, 1 fpsc around the middle dc of the next 3dc group), repeat from * across until you work a fpsc in the last 3dc group, ch 3, 1 sc in the last dc, turn.——13(15, 16, 18, 18, 19) ch-3 loops
Row 4: Ch 3, 1 dc in same st as beginning ch-3, sk next ch-3 loop, *(3 dc in next fpsc, sk next ch-3 loop), repeat from * across and after you skip the last ch-3 loop, 2 dc in last sc, turn. ———12(14, 15, 17, 17, 18) 3dc groups with 2 dc on each end
Repeat Rows 3 and 4 until the back extension measures 19.5(22, 23, 25, 26, 27)inches long and you end in Row 4.
SEAMING THE PONCHO
Note: In case you get confused, the front panel is the one in which the lines running across the stitch pattern are longer.
Lay your poncho flat in an ‘L’ shape with the wrong side( with no ribbing or lines) facing up. Using a slip stitch, join the front piece to the long side of the back extension as shown in the picture. Take care not to stretch the fabric while seaming.
FINISHING THE NECK
One side of your neck already has a row of single crochet. Work a row of sc on the other raw edge of the neck, sl st to the base of the “V’ at the back, fasten off.
ADDING A BORDER TO THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE CROCHET PONCHO
Notes
1. The left edge of your poncho will already have a scalloped edge from the foundation chain. So we will now add the same to its right edge as shown by the arrow. We will first add a sc row to straighten out the rolled edge.
2. I used blue color yarn for the edging. You can use any of the colors left from your skein.
Row 1: Sl st to the right corner of your poncho, work a row of sc along the right edge as shown in pic above. I worked 1 sc at the end of each ridge and 2 sc between each pair of ridges.
Row 2: Turn and ch 1, 1 sc in the first st, *(ch 3, sk 2 sts, 1 sc in next), repeat from * to end of the side, fasten off.
ADDING THE TIES TO YOUR CROCHET PONCHO
Note: Adding a tie around the neck will make the neck adjustable and keep it from slipping off your kid’s shoulder.
Make a long chain of length 42( 44, 45, 46, 48, 49)inches and fasten off.
Lace the chain around the neck, going in and out a little below the sc row.
Make 2 pom-poms and tie it onto the edges of the chain tie. Trim the remaining tail to match the length of the pom pom strands.
You might also like my Uptown Crochet Poncho pattern and my Kalisha Poncho pattern.
You can also more such poncho patterns featured on Allfreecrochet.com.
Hello,
I’m trying to make the Sea Breeze Poncho. I am an avid crocheter, but I cannot understand hoe to seam the poncho correctly. I have worked on my issue for over a week now. Can you please help me to understand how to seam it?
The instructions are just not as explanatory as I need them to be. (I’m sure it’s just me). I’m really wanting to get this and one more made for Christmas for my Identical twin great grand daughters.
Thank you so much for sharing this pattern.
Caren Ogg
Author
Hi Caren, I have emailed you.
iv made the sea breeze poncho but its not matching up right like the diagram ti stitch together, what have I done wrong pls help thanks sue
Author
Watch my adult size video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dAczfjmZKXA&t=1522s
You can watch from time stamp 25:58
Hi Shehnaaz – I’m having the same trouble as Caren above with the seam.
1. Does the slip stitch of the front and back together show on the right side of the poncho?
2. Us the seam worn in the front or back?
Thank you!
Author
The seam is worn at the back. You work the seam on the wrong side of your fabric and then turn it inside out, so your sl st won’t show on the outside. I hope that helps.
Where is says ”3 dc in next fpsc“ where exactly do you put those 3 dc? I keep trying to zoom in on all the pictures but I still cannot figure it out. Thank you!
Author
It will be in the middle of the 3 dc group. If you are having trouble finding it, mark a couple of fpsc, so the next row you will know where to work your 3 dc.
Hello when measuring the back extension are you measuring 22in from the beginning of this section (where you crochet across the first 35 stitches to start the “L” shape) or are you measuring edge of the beginning chain?
Thank you
Author
I am measuring from where the L starts and not from the foundation chain.
Thank you for the pattern, it is just what I was looking for!
When you are stitching together are the bottom edges even or do you leave room to add the sc and scalloped edging on the one side? For adding the scalloped edging on the right side is that looking at the front of the poncho? When adding the bottom edging you state ch 3 and skip 2 chains. On the foundation row you ch 3 and skip 3 chains. Are they to be the same?
