Thrift Flipping Tutorial: How to DIY a Cute Poncho

Tools and materials:

• Turtleneck sweater
• Large scarf, at least 4 foot square
• Pins
• Scissors
• Sewing machine

1. Remove the roll neck

This sweater actually has a full double turtleneck, which is extremely uncomfortable to wear as it is. I'm using the darker one for this project.

Turn your sweater inside out, grab a pair of scissors and cut off the roll neck as close to the seam as possible.

2. Cut out the poncho neck

You'll need a large square scarf that drapes comfortably over your body.

Mine is quite lightweight, but as long as it drapes well you can use any thickness you like.

Fold the scarf in half diagonally and check that the long side will fit easily across your body from wrist to wrist with your arms outstretched. 

Fold the triangle in half again.

Place the scarf on a flat surface with the point and two folded edges uppermost and the open edges along the base.

Fold the turtleneck in half lengthways. Lay it against the point of the scarf to judge the width of the neck opening you'll need.

I made my neck opening slightly smaller than the width of the roll neck.

Cut off the point of the triangle.

3. Attach the roll neck

Open out the scarf and try it on to make sure it goes over your head easily.

Refold the scarf and make the hole larger, if necessary.

Lay the scarf flat with the wrong side facing upwards.

Turn your turtleneck wrong side out.

Place the turtleneck inside the hole you cut so the wrong side of the knitted piece faces the right side of the scarf.

Line up the raw edges and pin and sew them together evenly.

Turn the poncho right side out and sew a tight wide zigzag stitch over the seam, to give extra strength and to prevent the neck edge from fraying.

Thrift flipping: DIY poncho

One reason I love thrift flipping is because every garment has a story behind it.

I've had the scarf I used for many years. I bought it in Germany and the design on it has a special meaning to me.

I'm so pleased I finally found a project I could use it in. I think this would be a perfect cover-up if you work in a chilly office or a shop. It goes over so many different outfits.

Do let me know in the comments if you're going to make this DIY poncho. It really is one of the easiest thrift flips I've ever done.

Next, check out my post on How to Thrift Flip an Oversized Blouse Into 3 Clothing Pieces.