Ponchos are making a huge comeback on the runways right now. Luckily, it’s beyond easy to stitch up one of these trendy wintertime accessories. You can simply cut a neckline into any large square of fabric, but for something more interesting, try piecing together contrasting patchwork pieces. I paired an old moth-eaten wool felt blanket with some heavy herringbone fabric. Both fabrics have a great drape to them, and are so warm. Because I used felt for the front of my poncho, I didn’t even need to hem anything, and saved a ton of time. For the final finishing touch, I added a cute vintage clasp, and I had my new poncho sewn up in about an hour!
Materials
Two different fabrics, 1 yard each
1 clasp
Fabric scrap to match the yardage
Rotary cutter and mat
Sewing machine
Scissors
Straight pins
Needle and thread
Thimble
Directions
Step 1: Cut 2 squares from each of your chosen fabrics, for a total of 4 identical squares. Mine are 2’x2′, but if you want a longer or shorter poncho, you can alter the dimensions.
Step 2: Pin the edges of 2 squares together- one of each fabric- right sides facing in. Give yourself about 1/4″ seam allowance, and then sew them together using the straight stitch on your sewing machine. Then add the next square in the same way, and finally add the fourth square. If you need to, at this point you can hem the edge of the entire poncho.
Step 3: Choose a square for the front of the poncho, and then cut a neckline into it. Insert the point of your scissors right into the place where all the seams meet. Then cut diagonally toward the outer corner of the square. I cut my neckline 12″ long, but you can make yours as long or as short as you like.
Step 4: Cut two matching “petals” from the scrap fabric, and pin one on each side of the neckline. Sew them into place with your machine.
Step 5: Use the thimble, needle, and thread to sew the clasp onto the petals. Voila!
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