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Crochet Twist Swancho

June 29, 2018 by Ashleigh

Crochet garments don’t get easier or more beginner friendly than this one – The Crochet Twist Swancho!

I set out to make a poncho that could easily transition through all four seasons depending on what’s layered under it. Once I had this poncho all seamed up and tried on, it reminded me of the feel of a sweater but way more loose and flowy – sweater + poncho = SWANCHO!

The Design

I love creating interesting, unique garments with super simple shapes – just like the Ava Poncho I made earlier this year!

The Twist Swancho is made with just two rectangles, one slightly longer than the other to allow for enough width to twist in the front and drape nicely into a sort of V neckline. Who knew making something so classic was so easy?

SUMMER PATTERNS I LOVE (& you should too)

1. Crochet Ava Poncho / 2. Crochet Weekender Tunic / 3. Crochet June Sun Hat

The Fit

This Swancho is quite oversized, in fact you may want to size down an entire size if you want this swancho to be even somewhat fitted to your shape. I designed this pattern to drape over tanks in the summer and bulky sweaters in the winter, perfect for all seasons but many of my testers preferred a more fitted shape. So if you’d like your swancho to fit as pictured, follow the pattern below for your normal size but if you’d like a more fitted sweater, size down!

The Yarn

I used Lion Brand’s new ZZ Twist yarn that was created with crocheters in mind – hallelujah! It really made this design pop for several reasons. Be sure to grab the kit BY CLICKING HERE to get all the yarn you need in a gorgeous color with a printed copy of the pattern too!

This yarn is spun in a Z style twist (thus the name!) as opposed to the traditional S style twist. Basically this yarn is spun in the opposite direction as “normal” yarn. This is because it’s made to work with your crochet hook, not against it. The Z twist is the same direction your hook moves in and out of the stitches in your work! So this yarn works with your crocheting tools similarly to how S twist yarns work with knitting needles. So neat!

And that’s not even my favorite part of this yarn. I cannot get over the drape of ZZ Twist! When we’re making clothes, drape is everything. If a garment doesn’t drape, it might as well be made of burlap. It’s stiff and uncomfortable and let’s face it – a lot of handmade clothes can come out this way. But this yarn solves all of those problems – seriously! I’m trying to keep my mind and hands open to other yarns, but I don’t think I can – I’ve found my yarn soulmate and it’s ZZ Twist!

The colors that this yarn comes in are just as stunning as the drape. They’re rich and saturated without being wildly vibrant. Even the brighter tones like Green Apple and Coral aren’t highlighter bright, they’re rich natural brights. Lion Brand really nailed it with this one and this Peacock color is my favorite of the current lineup!

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Another great resource is the video tutorial! View it below, hope it helps ya!

 

PATTERN

  • Get the ad-free, large print, printable PDF pattern HERE.
  • Grab the Ultimate Pattern Bundle that includes 150+ patterns just like this one on sale for $20 today HERE.
  • PIN this pattern to your Pinterest boards for later HERE.
  • Add this pattern to your Ravelry queue HERE.

To sum it up:

The Twist Swancho is the dreamy, drapey topper that takes us through all four seasons. It’s sort of a poncho, sort of a sweater, and sort of amazing! It works up from two plain rectangular panels that are sewn together with a twist in front to add simple shaping while maintaining it’s beginner level status. With a slouchy, oversized fit, the Twist Swancho is made to throw on over any outfit – from sundresses to thick winter sweaters.

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Materials:

–Lion Brand ZZ Twist yarn (Weight: 4/Medium – 3.5oz, 246 yds)

Color: Peacock – 5 (6, 6, 7, 7, 7, 8) skeins (approx. 460, 520, 550, 610, 650, 710, 750 g)

Grab the kit with everything you need to make this pattern for 20% off HERE!

–Size I 5.5 mm hook

–Tapestry needle

–Measuring tape or ruler

Shop all my favorite tools & materials HERE!

