33 Best Poncho Shawl Sewing Patterns (20 FREE)

Today we’re sharing 33 great poncho and shawl sewing patterns for women, men, and children, including 20 freebies! We’re covering everything you need to know, from sizing to how suitable each pattern is for beginners. You can also check out our detailed pattern roundup on 22 cape and cloak patterns, and project ideas for wool fabric.

Contents list:


Easy designs:


“BUR6175” rectangular capes with roll neck

Buy now from Simplicity – $13.95

  • Sizes: US 8-18. Hip: 33 ½” – 42” (85 – 107 cm).
  • Design: Rectangular poncho. One single seam. Neckline slit. Optional high roll neck. Twin needle finish at edges.  
  • Fabric: Medium to heavy weight knit fabrics with drape, such as double knit, interlock, fleece, ponte, or scuba.
  • Format: Paper pattern with printed instruction booklet.
  • Suitable for beginners? Yes. This would be a great pattern for a beginner since the poncho can be sewn with a rectangle of fabric and one single seam. It’s a great first project idea for a beginner who wants to learn how to sew with knit fabrics.  Use a knit with minimal stretch for an easier sewing experience. 

Easy, rectangular, lightweight knit poncho

Read tutorial now on Mary, Martha, Mama – FREE

  • Sizes: Rectangle with the dimensions of 30” x 60” (76 x 152 cm).
  • Design: Rectangular poncho. One single seam. Neckline opening. Unfinished edges. 
  • Fabric: Medium weight knit fabrics with drape, like jerseys, double knit, interlock, fleece, ponte, or boiled wool. Woven fabrics may be used but the edges will need to be finished and the neckline may need to be made larger.
  • Format: No pattern pieces, instructions for cutting and sewing the poncho are included in the blog post. 
  • Suitable for beginners? Yes. This poncho is very quick and easy to sew and it would be a great project for a beginner who wants to learn how to sew with knits. Leaving the raw edges unfinished as it is suggested in the tutorial is not always ideal, so you may want to finish them with a hem, a zigzag / overcasting stitch, a serger, or a hand sewn blanket stitch.

Simple rectangular poncho with center front opening

Read tutorial now on Joann – FREE

  • Sizes: Approx. 72” x 60” (76 x 182 cm). 
  • Design: Rectangular poncho. Center front opening. Bias bound neckline. Hemmed edges. Drapes over the arms. Hook and eye closure. 
  • Fabric: Medium to heavy weight woven fabrics like wool blends, boiled wool, flannel, coating, or heavy brushed cotton.
  • Format: No pattern pieces, instructions for cutting and sewing the poncho are included in the blog post. 
  • Suitable for beginners? No. Although the poncho is simple in its design, the instructions that are given are very brief with no photos or illustrations. A complete beginner may struggle with the construction and the fiddly nature of applying bias tape to the neckline. Some previous garment sewing experience would be helpful, even an advanced beginner could tackle this pattern with help from additional resources.

DIY blanket scarf / poncho

Watch tutorial now on Lydia Naomi on YouTube – FREE

  • Sizes: Approx. 47” x 60” (119 x 182 cm). 
  • Design: Open front poncho. Faced neckline. Hemmed edges. Fringed bottom. Can be worn as a scarf or belted for a more fitted shape. 
  • Fabric: Medium weight woven fabric with good drape, such as boiled wool, wool blends, tweed, or flannel.
  • Format: No pattern pieces, instructions for cutting and sewing the poncho are included in the video.
  • Suitable for beginners? No. I think a complete beginner might struggle with cutting the fabric to the correct shape and creating the neckline facing piece. Facings can be tricky to sew and require accurate sewing. This pattern is better suited for an advanced beginner who’s comfortable with the mentioned techniques. 

