Art Deco Fan Collar Crochet Poncho Free Pattern
Introduction
This Art Deco Fan Collar Poncho is a striking black-and-white piece that looks far more complicated than it is. It's designed for advanced beginners who are comfortable with double crochet and simple increases, and it works up quickly in worsted-weight yarn. The body is a solid black square poncho with crisp diagonal increase lines, while a wide white fan-stitch collar rings the neckline for a bold, graphic contrast. The finished poncho is soft and drapey, with a textured lace collar that adds just enough interest without any fussy shaping.
Materials Needed
- Yarn: Worsted weight (4) yarn, acrylic or wool blend. Color A (Black): 600 yards. Color B (White): 200 yards.
- Hook: 6 mm (J/10) crochet hook.
- Notions: Stitch marker, tapestry needle, scissors, tape measure.
- Finished size: Neckline to tip: 30 inches (76 cm); width at widest point (elbow to elbow): 36 inches (91 cm); collar width: 6 inches (15 cm).
Abbreviations
- ch – chain
- sl st – slip stitch
- sc – single crochet
- dc – double crochet
- sp – space
- st(s) – stitch(es)
- sk – skip
- rep – repeat
- RS – right side
Gauge
In double crochet: 10 stitches and 5 rows = 3 inches (7.5 cm). Work a small swatch in dc and measure a 3-inch section; adjust your hook size if needed to match.
Tips Before You Start
- Place a stitch marker in each of the four ch-2 corner spaces so you never lose track of where the increases go.
- Keep your turning chain tension consistent—your ch-3 counts as the first dc of each round, so don't skip it.
- Count your stitches at the end of every few rounds; each round should add exactly 16 dc.
- When you switch to Color B for the collar, work with the right side facing you so the fan texture shows on the outside.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Poncho Body (Color A)
Setup: Ch 3, join with sl st to form ring.
R1: Ch 3 (counts as dc), 2 dc in ring, ch 2, [3 dc in ring, ch 2] 3 times, join with sl st to top of ch-3 (12 dc, 4 ch-2 sps).
R2: Ch 3, dc in same st, dc in next 2 dc, *[2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc] in next ch-2 sp, dc in next 3 dc; rep from * around, join (28 dc, 4 ch-2 sps).
R3: Ch 3, dc in each dc to next ch-2 sp, *[2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc] in ch-2 sp, dc in each dc to next ch-2 sp; rep from * around, join (44 dc, 4 ch-2 sps).
R4–20: Rep R3, increasing 16 dc every round (at end of R20: 300 dc, 4 ch-2 sps). Fasten off A.
Collar (Color B)
Setup: With RS facing, join B with sl st to any ch-2 sp at neckline.
R1: Ch 3, 2 dc in same sp, *sk next 2 dc, 3 dc in next dc, sk next 2 dc, 3 dc in next ch-2 sp; rep from * around, join (approx 60 groups of 3 dc).
R2: Ch 3, 2 dc in same st, *sk next 2 dc, 3 dc in next dc; rep from * around, join.
R3–6: Rep R2. Fasten off B.
Edging (Color B)
Setup: Join B with sl st to any st at bottom edge of poncho.
R1: Ch 1, sc in each st around, join. Fasten off.
Assembly and Finishing
Weave in all ends neatly on the wrong side, using the tapestry needle to secure each color change. Block lightly to measurements: mist with water, pin to a flat surface to the finished dimensions, and let dry completely. This opens up the fan collar and helps the poncho lie flat.
Pro Tips and Variations
- Swap the white collar for a metallic or cream shade for a softer, more vintage look.
- Add one extra round to the collar for a wider, more dramatic fan band.
- Work the bottom edging in Color A instead of B for a subtler, monochrome finish.