Infinite Prairies – Crochet Pattern for a Circular Yoke Poncho with Turtleneck and Puff Stitches (from my book: Modern Crochet Sweaters)

Hi everyone!

This post includes everything you need to know about the Infinite Prairies Poncho, a bulky weight poncho with turtleneck and vertical puff stitch rows radiating from the neckline.

The Infinite Prairies Poncho is from my book Modern Crochet Sweaters: 20 Chic Designs for Everyday Wear. This book includes 20 size-inclusive sweater patterns using a variety of techniques and construction methods to ensure there is something of value for every skill level. Each pattern is written from XS to 5XL and each size has been thoroughly tested! We had over 500+ crochet pattern testers for this book to make sure that each size fits its intended wearer in a way that makes them feel beautiful. You can buy this book with confidence, knowing that each pattern was written for you and your unique body measurements.

Before we begin, here are some quick links for you:

Find the PDF version on Ravelry here, on Etsy here, and on my website here.
- Add your finished project and view other completed projects on Ravelry here.
Use the pattern hashtag #InfinitePrairiesPoncho on Instagram to show off your makes! Be sure to check out the book hashtag, #ModernCrochetSweaters, too!
Shop the recommended yarn, Lion Brand Hue And Me here! (Be sure to scroll down to see other great yarn substitutes!)
Shop my book on Amazon (US) here.
Shop my book on Amazon (CA) here.
Shop my book on other platforms outside of North America here.
Read about my experience getting a book deal here!
For any questions about this pattern, please email knitsnknotswpg@gmail.com and I’ll get back to you asap!

Order my book – Modern Crochet Sweaters: 20 Chic Designs for Everyday Wear – here!

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About: Infinite Prairies

Born in the Canadian Prairies, I felt compelled to dedicate one pattern in the book to the place I call home. Elements within this design were chosen to reflect the nature of the Prairies: the equally spaced vertical lines of puff stitches echo the distinct lines that separate farmers’ fields as seen from above. The seamless, circular nature of each round creates a fabric with no beginning and no end, emulating the seemingly infinite nature of the prairies. The horizontal rows of double crochet stitches reflect the subtle lines that run through the sweeping, golden fields that paint the Earth.

The prairies have a beauty that is subtle and understated, much like this design. Infinite Prairies is a structured, yet graceful, fall transitional piece designed for those brisk autumn days that demand a second layer. Serving the needs of both fashion and function, the turtleneck will keep you warm while bringing a polished element to this everyday piece. Slip your Infinite Prairies poncho over any outfit or try wearing a fitted, long-sleeve shirt underneath and pair with leggings and boots for a laid-back, comfortable outfit.

Made with bulky yarn and tall stitches, this quick project can easily be completed within just a few days. The playful columns of puff stitches add a fun detail to this easy project, keeping you interested from start to finish.

Getting Started: the Infinite Prairies Poncho

Yarn: Bulky—Lion Brand Hue and Me in Desert

80% acrylic, 20% wool
137 yds [125 m] per 4.4-oz [125-g] skein
Find this yarn on lionbrand.com or visit yarnsub.com to find comparable substitutes.

Yardage: 11 (12, 14, 15) skeins of Hue And Me or

1450 (1600, 1800, 1950) yds

[1326 (1464, 1646, 1784) m]

Substitute Hue and Me for any similar bulky weight, category #5 yarn that matches gauge. Any fiber content should work out just fine.

Hook: Size U.S. I/9 (5.5 mm) or size needed to obtain gauge

Notions: Tapestry needle, two locking stitch markers

Main Gauge: 4 x 4″ [10 x 10 cm] = 10 sts and 6 rows in double crochet

Turtleneck Gauge: 4 x 4″ [10 x 10 cm] = 13 sts and 11 rows in single crochet in the back loops only (unstretched)

Make sure you check your gauge for the Turtleneck as well. Use whatever hook allows you to achieve the turtleneck gauge, or your desired fit. You might match gauge with the same hook, or you might need to use a different hook to achieve the proper gauge for each section. This additional gauge information is included to help you produce a final product with the best fit possible.

