Rectangle Poncho Knitting Pattern Free
This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.
This On-The-Go rectangle poncho knitting pattern is free! It’s a beginner-friendly pattern for first time garment knitters.
My Chunky On-The-Go Poncho Pattern is so popular that I created a lighter weight version too for those of you who enjoy knitting with a worsted weight yarn.
Get the free knitting pattern below or purchase the ad-free, downloadable & printable PDF on Etsy, Ravelry or Brome Fields, which includes all SEVEN sizes!
Pin-it to Pinterest for later!
![multiple pics of a model wearing a hand knit rectangle poncho](https://www.bromefields.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/rectangle-poncho-sweater-onthego-pin-683x1024.jpg)
What’s to love?!
😍 Easy to slip off & on.
🥰 No buttons to fiddle with.
😘 Use as a lap blanket or shawl.
😻 Lightweight and easy to roll into a compact size for your carry-on luggage or backpack.
🤗 Great extra layer for sudden temperature changes when traveling or going to the freezer section at the grocery store.
❤️🔥 The loose design of a poncho allows for a wide range of movement, which can be advantageous in activities like hiking, camping or even day-to-day wear.
💯Overall, ponchos are practical, fashionable and versatile garments that can be used in various situations and weather conditions.
About the Pattern
This poncho is knit flat, in a rectangle, from the top down, one side at a time. Seam across the top to create the neck and down the sides to create the sleeves.
Available Sizes: 7 (XS to 3XL) (PDF only)
Pattern Format: Written Pattern, No Chart
Pattern Language: English
Skill Level: Beginner & Advanced Beginner Versions
PDF Format: Printer Friendly
Pattern Name: On the Go
Techniques
Here are some of the knitting skills you need to know before getting started:
Knit Flat (Back & Forth)
Knit & Purl Stitches
Sew Seams
Yarn & Substitutions
Yarn Weight: Worsted
Yardage: 400 – 1160 yards (366 – 1061 meters)
Suggested Yarn: Lion Brand Heartland
Needles & Notions
US 9 (5.5mm) Circular Needles with a 32” (80cm) Cable
Gauge
15 STS & 21 rows per 4” (10cm) square, knit in stockinette stitch
![knitted swatch of a rectangle poncho with a wood gauge](https://www.bromefields.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/rectangle-poncho-sweater-onthego-gauge.jpg)
Purchase the ad-free, downloadable & printable PDF on Etsy, Ravelry or Brome Fields, which includes all SEVEN sizes!
Details
Model height: 5’9″ (175cm)
Model weight: 130lbs (59kg)
Model bust: 35″ (88cm)
Model waist: 25″ (63cm)
# of CO stitches: 157
Measurements, after blocking: 42″ wide x 14″ (107cm x 36cm)
Gauge: 15 STS & 21 rows per 4” (10cm) square, knit in stockinette stitch
Weight: 14.1oz (400g)
Approximate Sizes
Size | L” | x | W” | # of CO STS (length) | # of rows(width) | Skeins Needed | Yards Needed |
M | 14 | x | 42 | 157 | 74 | 3 | 620 |
Notes
Not reversible.
Knit top down, one side at a time.
Knit using the rib & stockinette stitch.
Knit 2 rectangles and then seam together.
Knit flat, back & forth on circular needles, which are used to accommodate the large number of CO stitches, do not join in the round.
Knitting Abbreviations
*– * – repeat between * to end of round
BO – bind-off in pattern
CO – cast-on (long-tail cast-on method)
K – knit stitches (K1 means to knit 1 stitch)
K1TBL – knit 1 stitch through the back loop
P – purl stitches (P2 means to purl 2 stitches)
RS – right side
S1PW – slip one stitch purl-wise
STS – stitches
WS – wrong side
WYIF – with yarn in front
Save it for Later
- Buy the ad-free, printer-friendly pattern on Etsy, Ravelry or Brome Fields, which includes all SEVEN sizes!
- Save it to your Ravelry Library!
- Pin-it to Pinterest for later!
![model wearing a hand knit rectangle poncho](https://www.bromefields.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/rectangle-poncho-sweater-onthego-1-1201-1024x1024.jpg)
Beginner Pattern Instructions
CO 157 STS
Top Rib:
Rows 1, 3, 5, 7 (WS): *P1, K1* P1
Rows 2, 4, 6 (RS): *K1, P1* K1
Body:
Row 8 (RS): *K*
Row 9 (WS): *P1*
Repeat rows 8-9, until desired length, minus the bottom ribbing, see “Size” chart above.
Bottom Rib:
Repeat Row 8 (RS) *K*
Rows 1, 3, 5 (WS): *P1, K1* P1
Rows 2, 4, 6 (RS): *K1, P1* K1
Row 7 (WS): BO in the P1, K1 pattern
Knit the 2nd side the same as the first.
The front and back are the same.
Top Seam:
Put the wrong sides together.
Starting from the outside corner, seam the top seam, leaving a hole a little larger than your head through, or desired width. Make sure the seams from the outside to the inside are the same measurement.
Mine measures 42″ wide, total, and the head-hole width is 12″, so each top seam measures 15″ on either side of the head-hole.
Side Seam:
Starting from the bottom, seam each side using the mattress stitch, leaving a hole large enough to comfortably fit your hand and arm through.
Mine measures 14″ in height, total, and the arm-hole is 7″, so each seam measures 7″.
Weave in the ends.
Blocking: Steam-block lightly, which will add 1-2″ of length.
Advanced Beginner Pattern Instructions
CO the number of STS from the “Size” section above.
Top Rib:
Rows 1, 3, 5, 7 (WS): WYIF S1PW *P1, K1* P1, WYIF S1PW
Rows 2, 4, 6 (RS): K1TBL *K1, P1* K1, K1TBL
Body:
Row 8 (RS): K1TBL *K* K1TBL
Row 9 (WS): WYIF S1PW *P1* WYIF S1PW
Repeat rows 8-9, until desired length, minus the bottom ribbing
Bottom Rib:
Repeat Row 8 (RS) K1TBL *K* K1TBL
Rows 1, 3, 5 (WS): WYIF S1PW *P1, K1* P1, WYIF S1PW
Rows 2, 4, 6 (RS): K1TBL *K1, P1* K1, K1TBL
Row 7 (WS): BO in the K1, P1 pattern
Knit the 2nd side the same as the first.
The front and back are the same.
Top Seam:
Put the wrong sides together.
Starting from the outside corner, seam the top seam, leaving a hole a little larger than your head through, or desired width. Make sure the seams from the outside to the inside are the same measurement.
Mine measures 42″ wide, total, and the head-hole width is 12″, so each top seam measures 15″ on either side of the head-hole.
Side Seam:
Starting from the bottom, seam each side using the mattress stitch, leaving a hole large enough to comfortably fit your hand and arm through.
Mine measures 14″ in height, total, and the arm-hole is 7″, so each seam measures 7″.
Weave in the ends.
Blocking: Steam-block lightly, which will add 1-2″ of length.
Print this Pattern
I know many of you enjoy working from a paper copy of your knitting pattern that’s why I offer a printer-friendly PDF completely ad-free on Etsy, Ravelry or Brome Fields.
That way you can have lifetime access to it and download it to any device and view it from anywhere, without ads (and the pattern might not be around forever).
The ads on this website make it possible for me to offer the patterns for free, that way you can try it before you buy it. :)
More rectangle poncho knitting patterns that you’ll love…