Sizes:

XS, S, M, L, Xl, XXL, XXXL

Abbreviations (US terms):

ch – chain

blo – back loop only

dc – double crochet

sk – skip

st(s) – stitch(es)

t – turn

Skill Level: Level 2 Easy

Notes:

-This sweater/poncho fits very oversized. For reference, model is 5’5” tall with a 38” bust and wearing the Twist Swancho in size Medium.

-If you’d like a fit as pictured on me, follow your usual size. If you’re between sizes, please size down.

-Sizing listed in the pattern will be in X-Small with Small, Medium, Large, Xl, 2X, and 3X listed in parenthesis such as 36 “(41, 46, 51, 56, 61, 66)” whereas Ch 36 for size XS, 41 for size S, 46 for size M, 51 for size L, 56 for size XL, 61 for size 2X and 66 for size 3X. When only one number is given, it applies to all sizes. To follow pattern more easily, circle/highlight all numbers pertaining to your size before beginning.

-Pattern is worked by first making the back panel and front panel then seaming them up to create the swancho shape. Assembly instructions will be the same for all sizes.

-Ch 2 does not count as a stitch.

Gauge:

12 sts x 11 rows in Dc = 4”

Dimensions:

XS – 19 x 26″

S – 20 x 28″

M – 20 x 30″

L – 21 x 32″

XL – 21 x 34″

XXL – 22 x 36″

XXXL – 22 x 38″

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Twist Swancho

Back panel

Row 1: Ch 82 (87, 87, 92, 92, 97, 97), Dc in 3rd Ch from hook, Dc to end, Ch 2, t (80, 85, 85, 90, 90, 95, 95)

Row 2: BLO Dc in each st, Ch 2, turn (80, 85, 85, 90, 90, 95, 95)

Repeat Row 2 until you reach the correct length for your size as follows:

X-Small: Work to Row 63

Small: Work to Row 68

Medium: Work to Row 73

Large: Work to Row 78

XL: Work to Row 83

2XL: Work to Row 88

3XL: Work to Row 93

Finish off yarn.

Stitch Table for Back Panel # of stitches in each Row # of Rows Width (in inches) Length (in inches)
XS 80 63 19 26
S 85 68 20 28
M 85 73 20 30
L 90 78 21 32
XL 90 83 21 34
XXL 95 88 22 36
XXXL 95 93 22 38

Front Panel

Row 1: Ch 82 (87, 87, 92, 92, 97, 97), Dc in 3rd Ch from hook, Dc to end, Ch 2, t (80, 85, 85, 90, 90, 95, 95)

Row 2: BLO Dc in each st, Ch 2, turn (80, 85, 85, 90, 90, 95, 95)

Repeat Row 2 until you reach the correct length for your size as follows:

X-Small: Work to Row 75

Small: Work to Row 80

Medium: Work to Row 85

Large: Work to Row 90

XL: Work to Row 95

2XL: Work to Row 100

3XL: Work to Row 105

Finish off yarn.

Stitch Table for Front Panel # of stitches in each Row # of Rows Width (in inches) Length (in inches)
XS 80 75 19 31
S 85 80 20 33
M 85 85 20 35
L 90 90 21 37
XL 90 95 21 39
XXL 95 100 22 41
XXXL 95 105 22 43

Twist:

Lay back piece down flat, lengthwise (in a landscape orientation.

Lay front piece on top. Twist center of front piece as pictured.

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Line up edges of front piece to back piece.

Use stitch markers to mark where your shoulder seams will end and open for the neckline. Do this by measuring 9.5 (10, 11, 11.5, 12.5, 13, 13.5) inches inward (toward the center) from either side. Be sure to mark both front and back pieces together. Double check that your markings match by counting rows.

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Use stitch marker to mark where your side seams will end and open for the armholes. Do this by measuring 9.5 (10, 11, 11.5, 12.5, 13, 13.5)  inches from the shoulder seam or top edge of the side seam (shorter sides of your panels. Be sure to mark both front and back pieces together. Double check that your markings match by counting stitches.

Seams:

With a spare piece of yarn (cut to about 3x the length of the area where your side seam will be), use a mattress stitch to seam up the sides of your cardigan and the shoulder seams.

Repeat side seam and shoulder seam on the other side. Weave all ends.