“Percy” poncho with optional belt and patch pockets

Buy now from Style Arc – AUD $12+ (approx. $7.50)

  • Sizes: AUS 4-36. Hip: 32 ½” – 70” (83 – 178 cm).
  • Design: Square shaped, open front poncho. Optional belt threaded through button holes at the front. Patch pockets. Back neck facing. Hemmed edges.
  • Fabric: Medium to heavy weight woven fabric like wool, corduroy, velvet, or boiled wool.
  • Format: PDF digital download in A4 / US letter sizes and A0 copyshop size. A paper version can be purchased at an additional cost. Instructions are included. There’s also a free sew-along blog post here
  • Suitable for beginners? I think this pattern is suitable for an advanced beginner with some garment sewing experience. A complete beginner might struggle with sewing the neckline facing and the buttonholes for the belt. The additional sew-along has clear photographs for each step, so it would be very helpful for a beginner who wants to try this project. 

Simple square poncho with decorative center front seam and V-neckline

Read tutorial now on Indie Sew – FREE

  • Sizes: Custom sizing: Instructions for how to cut the fabric based on your own body measurements are included in the blog post. 
  • Design: Square shaped poncho with a V-shaped neckline. Topstitched seams. Optional blanket stitch finish. Can also be made reversible. 
  • Fabric: Medium to heavy weight knit or woven fabrics like wool melton, ponte, heavy jersey, fleece or tweed.
  • Format: No pattern, instructions for how to cut your fabric to size and sew them are included in the blog post.
  • Suitable for beginners? Yes, this pattern is suitable for an advanced beginner with some prior sewing experience. The instructions included are brief and not many illustrations are included but the construction of the knit poncho is very simple. A complete beginner might struggle with the vague instructions and cutting the pattern pieces to size with such large fabric pieces. 

“Crystal” lightweight poncho with wide neckline and lettuce hem

Buy now from RosalitaPatterns on Etsy – $7.36

  • Sizes: One size. Fits XS – 3XL. Hip: 37” – 55” (94 – 139 cm). 
  • Design: Rectangular poncho with wide neckline. Pull-on style. Neckband. Wavy lettuce hem. Can be worn on or off the shoulder. 
  • Fabric: Lightweight knit fabric with four way stretch, such as light jerseys, stretch lace, or viscose / rayon jersey.
  • Format: PDF digital download in A4 / US letter sizes and A0 copyshop size. Instructions are included.
  • Suitable for beginners? No, I think a complete beginner might struggle to sew this poncho since the required fabric is stretchy, which can be difficult to sew. Finishing the neckline with a neckband and sewing the lettuce hems would benefit from some prior experience or practicing on scraps. 

Ponchos with sleeves:


“M8347” rectangular poncho with center front placket and high collar

Buy now from Simplicity – $20.95

  • Sizes: XS – 2XL. Hip: 33 ½” – 50” (85 – 127 cm).
  • Design: Longline rectangular poncho. Pull-on style with no closures. High collar which can be folded down. Center front placket with optional closures. Optional belt, contrast pocket, and flap pockets. 
  • Fabric: Medium to heavy weight woven or stable knit fabrics like wool blends, flannel, fleece, or boiled wool. 
  • Format: PDF digital download in A4 / US letter sizes and A0 copyshop size. A paper version can also be found here. Instructions are included with all versions. 
  • Suitable for beginners? No. This pattern would be better suited for an intermediate sewist. A beginner would struggle with some of the more technical sewing involved in this poncho, such as sewing the placket and collar. Some previous garment sewing experience would also be helpful for handling the thicker fabrics that are recommended for this project.

DIY wool blanket poncho with bias bound edges

Read tutorial now on Pearls and Scissors – FREE

  • Sizes: 43” x 59” (110 x 150 cm).
  • Design: Longline poncho. Pull-on style. Bias bound, curved edges and optional belt openings. Pairing this poncho with a belt creates sleeves at the sides and extra shaping at the waist.
  • Fabric: Medium weight woven fabrics with good body and drape, such as wool blends, boiled wool, tweed, or flannel.
  • Format: Instructions for cutting your fabric and constructing the poncho are provided in the blog post. 
  • Suitable for beginners? No, I think a complete beginner with this project. The instructions aren’t very comprehensive and they assume some prior sewing knowledge. Applying the bias tape to the edges and creating the belt openings could be tricky for a beginner.