Getting Started: Knowing Your Measurements

This book uses the Craft Yarn Council (CYC) to determine sizing. The CYC is the industry standard when it comes to knit and crochet sizing. While you will be able to produce a beautiful sweater by following the written patterns, I also like to include customization tips throughout each pattern so that you can adjust based on your unique body measurements; for example, shortening or lengthening a sleeve, or adjusting for a larger upper arm than written for your size. This way, you can modify the pattern with confidence, if needed. When making garments for myself, I usually need to shorten tops or sweaters because I have a short torso. My hips also fall under a different size than my bust. Not everyone fits perfectly into these sizing standards; they are simply averages, not set-in-stone numbers.

Understanding how your body deviates from the CYC standard measurements gives you the ability to tailor a sweater to perfectly fit you, rather than feel disappointed that your body doesn’t fit into the sizing standards. I recommend that you measure the largest part of your bust and then refer to the CYC website (click here) to find out which size you would fall under. Then, look at the other measurements that are included for your size, and see which of these measurements deviate from your actual body measurements. Knowledge is power, and once you understand how your body deviates from the CYC standards, you will be able to anticipate this deviation and assume it translates through most patterns. For example, if your upper arm circumference is slightly larger than the CYC sizing chart reads, then you can expect you may have to ignore a few decrease rows when working the sleeves of your next sweater, or even follow the sleeve instructions for the next size up, if possible.

Customization Ideas + Tips When Crocheting This Poncho

Tips

Sizing: This sweater is written in four sizes as follows: XS (S/M/L/, XL/2X/3X, 4X/5X). Make sure to follow the numbers for your size only.
Stitch Counts: Stitch counts are listed after each row/rnd. If no stitch count is given, there has been no change since the previous row/rnd. If only one number is provided, it applies to all sizes.
Reversible: There is no right side or wrong side. You choose which side to wear as the “right side.”
Turning Chain: The turning chain does not count as a stitch.
Construction: This poncho has a circular yoke construction, worked from the top down. First, you will begin with the turtleneck, and then work the puff stitch pattern in joined rounds, increasing every few rounds until reaching the depth at which you will place the arm holes. Next, two separate sections are worked to create space for the arms, and then re-joined to work in rounds until your desired length.

Customization Ideas

For a longer or shorter poncho than written for your size: For shorter (longer) poncho, work fewer (additional) Row 3 reps until reaching your desired length.
To have the armholes higher or lower: In the pattern before the sleeve split, the instructions will say, “Work 7 (5, 4, 2) rnds as Rnd 3 reps.” To have the armholes sit lower, work additional rounds. To have the armholes sit higher, work fewer rounds than instructed.
For shorter (or taller) turtleneck: For a shorter (or taller) turtleneck than sample shown, work fewer (or additional) chains than instructed for the beginning chain. This chain length is the total length before folding it down, so be sure you take that into account when deciding your length. (Check out Sara’s poncho below in the Pattern Tester Photos section to see what a shorter neckline looks like!)

Yarn Substitutions

The yarn used in my sample is a 80% acrylic, 20% wool blend, however you are free to use any fiber content that you like for your own version! Substitute Hue and Me for any similar bulky weight, category #5 yarn that matches gauge. Most fiber contents should work out just fine, although you may want to choose something with some acrylic content to help with durability. Always swatch before beginning so you can be sure your chosen yarn creates a fabric you love! Listed below you will see a variety of yarns that will work just fine in place of Lion Brand Hue and Me, so long as you match gauge!

Since Hue And Me might not be easily accessible in every country, visit www.yarnsub.com and type “Hue And Me” into the search box to find a suitable alternative. You will find hundreds of yarns with similar properties and you are bound to find a brand that is accessible to you. The YarnSub website is an incredible resource that I use regularly.

The following yarns can be used in this pattern and will produce a lovely finished poncho:

Lion Brand Yarns:

Color Made Easy (unfortunately discontinued, but perfect match)
Woolspun (close match)

WeCrochet

Hobbii Yarns:

Pattern Tester Photos

There were 500+ pattern testers for this book because I wanted to ensure all sizes are satisfied with the pattern and fit! Below you can see photos from the testing process to see how the sweater looks on different bodies with different modifications made using a variety of yarns.