The poncho is a unique piece of clothing for its softness, and can be discreet and useful or chic and elegant. Since it can be made from a single piece of fabric, it is usually quite simple to make, making it perfect as a DIY job for those with children or as a quick and impromptu outerwear. You can make a poncho by cutting any piece of fabric to the appropriate size. Read on from the first step of the article and get to work!
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Making a Straight-Edged Poncho
Step 1. Get a square-shaped blanket or piece of fabric of the appropriate size
The poncho can be almost any size: it can be waist-length or floor-to-floor. However, it should normally fall to wrist height when you put your arms at your sides (and slightly longer in the front and back). To figure out if a certain piece of fabric is the right size to use as a poncho, drape it over your head. Consider that the final length will contain that of the head.
Usually the size for an adult corresponds to that of a sofa cover, while for children a smaller piece will be needed. It is better to use more fabric rather than less, in fact shortening it to make a smaller poncho is easier than sewing more fabric to lengthen it
Step 2. Fold the fabric in half
Fold the fabric in half to match the edges. Spread the folded fabric on a table or a clear, clean portion of the floor.
If you want an asymmetrical poncho - which hangs more at the front or back - don't fold the fabric so the edges match, but make the bottom longer than the top half
Step 3. Cut a hole for the head
Carefully use a pair of scissors or a fabric wheel to make a cut along the folded edge of the fabric, centering it. Therefore, it will be best to use a tape measure to find the exact center before cutting, to make sure the poncho rests evenly on the shoulders. The hole can be any size you like. The important thing is that it is big enough to fit your head. Typically, 30 cm is sufficient (15 on either side of the center point of the folded edge).
- The opening for the head does not necessarily have to be trivial. To vary a bit, you can cut out a shape at the center point of the folded edge. For example, to give it a circular shape, cut a semicircle in the center of the folded edge; to make a diamond, cut a triangle in the center of the folded edge and so on.
- This is the only part of the work where you can go wrong: a defect in the opening for the head will be visible on the finished poncho. However, don't worry: as long as the slit is big enough to fit your head in and small enough not to slip the poncho off your shoulders, everything will be fine!
Step 4. This is optional, but you can sew a hem around the head opening to keep it from fraying and curling
At this point, the poncho is essentially "finished": you can wear it as expected. However, if you have the time (and care) to do this, you may want to put in a little more effort to make it more resilient. The "unprocessed" contour created after you cut the head slot may wear out - over time you will notice that it will begin to wear out. To prevent this from happening, sew a hem around the head opening to reinforce the fabric and extend the life of your new garment.
Step 5. Add some details if you prefer
If you want to make your poncho more functional and eye-catching, you have a variety of solutions available! Some are listed below:
- Add pockets. Sew small, smooth pieces of fabric to the front or sides of the poncho, leaving the top hem open so you can put your hands in. The pockets can be any shape you like: square, semicircle or heart!
- Add patterns along the edges. Try to cut out the outline in an original way, so as to personalize the poncho. You have an infinite number of choices: for example, a simple zigzag cut can suit your taste, or you can create a fringe by cutting thin strips along the edges.
Method 2 of 2: Make a Poncho with Round Edges
Step 1. Fold a blanket or square piece of fabric in half
For this variant, you will not have to use all the fabric, but it will be enough to obtain a portion of a circular shape in the center; therefore, you may want to choose a slightly larger piece of fabric than the previously described pattern. To start, fold the fabric to match the edges as you normally would.
Step 2. Mark the center of the folded edge
The next steps can be misleading: your goal is to make the cuts you will need to make in order to create a circular piece of fabric. First, use a tape measure to find the center point on the folded edge. Use a pencil or washable pen to mark the spot - which will become the center of the circle.
Step 3. Mark two points on the folded edge to determine the length of the poncho
Next, determine the desired length of the poncho (remember that, in general, the poncho reaches the sides up to the height of the wrists). Mark two points on the folded edge: one on each side of the middle one. The distance of each from the center point should correspond to the length chosen for the poncho.
For example, if you wanted to make a 55cm long poncho for your daughter, you should mark the two points along the folded edge 55cm away from the center one, one on each side
Step 4. Keep scoring the points to get a semicircle
After that you should mark other points on the top layer of the fabric to get the outline of a semicircle, the center of which will correspond to the center point of the folded edge. Therefore, after you have established the length for the poncho (it is the same as in the previous step), take a tape measure and apply that measurement while keeping one of the two ends of the tape at the center point. With the other, mark the stitches gradually until you form a semicircle on the upper layer of the fabric.
Following the previous example, you will need to draw a series of points on the top layer of the fabric at a distance of 55 cm from the center point. This will create a semicircle with a radius of 55 cm
Step 5. Cut the circumference along the points
The hardest work is done. Now just connect the dots and cut along the line they form. Make sure you cut at the same time both of the folded fabric. When finished, you should have a circular piece of fabric! Throw away or recycle any leftover material.
Step 6. Continue as you would a regular poncho
Once you have made your circle of cloth, you can proceed by following the method described for the poncho with straight edges. Cut a slit or hole for the head in the center of the folded edge, finish the hem of the center opening if desired, add some decoration or detail, and so on. Congratulations - your round-edged poncho is ready to wear!