Hooded ponchos:


Rectangular cape poncho with oversized hood

Read tutorial now on Life So Savoury – FREE

  • Sizes: One size.
  • Design: Hooded rectangular poncho. Cross-over oversized hood. Fully lined hood. 
  • Fabric: Medium weight woven fabrics like  wool blends, flannel, or sherpa.
  • Format: PDF digital download in A4 / US letter sizes for the hood pattern piece, available here for free. Instructions for cutting the fabric and sewing the pieces are provided in the blog post. 
  • Suitable for beginners? Suitable for an advanced, confident beginner with some previous sewing experience. A complete beginner might struggle with the construction of the lined hood and attaching the hood to the neckline of the cape. Use a stable woven fabric such as a wool blend to make the sewing process easier. 

Wearable hooded blanket poncho (+ Video)

Read / watch tutorial now on Melly Sews – FREE

  • Sizes: Custom sizing: Instructions are provided to draft your own pattern based on your body measurements. 
  • Design: Large, oversized poncho with hood. The hood is fully lined, the cape is unlined. 
  • Fabric: Fleece fabric like double brushed fleece, polar fleece, or minky. 
  • Format: Instructions are provided in the video tutorial for drafting your own hood and cape pattern.
  • Suitable for beginners? Suitable for an intermediate sewist or beyond. I think a complete beginner would struggle with the drafting and construction of the hood, especially when working with a thick fleece material. The video tutorial and using a lighter weight fabric would be helpful for a beginner who’s interested in making this project.

“S8517” 3 ponchos with style variations

Buy now from Simplicity – $19.95

  • Sizes: XS-XL. Hip: 32 ½” – 48” (83 – 122 cm). 
  • Design: 
    • Version A: Hooded poncho. Lace up front. Patch pockets. High-low hem. Side seam sleeves.
    • Version B: Toggle front fastening. Round neckline. Curved patch pockets. Curved hem. Side seam sleeves.
    • Version C: Simple poncho. Asymmetrical hem. Round neck. 
  • Fabric: Medium weight woven or knit fabric. For example, double knit, fleece, ponte, or wool types.
  • Format: Paper pattern with printed instruction booklet. 
  • Suitable for beginners? I think a confident, advanced beginner could make versions B or C with the level raised to intermediate for version A. Using a stable fabric such as a wool blend will make the process easier than using a stretchy knit or fleece. 

Short, hooded fleece poncho

Read tutorial now on So Sew Easy – FREE

  • Sizes: S – 2XL. Chest: 34” – 52” (86 – 132 cm).
  • Design: Hooded, fleece poncho. Center front seam. Faced neckline. Neck ties. Hangs over arms. Hip – length.
  • Fabric: Medium weight woven or stable knit fabrics like polar fleece or minky.
  • Format: PDF digital download in A4 / US letter sizes. Illustrated instructions are included on the blog post. 
  • Suitable for beginners? Suitable for a confident, advanced beginner with some sewing experience. A complete beginner might struggle with the more fiddly parts of sewing the poncho such as fitting the faced neckline. Sewing with fleece fabric can be stretchy, using a stable wool would make the sewing process easier. 

Circle ponchos / capes:


Short circle poncho with kangaroo pocket and roll neck

Read tutorial now on Joann – FREE

  • Sizes: One size. 30” (76 cm) radius. 
  • Design: Circle shaped poncho. Front kangaroo pocket. Roll neck. Ends at upper hip, but can be lengthened or shortened.
  • Fabric: Medium weight woven or stable knit fabric like boiled wool, flannel, polar fleece, or minky.
  • Format: No pattern, instructions for how to cut the shapes and construct the poncho are provided in the blog post. 
  • Suitable for beginners? Suitable for a confident, advanced beginner and beyond. I think a complete beginner might struggle with sewing the roll neck collar. The instructions that are provided are brief and have no illustrations for the construction, so some previous garment sewing experience would be helpful.

