How to crochet a granny square crochet poncho and learn the logistics and costings of making a crochet garment. Introducing the Not the High Street Crochet Poncho as crochet clothing and accessories continue to spread across the high street year after year. After the success of the Not the High Street Tote Bag, the team and I felt it was time to reiterate our message about the impacts of these mass-produced, mostly cheap but not cheerful designs. Help spread the message using the hashtag: #saynotocrochetonthehighstreet.
Crochet Clothing & Accessories on The High Street
Not the High Street Crochet Tote Bag
Now before we get started let’s rewind incase you missed how this all started, in 2021 I replicated a high-street crochet tote bag, breaking down the time taken and cost from the materials through to the production, you might remember the Not The High Street Tote Bag, if not CLICK HERE to read all about the concept.
Inspiration: Crochet Poncho
I’ve said it before and I’ll keep on repeating myself, theres no such thing as a crochet machine! Unlike knitting, crochet cannot be replicated on a machine therefore all crochet garments and accessories have to be made by hand, so all those lovely tops, dresses, bags and shoes have been made by HAND! Those items that cost you as little as £5, I’ll let that sink in for a second. The charity Labour Behind the Label ‘works tirelessly to improve the garment industry and the lives of those who make our clothes.’
Addressing The Issue
Crochet is time-consuming and can result in medical injuries for some so the thought of mass-producing crochet clothing and accessories for Highstreet brands blows my mind! Did you catch Yarn Over Podcast Episode 5, when Laura of @heyitslaurajane chats about her crochet injuries and how this has impacted her career as a crochet designer?
You may have seen this gorgeous granny square cardigan worn by model Gigi Hadid circulating your feeds, it definitely stopped us in our scroll and filled us with inspiration for a Not the High Street part 2!
Rather than replicating this design like what I did with the High Street tote bag I wanted to design a beginner friendly, size inclusive garment for you to make yourself so you can appreciate the time and effort (if you don’t already) that goes into a handmade garment and reinforce the message around the negative impact that crochet garments on the high street have on the workers who mass produce these by hand! This is when the idea for a poncho was born.
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Behind The Scenes
In 2022, the team and I made a start on designing a bespoke poncho taking inspiration from the infamous crochet cardigan worn by Gigi Hadid. Experimenting with autumnal shades we created a bespoke chequered design to create this intricate pattern of granny squares.
We want you guys to learn how to make your very own crochet poncho and for you to appreciate the value of crochet garments (now more than ever) and the time and effort that goes into producing something that is currently being sold on the high street in mass at such a low cost!
Not The High Street Crochet Poncho
Materials & Tools
- Yarn: Paintbox Simply DK (100% Acrylic), Double Knit (#3), 276m (302yds), 100g (3.5oz). In Colour A: Granite Grey, Colour B: Soft Fudge, Colour C: Light Caramel, Colour D: Vanilla Cream, Colour E: Champagne White
- Additional 50g of colour A needed if making the roll-neck version.
- Hook Size: 4mm (US G-6)
- Large Darning Needle
- Embroidery Scissors
- 2 Stitch Markers
Terms & Abbreviations
Stitch(s): st(s)
Back Loop Only: BLO: Working the indicated stitch into the back loop only of a stitch.
Slip Stitch(s): ss(s): Insert hook, yarn over, pull through stitch and loop on hook.
Chain(s): ch(s): Yarn over, pull through loop on the hook.
Double Crochet(s): dc(s): Insert hook into stitch, yarn over, pull up a loop, you will have two loops on the hook. Yarn over, pull through remaining two loops.
Treble Crochet(s): tr(s): Yarn over, insert into stitch, yarn over, pull up a loop, you will have three loops on the hook. Yarn over, pull through two loops, yarn over, pull through remaining two loops.
Unsure of the differences between UK and US terms? Need a refresher on how to do your crochet stitches? In my ‘How to crochet: A handy reference guide’ EBook I help you with all of these terms and you can always have them to hand! You will also get exclusive access to free video instructions. You can find my EBook HERE.
Pattern Support
The fastest way to get pattern support is to ask in our dedicated facebook group for Bella Coco Crochet patterns. This is the best place for you to connect with other crocheters.
Please note, if you wish to change and adapt this pattern in any way, this must be done at your own exploration and we cannot offer assistance with this.
Community Makes
In September 2023 the Not The High Street Poncho was initially launched as a CAL, here are some of the fabulous ponchos made from our fabulous Crochet Community.
I always love to see your makes so if you try any of my patterns or follow my stitch tutorials please tag me @bellacococrochet or use the #bellacococrochet
sarah-jayne
More about Crochet on the High Street
Ostara Vest by Abby
‘mass produced crochet that is cheap but not cheerful…’
Abby of @calm.homemade took to the blog to share her views on mass produced crochet whilst encouraging people to make their own crochet garments. The Ostara vest is an exclusive design for the blog. Click below for the blog post.
Yarn Over Podcast Episode 7
A podcast discussing our concerns around the labor behind these handmade pieces sold so incredibly cheap! We touch base on the difference between crochet and knitting and the fact there is no such thing as a crochet machine!
NTHSTOTE
I think that is what the site (Instagram) said to do for the tote pattern
Hi Bianca if you wish to purchase the NTHS Poncho you can use this link – https://thecrochetcommunity.com/not-the-highstreet-poncho-sign-up/ 🙂
I really love the poncho, which I have just been reading about in ‘Crochet Now’. Unfortunately, it’s now the 30th, so I’m too late to join the CAL. Is it possible to buy the pattern please?
Hi Angela, I’m sorry you missed out on joining in the CAL, the pattern will be available later in the year so keep checking 🙂
Hi. How can I access this pattern for free?
Hi Fara This is a paid for pattern only 🙂
Is the poncho cal pattern available to purchase yet?
Hi Catherine, yes it is here is the link – https://bellacococrochet.com/products/not-the-high-street-poncho-1 🙂