Ready to crochet something just for YOU this year? The 2025 Gift to Myself Crochet Along is here to inspire you to treat yourself with handmade creations—and I’m thrilled to share my latest design for this exciting collaboration: the Tunisian Cabriolet Hug, a tunisian poncho of sorts!
What is better than a crochet wearable that is stylish, lightweight, versatile, and easy to wear? It is not often that we spend hour crocheting a finished piece that can be worn in more than one way. This tunisian crochet piece can be worn as a short poncho or a shrug, both of which offer style and a touch of cozy.
But why call it a “Cabriolet Hug”? My crochet community helped choose this French word cabriolet, meaning “convertible” or “adaptable,” since it is a two-in-one crochet pattern. Just like a cabriolet car transforming with the push of a button, these two pieces have strategically placed buttons to be worn as a shrug or poncho.
Plus, if you’re new to tunisian crochet, this is a fun stitch to learn without having to remember how to wrap the yarn in a different direction. You’ll love the texture and openness of this technique! I’ve created a written and video tutorial to guide you step-by-step, so you can feel confident as you crochet your way to a fabulous new garment.
Let’s get into this Tunisian Poncho
The Tunisian Cabriolet Hug is more than just a crochet project—it’s a versatile garment designed to make you feel stylish, cozy, and creative all at once. This unique design brings together the elegance of a shrug and the ease of a poncho, giving you two looks in one pattern. This is worthy of being added to your capsule wardrobe.
What makes it special? The convertible nature of this design means you can style it however you like:
- As a poncho: Pullover you head and shoulders for a loose, flowing silhouette that’s perfect for layering on cooler days.
- As a shrug: Button it up for a more structured, fitted look when you have a chill inside, or the warming days of spring.
Besides it being cute and functional, it’s fun to make! Personally, I love the rhythm of the forward and return pass in tunisian crochet, and I’m sure you’ll enjoy that part too. It uses the Tunisian Clover Stitch (I didn’t name it and it doesn’t remind me of clovers), a combination stitch of yarn over and modified tunisian simple stitch (TSS). Once you know where to insert your hook to make the modified TSS, this project is doable, even for beginners.
The lightweight construction of the Tunisian Cabriolet Hug makes it ideal for transitional seasons like spring and fall, and you can customize the look even further by experimenting with different yarns or button styles. Really have fun but using two colors, one for the forward pass and the second for the return pass for a truly unique look.
Now, the instructions will be found below to make various sizes that will fit up to a 72″ chest circumference, and written instructions for button placement. If you prefer a visual aid, check out the YouTube video where I demonstrate with a doll sized cabriolet. And the paid ad-free PDF includes two schematics that show button placement and where to join the pieces for each style option.
The Tunisian Cabriolet Hug is a perfect project for the 2025 Gift to Myself Crochet Along, combining creativity, self-care, and practicality into one stunning design. Ready to dive in? Keep reading to learn about the inspiration behind the pattern, the materials you’ll need, and how to join the crochet-along fun!
2025 Gift to Myself Crochet Along
Was the holiday season busy and kind of stressful with looming deadlines? Well join the 2nd Annual Gift to Myself Crochet Along by Underground Crafter to focus on YOU. With 23 free patterns and prizes to win, you can slow down and crochet to relax. You can plan accessories and garments for your handmade closet, as well as maybe a few special items for your closest friends and family members’ birthdays.
Just head over to Underground Crafter to learn more about how to participate in the crochet along and your chances to win prizes. Use #gifttomyselfcal when sharing your progress and completed projects on social media. This makes it easier to find other amazing participants and admire their stitching.
Materials
To create the Tunisian Cabriolet Hug, you’ll need a few simple materials and tools.
A DK weight yarn from selected from a local craft store for accessibility. Specifically, Loops & Threads Heathered Tweed, a chainette construction made of polyester, acrylic and wool. Each skein comes in a generous length of 418 yards or 382 meters per 150 g. There is a slight halo of the strands which adds to the softness of the fiber, but can also catch and make frogging harder. By choosing a lightweight yarn like this, you’ll have amazing drape when wearing this as a tunisian poncho or tunisian shrug.