Short circle cape with high stand-up collar and front opening (+ Video)

Read tutorial now from Indoor Shannon – FREE

  • Sizes: Custom sizing: The cape is drafted to your desired size based on your neck measurement and the length you prefer.
  • Design: Short, circle cape. High stand-up collar. Snap fastenings at the neck. Fully lined.
  • Fabric: Medium-weight woven fabrics with drape. For example, wool blends, boiled wool, twill, or velvet.
  • Format: Blog post with instructions for how to draft the pattern and sew the cape. An instructional YouTube video is available here.
  • Suitable for beginners? No. I think this pattern would better suit an intermediate sewist with some experience sewing coats and outerwear. Sewing with heavyweight fabrics can be tricky and lining the cape and attaching the collar will require precision.

Asymmetrical designs:


“M6209” poncho with neckline variations and optional belt

Buy now from Simplicity – $18.95

  • Sizes: US 4-26. Hip: 31 ½” – 50” (80 – 127 cm).
  • Design: Oversized poncho. Asymmetrical hem. Optional self belt. Options for wide collar with tie ends / built-in scarf, cowl collar, or hood and trim. 
  • Fabric: Medium weight woven or stable knit fabrics, such as fleece, wool, wool blends, melton, and wool double knits.
  • Format: PDF print at home digital download in A4 or US letter size. A0 copy shop file. Instructions are included in the download.
  • Suitable for beginners? An advanced beginner with some garment sewing experience could sew the easier versions of the pattern like the version E. Some more experience might be helpful for sewing the versions with the hood and ties since these are trickier to sew. 

“With Love” poncho with four pattern variations

Buy now from Pattern Emporium – $14.50 AUD (approx. $9)

  • Sizes: AUS 4-30. Hip: 31 ½” – 58 ¾” (80 – 149 cm). Short, regular & tall cutting lengths.
  • Design: Poncho with asymmetrical hem. Four necklines: button-up, roll, hood, and t-shirt. Separate scarf option. Patch & kangaroo pockets. Three lengths – short, high-low & long. Two arm lengths. Wide hem with mitred corners. No shoulder seams. 
  • Fabric: Light to medium weight knit fabrics with good drape. For example, sweater knits, polar fleece, French terry, sweatshirting, or viscose and rayon jerseys. 
  • Format: PDF digital download in A4 / US letter sizes and A0 copyshop size. Instructions are included.
  • Suitable for beginners? No. I think a complete beginner might struggle with some of the construction of the poncho such as inserting the different neck bands and collars. Some experience would be helpful here, especially if using a stretchy knit fabric. 

Asymmetrical draped poncho with decorative shoulder button detail (+ Video)

Read / watch tutorial now on Fabworks – FREE

  • Sizes: One size. Fabric dimensions are 39” x 59” (100 x 150 cm).
  • Design: Poncho with asymmetrical hem. Draped effect. Fully lined. Slight cowl neck. Decorative buttons along one shoulder.
  • Fabric: Medium weight woven fabrics with good body and drape, such as wool blends, tweed, flannel, or velvet. A thicker lining fabric can be paired with a lighter weight main fabric to add the necessary thickness. 
  • Format: Instructions for cutting your fabric and how to construct the poncho are included on the blog post and in the YouTube videos accompanying each step.
  • Suitable for beginners? Suitable for an advanced, confident beginner with some sewing experience. The construction of the poncho is simple and easy to sew. A stable fabric can be used and there are videos to help you at each step. I think this would be a great pattern for a beginner wanting to advance their garment making skills.  

“V1754” Long, oversized cape with belt detail 

Buy now from Simplicity – $32

  • Sizes: XS – 2XL. Hip: 32 ½”  – 50” (83 – 127 cm).
  • Design: Rectangular cape. Unlined. Waist belt. Hook and eye closure. Side front pockets. Sleeves are formed with the waist belt. Handkerchief hem.
  • Fabric:  Medium to heavy-weight woven fabrics with drape. For example, wool blend coating, boiled wool, twill, gabardine, fleece, brocade, taffeta, or velvet.
  • Format: Paper pattern with printed instruction booklet.
  • Suitable for beginners? No. Although the style of the cape is simple, the amount of heavy fabric involved would be difficult for a beginner to sew. The front pockets can also be difficult to create and will require precision sewing. I think this pattern would better suit an intermediate sewist with some experience sewing outerwear.

