Poncho is a unique outfit with a variety of styles from ordinary, functional to chic and stylish. Because they can be cut from just a single sheet of fabric, ponchos are usually easy to make, perfect for a family craft project with the kids or as another clothing cover option. Ponchos can be cut from any piece of fabric - see Rare 1 below to get started making your own!
Step
Method 1 of 2: Making a Flat Edged Poncho
Step 1. Use a blanket or cloth in the shape of an appropriate square
Ponchos can be made in a variety of sizes - they range from waist-length or higher or all the way to the floor. But most ponchos usually hang up to the wrist if your hands are at your sides (and slightly lower (long) in front and behind your body). To determine which fabric is the right size, hang the poncho over your head - it will be a head-size shorter when you're done as a poncho.
Most adults will need a piece of cloth about the size of a sofa cover, while children will need a smaller piece of cloth. But it is better to use a cloth that is too big than too small. It's easier to cut a long poncho into a shorter length than it is to have to splice it because it's too short
Step 2. Fold your fabric in half
Next, fold your two pieces of fabric so that the edges meet. Place the folded cloth on a clean, exposed table or floor.
If you want an asymmetrical poncho - one that hangs longer in the front or back - don't fold the fabric until the edges meet, but fold it so that the bottom half is longer than the top half
Step 3. Cut a hole in your head
Use scissors or a fabric knife to cut slits along the crease of the fabric. The hole should be centered along the crease - you can use a tape measure to accurately center the material before cutting it, to make sure the poncho hangs evenly over your shoulders. The size of the hole is up to you - the important thing is that it's bigger than your head so your head can fit in. Generally about 30 cm (15 cm to each side from the center of the fold) is large enough.
- The poncho's head hole doesn't have to be a boring slit. To make a different headhole shape, cut out one shape on the fabric folded in the middle from the center of the crease. For example, to make a round hole, cut a semi-circle in the center of the fold edge, to make a diamond shape, cut a triangle shape in the middle of the fold edge, etc.
- This is the part of the process where you can make serious mistakes - mistakes in your headhole can be seen in the finished poncho. Still, don't worry - as long as the hole is enough for your head to fit in and not so big that your shoulders pop out, your poncho will be wearable!
Step 4. You can sew the edges if you wish, to avoid tearing and wrinkling of the fabric
Now your poncho is basically "done" and can be worn as intended. However, if you have the time (and are willing to do so), you may want to take the time to make your poncho more durable. The unprotected rim of the headhole is prone to damage during use - over time it can even tear. To avoid this, hem around the headhole to strengthen the fabric and extend the life of your poncho.
Step 5. If you want, add variety
To make a poncho that is more than just functional to look attractive, you have several options! Some you can find below:.
- Add pouch. Sew a small piece of fabric to the front or side of your poncho, leaving the top so you can fit your hand in. It can be whatever shape you want - try squares, semicircles and hearts!
- Add variety to the edges of your poncho. Try cutting out the repeating pattern on the edges of the poncho for a "wild west" look! You have a lot of options - for example a zigzag might work, or you might want to create a tassel by cutting the edges of the poncho like a ribbon.
Method 2 of 2: Making a Round Border Poncho
Step 1. Fold two blankets or a square sheet of cloth
For this poncho shape, you won't be using all of the fabric, but only the circular section in the center. Therefore you may be able to choose a fabric that is slightly larger than a standard poncho as above. To begin, fold the fabric so the edges meet as usual.
Step 2. Mark the center point of the crease edge
The next step can be a bit tricky - your goal is to mark the cut lines to produce a circular fabric. First, use a tape measure to find the midpoint of the edge of the fold. Use a washable pencil or pen to mark this point, which will be the center of your circle.
Step 3. Mark two dots on the edge of the fold to determine the length of your poncho
The next step is to determine the length of your poncho (remember that most ponchos hang from the shoulder to the wrist along the sides. Mark two points on the edge of the fold, one on each side of the midpoint. Each side measures from the midpoint along the length of your poncho. want.
For example, if we want to make a 56 cm poncho for a child, mark two points on the edge of the fold that are 56 cm from the center point - one on each side
Step 4. Continue to mark the points to make a semicircle
Next, you'll make a dot on the top of the fabric to mark the edge of the semicircle centered on the center point of the creased edge. To do this you will need to determine the length of your poncho (the same length as the previous step) using a tape measure, and hold the ends of the tape measure at the center point and mark the points in the semicircle. When you're done, you should have semicircular dots on the top layer of fabric.
Following the 56 cm poncho example, we will mark several points on the top of the fabric, which are 56 cm from the center point. This will result in a semicircle with a radius of 56 cm
Step 5. Cut circles along the dots
The hard work is done - now, just connect the dots. Use the circle to intersect the point you made. make sure you cut both layers concurrent factory. When you're done, you'll have a round cloth! Discard or recycle leftover fabric.
Step 6. Continue as you would with a normal poncho
You now have a round cloth - now, you can proceed with steps such as making a square poncho. Cut a head hole in the center of the crease, hem the hole if desired, add decorations or variations, and so on. Congratulations - your round poncho is ready to go!
