Easy DIY Poncho You Can Sew in Minutes

MaryMarthaMama
by MaryMarthaMama

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.




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.


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.

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MaryMarthaMama
Want more details about this and other fashion and style ideas? Check out more here!
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3 of 5 comments
  • Be safe Be safe on Apr 05, 2021

    Sorry, but I don’t understand why the fabric needs to be cut to 30x60, to then be cut into 30x 30. Thx

    • Shuganne Shuganne on Apr 07, 2021

      Don't cut the fabric!! Just fold it into a 30 x 30 inch square. Then stitch most of the way up one of the open edges - not the side opposite the fold - and give yourself a 10 inch opening for your head to slip through. The seam lays on your shoulder and down your arm.


      I like the way the neck edge softens into a cowl look.

  • Shuganne Shuganne on Apr 07, 2021

    I really like the idea of a little something to tame a spring breeze.


    I thought about trying to start with a 30 x 34 in. square and cutting slits 4 in. long and 1 in. apart on the extra long side. Then they could be tied together to finish the shoulder seam and to add a touch of interest to the poncho. Leave the untied tabs loose around the neck to flow and hang for more appeal.

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