Author
The bottom edges will be even, no need to leave room to add the scallops.I found that (ch3, sk 2) works better for the bottom edge.
Thank you so much for this beautiful pattern! I just started one for my granddaughter. It is such a beautiful stitch. Surprisingly, as intricate as the design is. each row is easy to mindlessly crochet (and I’m a newbie) as I watch TV or carry on a conversation. The differening rows make it fun to do. You have a good for describing the steps clearly.
Hi. How do you do into the fspc? Also my 1st 3 rows look empty. Does the pattern start to fill in more and you go?
Author
Just work into the top “V” of the fpsc. Yes, it will add height as you go. The chain-3 row hardy adds any height.
Can I use Mandada yarn and how do I adjust the pattern
Author
You will have to check your gauge and make the panels the size mentioned in the pattern.
Hi I’m also using Mandala, can I ask how you went with the sizing?
Author
I did not use Mandala but Caron Cakes which is a worsted weight yarn.
I am also confused about how to seam it. When I am finished with the crocheting, should I have an exact “V” shape, or am I measuring wrong. Do I need to do more rows for the back panel?
Author
You can watch my video from timestamp 25:19 for the seaming part here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dAczfjmZKXA
I’m having either a brain fart or just not getting the directions. I’ve made the panel as stated do I then make another panel for the back to mimic the front or carry on on the shortened side? I guess I’ve gotten lost! Any help will be much appreciated
Author
You can watch the video at the end of this blog post for the bigger size poncho in the same pattern: https://crochetdreamz.com/pattern-for-crochet-poncho/
I love this pattern. Your video link really helped with sewing the panels together. I can’t wait to make more of these in various sizes. They are going to be donations for the children at our local Ronald McDonald House.
Author
I am really glad you like the poncho. Thank you for trying my pattern.
Hi, my first poncho, how wide should the Extension piece be for the kids largest size ? Mine is as wide as the unstitched width, unstitched where the extension started
Author
The extension should be as wide as the front panel.
I am a beginner and have made several basic things. I got through the first direction and need help interpreting the second step. I’m trying to make this for my niece. Please help.
Author
You can watch the video for my adult version here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dAczfjmZKXA
Thank you so much! The poncho came out beautifully. However we have one slight problem. It fits perfectly except the neck hole is too large. Do you have any recommendations as to make it smaller?
Author
You can work a few sc rows around the neckline.
I am also confused about how to seam it. When I am finished with the crocheting, should I have an exact “V” shape, or am I measuring wrong. Do I need to do more rows for the back panel?
Author
You can watch this video. Start from time stamp 25:15 for the seaming instructions: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dAczfjmZKXA&t=393s
Thank you so much for replying. I love love love this pattern and I am using Craftsmart Value Stripe Merlot.
Thank you for the beautiful pattern and instructions. I just finished one for my 5yrs old niece. It turned out really nice.
Thank you for this easy to read pattern for a lovely poncho. My granddaughter has been asking me to make her a poncho and she just loves it. I did a hdc row with faux fur around the bottom which finishes it off nicely. Thanks for sharing.
I’m doing the back panel for size 5-6 years and it says I should have 16 ch3 spaces, but I only have 14. It seems correct as I started row 1 at the half way point after doing the 39 sc. should I keep going?
Author
As long as the width of this extension is the same as the width of the first panel, you are good to go.
Hello,
I by mistake asked a question in the adult size version.
I am making the child size for my granddaughter and would like to make it long enough for her. She is 5’3” tall and is 10 years old and thin. How do I make this poncho longer but not wider?
I appreciate your help.
Thank you,
Karin
Author
My guess is that making it longer without wider will make the neck deeper. The neck hole is the difference between the width and length of the rectangles. You can add length and if the neck turns out too big, crochet around the nexk to make it smaller. Adjusting the sizing for this pattern is a bit tricky.
Hi Shehnaaz,
I made a toddler (age 2) sized poncho and am extremely happy with the result. The seaming took a couple tries since I didn;t figure that the back extension’s length was calculated without the front panel’s height added to it, until I seamed and unravelled a couple times. But after the second try, I understood how it should work and it turned out beautiful! I used Yarn Bee Simply Soft yarn and used almost 3 skeins for the body, and about a half a skein of a matching color to make some elaborately scalloped edging all over, including the neck. Thanks for the pattern!
Author
I am so happy to hear this. Thank you for sharing!