How to Make a Poncho
Grab a blanket or square-shaped piece of fabric of suitable size., Fold the fabric in half., Cut a hole for your head., Optionally, hem the seams around the head hole to prevent fraying and curling., Optionally, add flair!
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Grab a blanket or square-shaped piece of fabric of suitable size.
Ponchos can be nearly any size
- they can range from waist-length or higher to floor-length.
However, most ponchos should hang down to about wrist-level when your hands are at your sides (and slightly lower on the front and back of your body).
To determine if a given piece of fabric is the right size for use as a poncho, drape the blanket or fabric over your head
- it will hang about a head-length above where it will as a finished poncho.
Most adults will need a piece of fabric about the dimensions of a normal couch throw, while children will obviously need smaller pieces of fabric.
Err on the side of using too much fabric, rather than too little.
It's easier to trim a poncho to make it shorter than to sew extra fabric on to make it longer. -
Step 2: Fold the fabric in half.
Next, fold your fabric in half so that the edges meet.
Lay your folded fabric flat on a table or a clean, open spot on the floor.
If you'd like an asymmetrical poncho
- one that hangs extra-long in the front or back
- don't fold your fabric so that its edges meet, but, rather, so that the bottom half is longer than the top half. , Carefully use a pair of scissors or a fabric knife to cut a slit along the folded edge of the fabric.
The slit should be centered along the folded edge
- you will probably want to use a tape measure to find the exact center of the fabric's length before cutting to ensure the poncho sits evenly on your shoulders.
The hole you make may be the size of your choosing
- it just has to be big enough for your head to fit through.
Generally, about 12 inches (6 inches on either side of the folded edge's center) is large enough.
Head holes on ponchos don't have to be boring slits.
To make a differently-shaped head hole, cut a shape into your folded fabric centered at the midpoint of the folded edge.
For example, to make a circular head hole, cut a half-circle centered at the middle of the folded edge, to make a diamond, cut a triangle centered at the middle of the folded edge, etc.
This is the only part of the process in which it's possible to make a serious mistake
- defects in your head hole may be visible on the finished poncho.
Still, don't worry
- as long your hole is big enough to fit your head through and small enough not to let your shoulders through, your poncho will stay on! , At this point, your poncho is essentially "done"
- it can be worn and will work as intended.
However, if you have the time (and care to do so), you may want to spend a little extra effort making your poncho more durable.
The "rough"
unprotected edge created by cutting your head hole is vulnerable to wear and tear
- over time, you may notice it begin to fray.
To prevent this, sew a hem around the edge of the head hole to strengthen the material and extend your new garment's life. , When it comes to making your poncho more functional or eye-catching, you have a variety of options! Just a few are listed below:.
Add pockets.
Sew small, flat pieces of fabric to the front or sides of your poncho, leaving the top edge open so that you can stick your hands in.
These pieces of fabric can be any shape you like
- try squares, half-circles, and hearts! Add a pattern to the edges.
Try cutting a repeating pattern along the edge of the poncho for a killer "wild west" look! You have many choices here
- for instance, a simple zig-zag may suit your purposes, or you may want to create a fringe by cutting thin strips into the edges. -
Step 3: Cut a hole for your head.
-
Step 4: Optionally
-
Step 5: hem the seams around the head hole to prevent fraying and curling.
-
Step 6: Optionally
-
Step 7: add flair!
Detailed Guide
Ponchos can be nearly any size
- they can range from waist-length or higher to floor-length.
However, most ponchos should hang down to about wrist-level when your hands are at your sides (and slightly lower on the front and back of your body).
To determine if a given piece of fabric is the right size for use as a poncho, drape the blanket or fabric over your head
- it will hang about a head-length above where it will as a finished poncho.
Most adults will need a piece of fabric about the dimensions of a normal couch throw, while children will obviously need smaller pieces of fabric.
Err on the side of using too much fabric, rather than too little.
It's easier to trim a poncho to make it shorter than to sew extra fabric on to make it longer.
Next, fold your fabric in half so that the edges meet.
Lay your folded fabric flat on a table or a clean, open spot on the floor.
If you'd like an asymmetrical poncho
- one that hangs extra-long in the front or back
- don't fold your fabric so that its edges meet, but, rather, so that the bottom half is longer than the top half. , Carefully use a pair of scissors or a fabric knife to cut a slit along the folded edge of the fabric.
The slit should be centered along the folded edge
- you will probably want to use a tape measure to find the exact center of the fabric's length before cutting to ensure the poncho sits evenly on your shoulders.
The hole you make may be the size of your choosing
- it just has to be big enough for your head to fit through.
Generally, about 12 inches (6 inches on either side of the folded edge's center) is large enough.
Head holes on ponchos don't have to be boring slits.
To make a differently-shaped head hole, cut a shape into your folded fabric centered at the midpoint of the folded edge.
For example, to make a circular head hole, cut a half-circle centered at the middle of the folded edge, to make a diamond, cut a triangle centered at the middle of the folded edge, etc.
This is the only part of the process in which it's possible to make a serious mistake
- defects in your head hole may be visible on the finished poncho.
Still, don't worry
- as long your hole is big enough to fit your head through and small enough not to let your shoulders through, your poncho will stay on! , At this point, your poncho is essentially "done"
- it can be worn and will work as intended.
However, if you have the time (and care to do so), you may want to spend a little extra effort making your poncho more durable.
The "rough"
unprotected edge created by cutting your head hole is vulnerable to wear and tear
- over time, you may notice it begin to fray.
To prevent this, sew a hem around the edge of the head hole to strengthen the material and extend your new garment's life. , When it comes to making your poncho more functional or eye-catching, you have a variety of options! Just a few are listed below:.
Add pockets.
Sew small, flat pieces of fabric to the front or sides of your poncho, leaving the top edge open so that you can stick your hands in.
These pieces of fabric can be any shape you like
- try squares, half-circles, and hearts! Add a pattern to the edges.
Try cutting a repeating pattern along the edge of the poncho for a killer "wild west" look! You have many choices here
- for instance, a simple zig-zag may suit your purposes, or you may want to create a fringe by cutting thin strips into the edges.
About the Author
Jacob Reynolds
Writer and educator with a focus on practical hobbies knowledge.
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