Sanctuary Poncho by Janine Myska

Sanctuary Poncho

Crochet
September 2026
DK (11 wpi) ?
5.5 stitches and 5.5 rows = 4 inches
in granny stitch
3.75 mm (F)
4.5 mm
2610 yards (2387 m)
One Size (Instructions to Adjust to Any Length)
US
English
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This pattern is also available as a Lion Brand crochet kit. The kit comes with a free copy of the PDF pattern as well as all the yarn required in your chosen colourways!


Shop my first book, Modern Crochet Sweaters, here or wherever you buy your books!

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ABOUT

Wrap yourself in a wearable blanket balancing modern rustic style with classic stitches. This seamless design features a squishy, knit-look turtleneck that expands into a meditative granny stitch. Finished with a heavy, luxurious fringe to add movement and texture, it is the ultimate layering piece for crisp days.

For more information and additional photos, visit knitsnknots.ca/sanctuary-poncho.

MATERIALS

Yarn Used: DK—Lion Brand Cottino in 5 colorways: The sample shown uses “Goose Down” as the MC, and “Azul”, “Ranger”, “Teddy” and “Dove” as the four CC (in this order; CC1-4).

  • 55% Cotton, 45% Merino Wool
  • 296 yds (271 m) per 3.5 oz (100 g) skein
  • Find this yarn on lionbrand.com or visit yarnsub.com to find comparable substitutes available in your region.

MC Yardage: 6 skeins (1650 yds / 1509 m)
CC Yardage (4 colorways): 1 skein (240 yds / 219 m) each

Yarn Substitution: Substitute Cottino with any similar category 3, DK weight yarn that matches gauge. Always swatch before beginning to ensure you are happy with the resulting fabric. Most fibers should work fine in this project.

Hooks:
Main Gauge Hook: Size U.S. F (3.75 mm)
Fringe Set-Up Hook: U.S. G/6 (4 mm) this hook is only required if adding fringe

Notions: Tapestry needle, sharp scissors, object measuring approximately the length of your desired fringe (you will wrap your strands around this object); I used the short edge of my phone

GAUGE

Use Main Gauge hook.

Turtleneck Gauge
4 x 4” (10 x 10 cm) = approximately 28 yoslsts and 18 rows, blocked

Granny Stitch Gauge
4 x 4” (10 x 10 cm) = approximately 5.5 clusters and 10.5 rows in main stitch pattern, blocked.

The same hook was used throughout the entire poncho in the sample shown. You may need to use different hooks for each section based on your unique tension, so the gauge for both stitch patterns is provided.

TERMS + ABBREVIATIONS USED (U.S. TERMS)

CC1, CC2, CC3, CC4: Contrasting Color 1, 2, 3, 4
ch(s): chain(s)
ch-sp: chain space
cluster: a group of 3 double crochets worked into a single stitch or space
MC: Main Color
rep: repeat
rnd(s): round(s)
RS: right side
sc: single crochet
sc2tog: single crochet 2 stitches together
sk: skip
sl st: slip stitch
sp: space
st(s): stitch(es)
WS: wrong side
yoslst: yarn over slip stitch – yarn over, insert hook into designated stitch, yarn over and pull up a loop (3 loops on hook), immediately pull the first loop completely through the remaining 2 loops on your hook in one continuous motion.
yoslstBLO: yarn over slip stitch through the back loop only

Special Stitch:
Standing Double Crochet: Place a slip knot of the new color onto your hook and hold this knot in place to prevent it from spinning. Yarn over once, insert hook into designated space, yarn over, pull up a loop (3 loops on hook), yarn over and pull through first 2 loops on hook (2 loops remaining on hook), then yarn over and pull through remaining 2 loops on hook to complete the double crochet.

  • A standing stitch is used to create the first stitch of a new row/round without joining new yarn with a slip stitch and working a beginning chain. This creates a full-height stitch that blends seamlessly with the other stitches in the row/round. In comparison, a beginning chain (for example a ch-3 in place of the first dc) can be more visible and look slightly different from the surrounding stitches.

  • When crocheting subsequent rounds with your MC, you will use a ch-3 beginning chain because your yarn is already attached. When beginning a new round with a new color, you will use a standing double crochet.

PATTERN NOTES

Skill Level: Intermediate

Sizing: This poncho is written in one size. The pattern is easily customizable – simply work more or fewer rounds to achieve your desired length.

Stitch Counts: Stitch counts are listed after each row/round in italics. If no stitch count is given, there has been no change since the previous row/round.

Turning Chain: Any ch-1 turning chain does not count as a stitch. Any ch-3 turning chain does count as a stitch. (The pattern will remind you!)

Joined, Turned Rounds: Each round of the granny stitch body is worked in joined, turned rounds. This means that you will join your round as instructed, then you will turn your work to begin each new round in the opposite direction.

Right Side/Wrong Side: There is technically no right side (RS) or wrong side (WS) to this fabric, but there is a RS to the fringe. You will be instructed to designate a RS as you begin the fringe.

Construction: The turtleneck is worked first, then seamed into a tube. The first granny stitch round is worked into the edges of this tube to set yourself up to continue working in the round. Each round increases by 4 clusters until reaching your desired length, while changing colors as instructed. Fringe is added last.
Beginning a New Round: Each round (when using a new color) begins with a standing double crochet. I like to begin each rnd in a different corner to help make the round joins even more inconspicuous. When working continuous single-color rounds using your MC, you will not need to use a standing stitch, and you will begin with a regular chain-3.


Shop my first book, Modern Crochet Sweaters, here or wherever you buy your books!

Shop my second book, Summer Crochet, here or wherever you buy your books!