Poncho for Boys

Hey everyone...
now that my little bundle of joy is almost half a year old and will be sitting up soon (in about 2 months...), I’m planning to knit him a poncho for the stroller (it’ll take me a while, after all 😉).
I’m a big believer in the idea that “babies should just look cute and be dressed comfortably for as loooong as possible,” which means we’ll be sticking with onesies instead of jeans and sweaters for a long time…
And I think ponchos are absolutely adorable and comfortable.
Now, a discussion came up here with a friend that ponchos are only for girls—and maybe Mexicans and Peruvians at most...
What’s your take on this?

Btw: I’m definitely going to knit a poncho for the little one—that’s for sure. Because I think it’s cute.
But I’d be very interested to hear your opinions and the reasons behind them.

Hugs

I always say, “Clothes don’t care what gender wears them.”

In my opinion, a boy can wear a poncho too, because it’s not written anywhere that it’s only a garment for girls. If you like it, then that’s that—go ahead and crochet one for him and put him in it

Best regards, Inge

I think a poncho works great for such a little guy.

I find that many patterns (on my hats, for example) just don’t work for boys at all. And so a poncho can also look masculine, neutral, or feminine depending on its color and pattern. 

It’s 2021. I’m all for everyone wearing whatever they like, whatever’s comfortable, and whatever fits.

Google says that ponchos definitely haven’t been worn only by women throughout history. Similar garments are also used by the military, for hunting, as rain gear, etc.

A Google image search turns up lots of results for men’s everyday ponchos—completely unrelated to hunting or the military—and there are some great styles among them.

Will you upload a picture of the finished poncho?



Yes, Josefa, I’ll do that then.
This mini version as a trial is now being worn by one of the girls’ dolls; I’m not sure yet whether I’ll make the poncho “flatter” at the back after all.
I’ll try it out.

It’ll all work out. :-)

I think so too 😊

Otherwise, I’ll just crochet one—I’m better at that 😂

What do you mean by “flatter” in the back?
A wider triangle that tapers less?

Less pointed

Doesn’t that let cold air in through the arms?

No, Josefa, nothing gets in there. I sewed myself a poncho a few years ago; they’re very warm and comfortable.

LG Inge

I also have a poncho that keeps me really warm.
For the little one, I might do it like I did with my crochet version—where I separate out “little sleeves” and knit long cuffs onto them.
I’m still figuring it out 😉

Is there even such a thing as truly gender-specific clothing anymore, now that men’s skirts are popping up every now and then even outside of Scotland?

.....but those are adults wearing them, after all.... I think “parents” are different in that regard—I don’t mean that in a bad way, please don’t get me wrong. I’m just thinking of the parents at my nephew’s preschool right now; maybe it also has something to do with pride, like “my princess and her big brother” or something like that. 
But you’re not crocheting or knitting him a little dress—just something warm to throw on. Warm, comfortable, and practical! I’d put that on my little one! 

Hi Nina,
In general, I think it’s a great idea, because ponchos keep warm and are quick to put on and take off.

I’ve already made two different styles for my grandson. But the ponchos only worked well as long as the child was standing or sitting. Walking was fine, too. But when he was crawling, the front part always hung down, which was a bit of a nuisance. You’d have to add two snaps under the arms—that would make it work better. Here’s a photo of my poncho being worn. Of course, boys can wear one too!

It’s longer in the front and back, and it basically has arm openings at the sides.





Best regards, Ina

Dear Ina,
he’s so cute (both the poncho and the little guy 😉)!!

@all: My poncho (attempt?!) is almost done. Just one more round around the edge and then sewing it together.
I’ll do both today while the little one is asleep.
And thanks for your comments 😊

Dear friends,
I haven’t forgotten that I want to show you a photo… I’m still in the development phase… I’ve set my mind on making sure there’s definitely a pattern in it *laughs*…
That means a lot of “trial and error” right now, but I’m confident I’ll be able to report success in the next few days 😊

It’ll be fine.
What pattern would you like?

Nina, I agree with the previous commenters that a poncho is for both boys and girls. I’m looking forward to seeing your finished project.

Ina, your grandson looks so cute in that poncho! It’s a great example of how it can look when worn. Yeah, I can imagine it being a bit tricky for crawling. But, for example, in a stroller or while sitting—and later when standing and walking—it’s very practical and warm.

That turned out beautifully 😍!!!!!
You’ve knitted something really special there.
Awesome! 😍😍😍😍

I really like this one, too.
The pattern looks great, and so does the color.

👍👍👍

That turned out great. I really like it. It’s a bit like a collar. The color is also perfect for a boy. 

Would you maybe like to turn this into a pattern for kids and adults? Cable patterns are always very popular in the shop, and so are ponchos.

Thanks, everyone!

@Josefa…that’s the plan…my “writer’s brain” wouldn’t go along with anything else 😂

Nice :-) Good luck with your pattern.

Thanks 😊
But it’ll still take a little while… with Quentin around, my time is pretty limited after all ;)

You’ll manage just fine. I always admire how you juggle work, the kids, and taking care of your parents. (At least from what I’ve gathered from your forum posts.)