Designing the Starlight Poncho

A cozy, wearable twist on my favorite textured stitches.

Find the free Starlight Poncho Pattern Here!

The Creative Spark After the Starlight Throw

There is something about finishing a big project that leaves my hands buzzing for the next one. That is exactly what happened when I put the final stitches into the Starlight Throw. I loved making that blanket so much, from the star stitches to the puff stitches to the calming rhythm of it all, that I immediately wanted to dive into something new. And with a road trip to Joshua Tree coming up, I needed a project I could bring along.

A Road Trip, a Bag of Yarn, and Endless Swatches

On the drive from LA into the desert, I sat in the passenger seat with a handful of skeins and my hook, experimenting with stitch combinations. I tried several, but nothing felt as satisfying as the stitches I had just finished using. The star stitch and puff stitch together create a warm, modern texture that is both soothing to crochet and so cozy to snuggle. My hands kept drifting back to them.

Inspiration Strikes in a BBQ Joint

The real lightbulb moment happened during lunch in a little Western-style BBQ restaurant. The wood-paneled walls and smoky air gave the whole space a slow, grounded feeling that matched the energy of a cozy project. A woman walked in wearing the most stylish poncho, and right then I knew what I wanted to make next. I turned to my husband, Manny, and said, “Okay. I think I know what I am making.” The Starlight Throw, so warm and cozy, why not turn that same texture into something wearable? Something that feels like your favorite blanket but looks chic enough to wear out?

Building the Starlight Poncho

As soon as we hopped in the car to continue the trip, I started working. I kept the construction simple and approachable, using two panels and minimal counting. The stitch combination does most of the work, creating beautiful depth and a comforting drape without any fuss. If you loved the soothing repetition of the Starlight Throw, this poncho gives you that same relaxing experience, but with the reward of a piece you can wear on walks, morning coffee runs, or cool fall days.

Designing in the Desert

Our time in Joshua Tree made the design process feel especially meaningful. The desert has this grounding energy that slows everything down. One night, during the new moon, we drove out to stargaze. Without any moonlight, the sky was incredibly dark, and the stars looked impossibly bright. Standing under that sky while working a pattern so centered around star stitches felt like a full-circle moment. It made the poncho feel almost destined to be imagined out there in that quiet stretch of desert.

A Cozy, Wearable Project to Settle Into

That peaceful, grounded energy is what I hope this pattern brings into your home and your hands. Warm stitches. Simple repeats. A sense of calm. And maybe even a moment that feels full circle in your own way.

If you are looking for an easy, textured, cozy crochet project you will actually wear, the Starlight Poncho just might be your new favorite make.