Fleece Poncho Directions
Fleece is an ideal fabric for making a poncho because it is soft and warm. It also does not fray at the edges when cut, meaning you can make a poncho from it without having to sew a stitch. This method really only involves some measuring, marking and careful cutting, so it is simple enough for children to do with just a little assistance. The fringe around the lower edges of the poncho is optional but a nice decorative touch.
Instructions
-
-
1
Measure the poncho-wearer’s arm span from wrist to wrist.
-
2
Draw a square on the fabric with sides the length of the wearer’s arm span. Draw a second square inside this first one, with each side of the inner square 5 inches from the outer lines. Draw lines perpendicular to the edges within this 5-inch margin; space them about 1 inch apart (these will be the cutting lines for the fringe). When all the lines are marked, there will be a 5-inch square at each corner of the big square.
-
-
3
Cut the fleece square along the outer set of marked lines. Cut the four 5-inch squares marked at each corner away. Fold the piece in half diagonally, press the crease into the fabric with your fingers to leave a faint line, then unfold the square.
-
4
Measure the circumference of the poncho wearer’s head, divide the measurement by 2, then add 5 inches. This is the length of the head opening in the poncho. Mark this length on the center of the crease mark. Cut along the marked line.
-
5
Cut along each of the perpendicular lines you drew around the edge of the square to create fringe.
-
6
Try the poncho on. If the neck is too tight, trim away some of the fabric around the opening.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Instead of a fringe, you can use pinking shears to cut the fabric.
For a different style, instead of cutting a square of fleece, cut a circle with the wearer's arm-span measurement as the diameter.
References
- Photo Credit scissors image by Pefkos from Fotolia.com