As with any crochet project, it will be easiest to use a crochet hook. In this case, you need a tunisian crochet hook with a cable to hold the loops. Each piece is made width wise so the cable needs to be at least one third of the width. With so many different options for tunisian crochet hooks, select one with your preferred tip, rounded or pointed. Most crocheters tend to prefer a pointed tip at the head of the hook to assist in inserting the hook where you will pull up a loop, if you’re new to tunisian crochet.
Please start with the listed tunisian hook size or larger! Tunisian crochet can tighten the tension of the loops as you work, which contributes to the fabric curling. Luckily, the clover stitch does not curl as much as tunisian simple stitch, but it does lean slightly.
Now on to the fun materials, BUTTONS!
I’m sure I’m not the only crocheter that might have more buttons within my stash than I have ever intended to use on a finished project. Anyways, buttons can be such fun to choose to match the yarn or share a bit of your personality. I was lucky enough to find the perfect teal glitter handmade resin buttons while visiting my friends’ yarn shop to discover buttons by my friend LS Fiberarts. Although I used 20mm and 25mm buttons, I suggest purchasing 20 mm buttons, as these fit within the spaces created by the tunisian clover stitch.
Last but not least, you’ll need a tapestry needle, scissors, tape measure, stitch markers and sewing thread and needle. If you choose shank buttons, then you may be able to use the tapestry needle to attach the buttons after weaving in all of the ends.
*Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links to products that I use, and think you will enjoy using too. Should you decide to use any such link, I will earn a small commission at no cost to you. Thank you for supporting this small business.
ADD TO RAVELRY FAVORITES
MATERIALS
- Loops and Threads Heathered Tweed, #3 DK weight yarn (66% polyester, 30% acrylic, 4% wool; 418 yds/ 382 m; 5.3 oz/ 150 g): Azure x 2 (2, 2, 2) skeins or 500 (561, 652, 795) yards
- US 6.5 mm tunisian crochet with cable or tunisian crochet hook to meet gauge
- Scissors
- Yarn Needle
- Tape measure
- 20 mm buttons x 15
- sewing needle and thread
GAUGE
14 sts x 10 rows in pattern = 4” x 4” [10 cm x 10 cm]
How to make a gauge swatch
Ch 25 or any odd number
Row 1: Starting in 2nd ch, insert hook in back bump, YO and pull up a loop, *YO, sk next ch, insert hook in next ch, YO and pull up a loop, rep from * until 1 ch rem, end st. RetP.
Row 2: *YO, sk next st, insert hook under the YO the row below and top ch, YO and pull up a loop, rep from * to end. RetP
Row 3: *insert hook under the YO the row below and top ch, YO and pull up a loop, YO, sk next st, rep from * until 1 st rem, end st. RetP.
Rep Rows 2-3
Head over to the crochet tutorial for written, picture and video support
FINISHED SIZES
27” x 16” for the X-Small / Small / Medium
31” x 18” for the Large / X-Large / 2X-Large
37” x 20” for the 3X-Large / 4X-Large / 5X-Large
42” x 22” for the 6X-Large / 7X-Large
PATTERN KEY
Ch: chain
FwdP: forward pass
FO: fasten off
M: stitch marker(s)
Mod tss: modified tunisian simple stitch
Rem: remain(s)(ing)
Rep: repeat
RetP: return pass
Sk: skip
Sl st: slip stitch
Sp: space
St(s): stitch(es)
Tss: tunisian simple stitch
YO: yarn over
SPECIAL STITCHES & TECHNIQUES
End St: insert hook under both loops of the last st, YO and pull up a loop.
Mod tss: insert hook under the YO the row below (leaning bar) and top ch, YO and pull up a loop
RetP: Ch 1, *YO, draw through 2 loops, rep from * across until 1 loop rem on hook.
EXPERIENCE LEVEL
Advanced Beginner
NOTES
- Pattern is written in US terms.
- Read entire pattern before beginning.
