Knitted Shell & Poncho

Free Knit Tank-Top and Poncho Patterns

Jun 6, 2009
Renee Blixt

Shell Top - bill thomas and renee blixt

Make one or both parts of this interesting knit set. Wear the tank during the day, and slip the poncho on over it as the evening cools off.

Each piece takes only about one skein of yarn, so these items are terrific for that leftover ball of yarn from a favorite completed object. Even better, make one as an excuse to buy a luscious but expensive skein.

Tank Top / Shell Instructions

Measurements: Approximately 23” (58.5 cm) around and 23” (58.5 cm) long, un-stretched.

Gauge: Approximately 18 stitches = 4” (10 cm) un-stretched. Approximately 8 stitches = 4” (10 cm) stretched in pattern (K1, P1 rib)

Supplies

Yarn: Heavy-worsted weight cotton, 8 oz (227 g) / 287 yds (262 m)

Needles: Size US 15 (10 mm) circular needle--24 or 32” (60 or 80 cm) long

Other: Scrap yarn, tapestry needle

Pattern

The Back

Cast on 48 stitches. This cast-on edge will be the shoulder and neck edge of the back. Work 26 rows of K1, P1 rib. Cut working yarn and place stitches on scrap yarn to hold.

The Front

Pick up first 12 stitches from cast-on edge of back, cast on 24 stitches for the neck opening, pick up last 12 stitches from cast-on edge of back.
Work 26 rows of K1, P1 rib.
At the end of Row 26, place live stitches of front onto left side of needle. Join into a round and work K1, P1 rib on 96 stitches until approximately 7 yards of yarn remain.

Finishing

Bind off loosely in K1, P1 rib. Weave in all ends. Block lightly if desired.

Poncho / Wrap Instructions

Measurements:

Approximately 43” (109 cm) wide and 19” (48.5 cm) long, blocked

Gauge:

12 stitches = 4” (10 cm) in pattern

Supplies

Yarn: Worsted weight cotton, 4 oz (113 g) / 490 yds (448 m)

Needles: Size US 7 (4.5 mm) circular needle--24” (60 cm) long

Pattern

Cast on 130 stitches loosely.

Work the following Stitch Pattern seven times:

Rows 1 – 6: Knit
Row 7: Knit, wrapping yarn around needle three times for each stitch.
Row 8: Knit, dropping extra wraps for each stitch.
Rows 9 – 10: Knit
Row 11: Repeat Row 7.
Row 12: Repeat Row 8.

Knit 14 rows.

Bind off very loosely.

Finishing

To block, steam or wet the poncho. Lay it out to dry, shaping it.

Fold the blocked poncho in half. Beginning 12” from the fold, sew long edges together on the outside edge.

Of course, these two pieces can be treated unlike a set. Each can be made with different yarn for completely different looks. However, the set is perfect for warm days and cooler nights. So, it does lend itself well to being a set. Do it anyway that's best for the wearer.