Lightning is a common occurrence on the high mountain peaks and flat mesas of the Four Corners area. Traditional Navajo teachings say that lightning is the contact between Mother Earth and Father Sky that sparks the reproduction of all plant life. A feather’s lightness is a soft, graceful counterpart to the striking power of a lightning bolt. Lightning and feathers are both magnificent displays of nature’s beauty, and both inspired the motif of this versatile tapestry crochet top.

The poncho is constructed from two double crochet rectangles joined at the top to create shoulder seams. A zigzag lacing cord at each side represents the shape of a lightning bolt and joins the front to the back in a unique way. The lacing cord ends are adorned with macramé tassels to represent the softness of feathers and create bohemian southwestern style.

Video tutorials for each of the 4 parts of the pattern are on the Pretty Peaceful Crochet channel on YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLVWLqaEek-MfeehSeezFhu...

YARN
Worsted (aran) weight in five colors:
Main Color (MC):
930yd (850m) for XS–M
1,240yd (1,134m) for L–XL
1,525yd (1,395m) for 2X–3X
1,765yd (1,614m) for 4X–5X

Contrast Color 1 (CC1): 93yd (85m)
Contrast Color 2 (CC2): 93yd (85m)
Contrast Color 3 (CC3): 93yd (85m)
Contrast Color 4 (CC4): 93yd (85m)

Shown in Lion Brand Pima: Cotton yarn (100% cotton);
186yd (170m)/100g: 178Y Dragonfly (MC, 5 balls 7 balls: 9 balls: 10 balls), 099R Vintage (CC4, 1 ball), 159S Mineral Yellow (CC3, 1 ball), 140R Taupe Rose (CC2, 1 ball), and 135 Spice (CC1, 1 ball).

HOOK
5.5mm (I/9) crochet hook for the poncho, 4mm (G/6) hook for lacing cord

GAUGE
13 sts and 7.5 rows = 4in(10cm) in dc

SIZE
XS–M: 28in wide x 22in long (71cm wide x 56cm long) to fit a 28–38in (71–96.5cm) chest

L–XL: 33in wide x 24in long (84cm wide x 61cm long) to fit a 40–46in (101.5–117cm) chest

2X–3X: 37in wide x 26in long (94cm wide x 66cm long) to fit a 48–54in (122–137cm) chest

4X–5X: 41in wide x 27in long (104cm wide x 69cm long) to fit a 56–62in (142–158cm) chest

If you are between sizes, choose a size up for a looser poncho fit or a size down for a sweater-like fit.

Please feel free to sell finished items made from this pattern if you give design credit as “Lightning Feather Poncho crochet pattern by Pretty Peaceful”. Do not share the pattern PDF or photos as your own.

Share your work with #lightningfeatherponcho and #crochetsouthwestspirit! Thank you for your support.