How to Make a Poncho From a Serape

Serapes are a form of colorful yarn wrap.

Outerwear is designed to exclude cold and wet weather. Most types of outerwear, such as coats, sweaters and jackets, have sleeves. A few types of outerwear exist that don't have sleeves. These includes serapes, ponchos, shawls, capes, cloaks and other wraps. Two culturally similar garments are serapes and ponchos. The main difference between serapes and ponchos is that a poncho slips over your head while a serape wraps around your shoulders. It is easier to convert a serape to a poncho than to convert a poncho to a serape.

Things You'll Need

• Pins
• Mirror
• Sewing machine
• Thread

Instructions

1. Don the serape and adjust it to a comfortable position. Check the appearance in the mirror to ensure you like how the serape drapes.

2. Pin the serape every 3 inches where it overlaps, following the upper edge of the serape's outer arm. An assistant may help with this step. Plan to use at least a dozen pins. Remove the serape by carefully pulling it over your head.

3. Sew the serape together by top stitching along the pin line. If you have a thin serape, machine sew the pieces together, pausing to remove the pins just before they reach the pressure foot of the machine. If your serape is made of heavy yarn, instead of machine sewing the pin line, use a strand of matching yarn and an embroidery needle to sew the two arms of the serape together. You will still top stitch the top arm to the bottom arm along the edge of the piece.

Tips & Warnings

• Use caution when operating the sewing machine.

• Never sew across pins. Lift your foot from the pedal to pause the machine and remove the pins before continuing.

• Keep your fingers away from the presser foot when sewing.

Resources

• University of Califoria Davis; Sewing Machine Safety; Dec 2006