- The Tunisian Cabriolet Hug is made in 2 parts: Main Section and Finishing.
- The first loop on the hook counts as the first st.
- Always skip the first vertical bar.
Purchase the ad-free PDF from your favorite pattern shop
Don’t forget to join the Confidently Crochet with Creations By Courtney for CALs, crochet tips, and yarnie fun.
INSTRUCTIONS
Main Section
Make 2
Ch 93 (107, 127, 145)
Row 1: Starting in 2nd ch and working in back bump, tss, *YO, sk next ch, tss in next ch, rep from * until 1 ch rem, end st. RetP.
Row 2: *YO, sk next st, mod tss, rep from * until 1 st rem, end st. RetP.
Row 3: *Mod tss, YO, sk next vertical bar, rep from * until 1 st rem, end st. RetP.
Next Rows: Rep Rows 2-3 until piece measures 16 (18, 20, 22)” / 40.6 (45.7, 50.8, 55.9) cm
Bind off: Ch 1, sl st in each mod tss and tss across, FO.
Pin it for Later
FINISHING
- Weave in all ends.
- Block both pieces, if needed, to have flat fabric.
- Lay the two pieces next to each other along the longest sides.
- Starting at the upper corner on the left piece, then moving to the right piece, and then alternating from left to right to left, even place 6 stitch markers.
- Rotating the right piece 90 degrees to make an L-shape, place a stitch marker in the lower corner of the right piece. Place two more stitch markers along the short side leaving a space to be used as an arm opening.
- Rotating the right piece back to the starting position in Step 3, rotate the left piece to make an upside down L-shape. Starting in the corner of the left piece, place 3 stitch markers leaving a space for an arm opening.
- Before attaching the buttons, check that the pieces will overlap slightly once the buttons used.
- Sew on the buttons with the needle and thread.
Wearing your tunisian poncho or shrug
When it’s time to wear your Tunisian Cabriolet Hug, you have two styling options, a poncho and shrug.
To wear it as a poncho, create an L-shape with the pieces, and attach the short side of the right piece to the corresponding length of the long side of the left piece. Once secure, fold the top portion (short end) of the left piece towards the right side to connect with the buttons. Line up the corners that are not being used to fold into a poncho and locate the head opening.
To wear as a shrug, line up the long sides with the buttons and connect. Once secure, fold the piece in half, and then connect the two pieces along the short sides and leave open a space for the arms.
If you need a visual for turning this crochet project from a poncho into a shrug, and vice versa, watch this short tutorial.
I hope you enjoyed making this tunisian poncho crochet pattern
The Tunisian Cabriolet Hug is more than just a crochet project—it’s a chance to treat yourself to a versatile, stylish garment that you can wear your way. Whether you style it as a cozy poncho or an elegant shrug, this pattern combines simplicity, creativity, and a touch of luxury to create something truly special.
By participating in the 2025 Gift to Myself Crochet Along, you’ll be joining a community of crocheters who are all about self-care and making something meaningful for themselves. With access to free patterns, a treasure trove of crochet resources, and giveaway for amazing items to assist in self-care, it’s the perfect way to kick off your crafting year!
To make the most of this project:
- Purchase the Tunisian Cabriolet Hug PDF to get the exclusive button-placement schematic and take your customization to the next level.
- Sign up for my newsletter to grab your free Ultimate Guide to Making a Crochet Garment and stay updated on more patterns and tutorials.
- Share your progress and finished piece on social media using #gifttomyself2025, #undergroundcrafter and #CreationsbyCourtney to connect with other makers and show off your work!
- If we’re not hanging out on social media yet, come check me out on Facebook and Instagram, then find pattern inspiration on Pinterest.
Let’s make 2025 the year of crafting for YOU. Ready to start? Grab your materials, check out my video tutorial, and join the crochet-along fun today!
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This pattern is not to be duplicated or resold, and not to be reproduced commercially. You may sell finished products on Etsy, at farmers markets, and craft fairs, but please credit Creations By Courtney as the pattern’s author.
