If the little boxes formed by this crosshatch stitch were true squares, this poncho would be symmetrical front to back, side to side. But they are slightly rectangular, so the back will be slightly longer. Which is good; the back neckline can be allowed to ride up a bit higher than the front, as a sweater would, and the bottom points should reach down to the same length. The bit of side to side discrepancy can be blocked out easily enough.

But the fun is that it is constructed all in one piece, with a single as-you-crochet join at the end. It is all crosshatch stitch, also called corner to corner stitch, just angling this way and that to make the shape needed for the poncho.

The larger size is meant as outerwear - if you are lucky enough to live somewhere with moderate weather, not some place like Chicago that goes quickly from really hot to really cold. The smaller version (see how that looks here: http://www.ravelry.com/projects/wendella/hanas-poncho-4) is meant to be able to function like a cowl-slash-sweater. That is, wrap it around your neck and tuck into your winter coat, then straighten it out to wear instead of a sweater when you get to work or wherever you may be going.

The long version pictured here features the last connecting row in a contrasting yarn.

To make this poncho following my directions you must be able to chain stitch, single crochet, double crochet, and slip stitch. In addition to written instructions, I have made several video tutorials for the crosshatch stitch, shaping techniques, and also for the final join.