Open-weave Rattan stitch Poncho - free crochet pattern

 

A knit-look is achieved with the use of a bigger hook than is usually used for thread, and from the unique combination of stitches. This poncho looks good on, and fits a wide range of bust sizes and body shapes. Pattern can also be easily modified to a different size. 
It is best to make a gauge swatch first, before making a wearable.
(View this pattern on Ravelry)

Open-weave Rattan Stitch Poncho

by Mimi Alelis
http://mycrochetstuff.blogspot.com/2016/05/open-weave-rattan-stitch-poncho-free.html

Materials

Cotton thread size 8, Monaco or Cannon , 5-6 balls
4mm crochet hook
Stitches used
ch - chain
sc - single crochet
dc - double crochet 
esc - extended single crochet: insert hook in next stitch (or space), yarn over and pull up a loop, yarn over and draw through one loop to make a ch, yarn over and pull through two loops on hook to complete the stitch.
Gauge Swatch (4 1/4" square) (diagram here)

Row 1: Ch 22 (increase or decrease in multiples of 4), esc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across, turn. (21 esc)

Row 2: Ch 2 (does not count as st), dc in the same st, ch 2, skip one esc, sc in next, (ch 3, skip one esc, sc in next) repeat across, end with ch 2, dc on the last st, turn. (10 ch-spaces)

Row 3: Ch 1, 2 esc in each ch-space across, esc on last st, turn. (21 esc)

Row 4: Ch 4, sc in the next st, (ch 3, skip one esc, sc in next) repeat across, end with ch 2, dc on the last st, turn. (11 ch-spaces)

Row 5: Ch 1, esc in same ch-space, 2 esc in each ch-space across, turn. (21 esc)

Rows 6-17: Repeat rows 2 - 5. Fasten off.

Poncho Pattern

Main Body, make 2 (each rectangular piece measures approx. 35 x 17 inches)

Row 1: Ch 154 (loosely), (inc or dec in multiples of 4), esc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across, turn. (153 esc)

Row 2: Ch 2 (does not count as st), dc in the same st, ch 2, skip one esc, sc in next, (ch 3, skip one esc, sc in next) repeat across except on last 2 sts, ch 2, dc on the last st, turn. (76 ch-sps)

Row 3: Ch 1, 2 esc in each ch-space across, esc on last st, turn. (153 esc)

Row 4: Ch 4, sc in the next st, (ch 3, skip one esc, sc in next) repeat across, end with ch 2, dc on the last st, turn. ( 77 ch-sps)

Row 5: Ch 1, esc in same ch-space, 2 esc in each ch-space across, turn. (153 esc)

Rows 6-65: Repeat rows 2 - 5. 

Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing.

Assembly

Lay out the 2 pieces in a V-formation as follows.

1. Lay one piece diagonally on the left, with the foundation edge on the outer left side, and one corner pointing downwards to the center.

2. Lay the other piece diagonally on the right (to overlap the left piece), with the foundation edge on the outer right side and one corner pointing to the center. (see pic below)

3. Fold the top left short edge to the corresponding edge of the right piece, to an approximate length of 17" 

4. Sew using the same thread, applying an invisible seam (see tutorial on vogueknitting) .

5. Flip the back side to the front, while maintaining the V-formation, and repeat steps 3-4.

Neck Edging

Rnd 1: Attach thread at the neck edge, ch 1, sc in every stitch, join with sl st in the 1st sc.

Rnds 2-3: Ch 1, sc in back loop only of each sc around, join.

Fasten off and weave in ends.

Open-weave Rattan Stitch Poncho

Assembly step 1 & 2

(more photos on Ravelry)

Crochet cotton projects

I have always loved working with cotton! Among cotton threads and yarns available to me, I have my favorites.

Schachenmayr Catania is a sportweight 100% cotton yarn which I first used for purses...then I realized it's usefulness for baby accessories since it is thicker than thread, but softer. So I searched patterns and tried some that worked, like this cute baby girl booties. I made these for my 3-month-old niece and for my coming soon grandbaby girl!

I have modified the closure...so that instead of sewing a button, I crocheted one using cotton thread (size 8). I also crocheted flower petals around the buttonhole. Here's how I did it:

Crocheted button: with cotton thread and 2mm hook, ch 3, 4 tr-cluster in the 1st ch, fasten off leaving a 10-inch tail, sew the cluster into a ball, then sew it securely on the bootie. 
Crocheted flower petals: attach thread near the buttonhole, make 10 slip stitches around the hole, join on the 1st slip stitch (ch 3, 2dc-cluster on the same st, skip one slip stitch, slip stitch on the next stitch) 5 times, fasten off and weave in ends.

Next is another cotton baby project, this time its worsted weight, and 85% cotton. Premier Yarns Home Cotton became my favorite worsted weight for accessories and amigurumis because it is softer and easier to work with.

For this baby shoes, I used a pattern I bought several years ago. One thing I learned in choosing patterns for babies, it's so hard to choose!...most of it look so cute in photos but not all of it actually fits right or is practical to use for babies. Most of it don't have modeled pics...so you will only know it works once you've tried it on a baby. 

I think I will be making more baby items for the babies in my family and extended family...I get so inspired when I see delighted recipients of my handmade gifts :)

Next is my new wearable design using cotton thread, size 8. The brand I use is either Monaco or Cannon. Size 8 cotton thread is what's readily available in my area and I also find it to be the best option for our prevailing warm weather. 

Here'a a poncho I made...one that is light and stylish as well. It is a very slow, monotonous project...but I like the resulting fabric so much. 

I have written down the pattern and will post here soon.

Two more cotton thread projects I recently made can be viewed here.

And last but not least among my favorite cottons is cotton thread size 10. I prefer this when making my own original design, since it can easily be substituted with popular brands around the world. It is just a bit thinner than size 8 cotton, and so many patterns can work for both size 8 and size 10 thread.

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Here's a peek of me working on my design submission several months back. I used Aunt Lydia's size 10 cotton thread.