This design was inspired by the shiny green leaves of evergreen trees and shrubs like camellias appearing to thrive even in the snow and reminding us that spring with all its greenery and flowers is the next season to arrive. The individual repeats of cables always make me think of leaf shapes, especially when the cables are paired.

The poncho is a warm, easy to wear, alternative to a coat that works well over popular oversized yarncraft garments or big sleeved garments that won’t fit comfortably in coat sleeves. The simple shaping makes it an easy crochet project and anyone looking to try cables for a first time will find the simple repeat and use of front and back cables an ideal project to learn on.

I designed it to have an interesting four eyelet waist fastening to prevent it becoming unwieldy or failing to keep you warm on a windy day. It also gives you several wearing options as the belt can be left off, fastened through either pair of eyelets.

Guidance is provided for adaptations such as creating a yoked cowl from the pattern and creating a personalised fit and style.

This is available to fit sizes XS to 5XL in three size options with tips for placing the eyelets to get a custom fit in addition to instructions for a fit in line with standard clothing sizes.

Materials

• 14 (16, 18) balls Paintbox 100% Wool Worsted Superwash in Dolphin Blue 1236 (a worsted wight; 200m per 100g ball; 100% superwash wool) or similar. Total 2800 (3200,3600)m/3100 (3500, 4000) yds
• 5 (6.5, 8) m/5.5, (7, 9) yds faux suede cord
• 5mm (H-8), 6mm (J-10) hook
• 10 locking stitch markers or small pieces of waste yarn
• Tape measure and tapestry needle
• Safety pin or lockable/split ring stitch marker to secure garment while taking measurements