Knit a mini-poncho

More young women than ever are getting together with their friends and knitting up simple stylish garments like this one -- and it's not too late to make a poncho for spring. This easy version works up quickly with basic knit and purl stitches.

Sizes:To fit bust measurement:

Extra-Small to Medium
71 to 96.5 cm (28 to 38 ins)

Large to Extra Large
101.5 to 127 cm (40 to 50 ins)

XX Large to XXX Large
132 to 158 cm (52 to 62 ins)

You need:
VERSION 1 (Click here for image)
2(2,3) balls (140 g) Bernat Soft Bouclé No. 22931 Blue Shades
Pair of 6 mm needles OR whichever needles you require to produce the tension given below

Tension
15 sts and 22 rows = 10 cm (4 ins) in stocking stitch. TO SAVE TIME, TAKE TIME TO CHECK TENSION.

VERSION 2 (Click here for image)
6(7,9) balls (50 g) Bernat Frenzy No. 55134 Mod Marine
Pair of 6.5 mm needles OR whichever needles you require to produce the tension given below

Tension
12 sts and 16 rows = 10 cm (4 ins) in stocking stitch. TO SAVE TIME, TAKE TIME TO CHECK TENSION.

BOTH VERSIONS
Tapestry needle
127 cm (50 ins) 1/2-in ribbon for drawstring (optional)

To make:
Version 1 Cast on 46 (54, 60) sts.
Version 2 Cast on 36 (42, 48) sts.

Both Versions
Row 1 (right side): Knit.
Row 2: K3, p to last 3 sts, k3.
Rep last 2 rows until work from beg measures 129.5 (135.5, 139.5) cm/51 (53, 55) ins, ending with right side facing for next row.

Work 3 rows garter stitch (knit every row).
Cast off knitwise.

To finish:
With leftover yarn and tapestry needle, sew cast-on edge to side edge of poncho (see DIAGRAM).

To make ribbon drawstring (optional): Starting at centre front, weave ribbon in and out around neck edge; tie into bow as shown in photo (version 2).

To make yarn drawstring (optional): From leftover yarn, cut three 152 cm (60 ins) strands. Tie together at one end, then braid to other end and knot. Starting at centre front, weave braided yarn in and out around neck edge; tie into bow.

Images and diagram courtesy of Bernat Design.