Easy DIY Poncho You Can Sew in Minutes

ByCat
12 Comments

My husband and I generally like most of the same things and dislike most of the same things (like fanny packs).  There is one fashion trend that divides us: the poncho.  I like them, my husband not so much.  If you're on Team Poncho like me then you are going to want to try this easy DIY poncho.

poncho tutorial 4 pin

For the Easy DIY Poncho you will need:

  • 1 piece of knit fabric that's 30 X 60 inches
  • ballpoint needle (you need this to sew with knits)

You don't have to use a knit fabric to make a poncho but I chose to use a knit so that I would not have to finish all the edges.  If you prefer you can use a woven fabric but you will have to do additional work to finish the edges so that the fabric will not fray.

Here's what you need to do:

Step 1: Wash, dry, and iron your fabric.  Square off the edges and cut the fabric to 30 X 60 inches.  I find this easiest to do using my rotary cutter, self healing mat, and quilt ruler.  If you don't have those tools then you can do this by making marks on your fabric using a yardstick and then cutting with scissors.

poncho tutorial

Step 2: Fold the fabric so that you have a 30 X 30 inch square.

Step 3: Pin and sew along one of the edges that run perpendicular to the fold.  Stop sewing about 10 inches from the fold.

Back stitch at both the beginning and end of the line of stitching so that it will not unravel.

poncho tutorial 2poncho tutorial 3

Step 4: Turn the poncho right side out so that the stitching is on the inside.  Stick your head through the opening between the fold and the stitching.   And you're done!

poncho tutorial 4 diy poncho

I like the knit fabric because that it's a light layer I can throw on in the Spring but if you want you could make this out of a heavier fabric like wool.


Easy DIY Poncho

Easy DIY Poncho

Make this easy DIY poncho in just a few steps.

Prep Time 10 minutes
Active Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes

Materials

  • 1 piece of knit fabric that’s 30 X 60 inches
  • coordinating thread

Tools

  • sewing machine
  • ballpoint needle (you need this to sew with knits)

Instructions

  1. Wash, dry, and iron your fabric. Square off the edges and cut the fabric to 30 X 60 inches. I find this easiest to do using my rotary cutter, self healing mat, and quilt ruler. If you don’t have those tools then you can do this by making marks on your fabric using a yardstick and then cutting with scissors.
  2. Fold the fabric so that you have a 30 X 30 inch square.
  3. Pin and sew along one of the edges that run perpendicular to the fold. Stop sewing about 10 inches from the fold. Back stitch at both the beginning and end of the line of stitching so that it will not unravel.
  4. Turn the poncho right side out so that the stitching is on the inside. Stick your head through the opening between the fold and the stitching.  And you’re done!

Notes

You don’t have to use a knit fabric to make a poncho but I chose to use a knit so that I would not have to finish all the edges. If you prefer you can use a woven fabric but you will have to do additional work to finish the edges so that the fabric will not fray.

© Cat
Project Type: sewing / Category: Crafty Cat

So... are you on team poncho with me?  Or are you on the other side with my husband?  Be honest!  I know they're not for everyone.  Let me know your poncho thoughts in the comments 🙂

Want more sewing tutorials?  Check out my sewing page full of free sewing tutorials.

More Crafty Cat

12 Comments

  3. I have been looking for something like this, thank you! I love the poncho. It is great when traveling. I will be making one soon.

  4. I'm a plus size gal;size 3X. Do you have the measurements to increase this pattern to fit me? Thank -you for any help you can give me!

    1. Ok, so I'm not totally sure but I will try my best. The way the poncho is made it's somewhat limited by the width that the knit fabric comes in. The fabric I used is 60 inches wide. So if you wanted to make something bigger than what is indicated you would need to buy more fabric. I would say maybe get 2 yards. Then you could cut a piece that is 33 X 70. Then you would fold it in half so that you have a rectangle that is 33 X 35. Then pin and sew it like in the tutorial. I would say that once you pin it you should try it on to see how it fits before sewing. If it's too long or too wide then cut your fabric down some. Hopefully this makes some sense. Please let me know if it doesn't! And if you make one the please let me know how it goes!

  5. Thanks for the response! Going to try w/newspaper before buying material. I'll let you know if it works!!

  6. When I saw the picture I thought it was made with fleece. I love the softness of fleece, the fact that it doesn't wrinkle easily, and most of all is lightweight yet warm. I think a poncho using your pattern would be fabulous made out of one of the nice fleece fabrics that are anti-pill. BYW, I love ponchos.

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