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Filed Under: accessories, ponchos

Comments

  1. blankLyn DeFehr says

    June 29, 2018 at 4:51 pm

    Hi Ashleigh, ….When I try to use your Ravelry or Pinterest link in the pattern they both go to your ‘Lil Denim Cardi’ pattern & the large ‘Pin it for later’ doesn’t work either. Hopefully l can find a work around as I really quite like this Twist Swancho pattern…….just thought you’d like to know…..Cheers, Lyn

  2. blankDarlene says

    June 29, 2018 at 6:38 pm

    Perfect comfy top for summer with its relaxed fit, but I am thinking it would be a perfect piece for a nursing mom, too, with its draping!!! A simple design that looks amazing!! Thank you for the pattern and all your creative work that went into it!!!

  3. blankChelsea says

    June 30, 2018 at 7:03 am

    This is a beautiful design and a post full of useful information. I just started making sweaters this past year and I love it. I cannot believe I waited so long to make sweaters. I am adding this to my must make list!

  4. blankTiffany Jones says

    June 30, 2018 at 3:17 pm

    Thank you so much for sharing ❤️

  5. blankRachel says

    June 30, 2018 at 9:39 pm

    Loving this pattern, Ashleigh! The twist is especially unique. If I can find the time this summer, I definitely want to make it! 🙂

  6. blankknitogether says

    July 1, 2018 at 3:26 am

    What is “BLO” (Row 2 of each panel)?

    • blankTori says

      July 5, 2018 at 3:01 am

      Back Loop Only

  7. blankkate says

    July 1, 2018 at 2:49 pm

    In reading your pattern, you use the abbreviation “BLO” DC at the beginning or Row 2 for the Front and Back panels — but I do not see “BLO” in the list of abbreviations. Please explain what you mean by “BLO”.

    Thank you in advance
    Best regards, Kate

    • blankKate says

      July 2, 2018 at 3:38 am

      I got your email with comments listed and see you have changed the “Abbreviations” to match the pattern – I thank you very much. Now I know that ‘blo’ means ‘back loop only’

  8. blankKendra says

    July 8, 2018 at 6:57 pm

    Hi!! I’m super excited to make this pattern!! I am still relatively new to crochet and this will be my second garment. I was wondering if you could clarify which is the “width” and “length.” For example I am starting to make the pattern in XS. I chained 82 and started to DC the first row. After finishing the first row it measured 26 inches which is the “length” measurement. I’m not sure if I should try and use a smaller hook or chain fewer to make it 19 inches across? Or am I confusing the length and width?

    I hope this makes sense! Any help is appreciated!

    • blankAshleigh says

      July 9, 2018 at 5:41 pm

      Hi Kendra! So glad you’re trying the Swancho – your foundation chain measurement should align with the “length” measurement, so that first number listed. Hope this helps!

  9. blankCarmen says

    July 17, 2018 at 11:12 pm

    I am making this for my sister and she doesn’t want the twist in front. Should I crochet the front panel the same size as the back panel and just lay the two pieces flat on top of each other and sew them together leaving gaps for the neck and for the armholes? Thanks

    • blankAshleigh says

      July 19, 2018 at 2:26 pm

      Yes I believe that’s exactly what you should do!

      • blankCarmen says

        July 19, 2018 at 10:04 pm

        Thank you!

  10. blankEowyn says

    July 26, 2018 at 9:08 pm

    Good afternoon! I have swatched and swatched for gauge. I have no problem with the 12 sts = 4 inches but the shortest I can get is 12 sts x 7 rows in the zz twist before my gauge gets too narrow. Do you have any recommendations? I am so taken with this project and do not want to waste yarn and time making a big mistake. Thank you very much.

    • blankAshleigh says

      July 27, 2018 at 2:22 pm

      The ZZ Twist yarn is fairly stretchy and I always measure gauge with a blocked swatch! So you may be right on target if you block your swatch 🙂

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Welcome, I'm Ashleigh!

I design crochet and knitting patterns when I'm not indulging in chocolate chip cookies & Gilmore Girls.

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