Cowl necks:


Fleece poncho with convertible cowl neck / hood

Read / watch tutorial now on Online Fabric Store – FREE with email subscription

  • Sizes: One size, cut from 2 yards (1.8 m) of fabric.
  • Design: Cozy fleece poncho. Rectangular shape with asymmetrical hem. Pull-on style. Cowl neck that can be pulled up over your head to become a hood.
  • Fabric: Medium weight fleece fabrics like polar fleece, minky, or double brushed fleece.
  • Format: Instructions for cutting your fabric and constructing the poncho are included on the blog post and in the YouTube video. PDF instructions are available for free with email subscription.
  • Suitable for beginners? Suitable for a confident beginner with some sewing experience. This is a simple, easy to sew poncho but a complete beginner might struggle with inserting the cowl neck which is sewn in the round. Some experience would also be helpful for sewing the thick fleece fabric. 

Simple rectangular poncho with cowl neck and shoulder seam

Read tutorial now on Mary Martha Mama – FREE 

  • Sizes: One size. Fabric dimensions are 30” x 60” (76 x 152 cm).
  • Design: Simple poncho. Pull-on style. Cowl neck. Shoulder seam. Asymmetrical hem.
  • Fabric: Medium weight knit fabrics with good body and drape, such as sweatshirting, French terry, double knit, boiled wool, or fleece.
  • Format: Illustrated instructions for cutting your fabric and constructing the poncho are included on the blog post.
  • Suitable for beginners? Yes. This would be a great pattern for a beginner to make. The poncho is very simple and does not need a lot of cutting or shaping. Using a knit fabric with some stability will make the process easier. The edges of knit fabric can be left unfinished, making for an even quicker and simpler project.

“Wintertide” rectangular poncho with large cowl neck and contrast bands

Buy now from Blue Dot Patterns – $6

  • Sizes: XS – XL. Hip: 36” – 50” (91 – 127 cm).
  • Design: Cozy poncho with large cowl neck. Open sides. Contrast bands at the sides. Asymmetrical hem, rectangular shape.
  • Fabric: ​Medium weight knit fabric with at least 30% crosswise stretch. For example, ponte, sweater knits, sweatshirt fleece, or French terry.
  • Format: PDF digital download in A4 / US letter sizes and A0/US copyshop sizes. Instructions are included.
  • Suitable for beginners? Yes, this pattern is suitable for a confident beginner with some sewing experience. This is a simple poncho to sew but a complete beginner might struggle with attaching the contrast bands and sewing in the separate cowl neck. Some experience sewing with knit fabric would be helpful here. 

“Mimosa” unlined poncho with wide rolled down collar and pockets

Buy now from I Am Patterns. €9.90 – €15 (approx. $10.50 – $16)

  • Sizes: EU 36-46. Hip: 34 ⅝” – 42 ½” (88 to 108 cm).
  • Design: A hip length, unlined poncho with a wide, rolled down collar and welt or patch pockets.
  • Fabric: Medium to heavyweight woven fabrics such as felted wool, broadcloth, bouclé, or flannel.
  • Format: PDF digital download in A4 / US letter sizes and A0 copyshop size. A paper version is available at an additional cost. Instructions are included.
  • Suitable for beginners? Yes, it’s a simple, unlined piece that a beginner sewist could tackle. If you are a beginner, choose the patch pocket option and try to use a fabric that doesn’t fray too much to make your job easier.

Mexican:


Mexican poncho with fringed edges and center front opening (+ Video)

Watch tutorial now from Global Fashion Studio on YouTube – FREE

  • Sizes: One size. Fabric dimensions are 70” x 59” (180 x 150 cm).
  • Design: Mexican style poncho. Center front opening. Fringed edges. Blanket style. Can be belted. 
  • Fabric: ​Medium weight woven fabrics like open weave or hand woven cottons, flannel, wool blends, or old blankets.
  • Format: Instructions for cutting the fabric and constructing the poncho are included in the YouTube tutorial.
  • Suitable for beginners? Yes, I think a confident, advanced beginner could sew this pattern, the design is simple but a complete beginner might struggle with cutting the fabric since the instructions can be a little confusing to follow. It’s also worth noting that the fringing takes a lot of hours to do, so you may want to skip it for a simpler project.

Simple Mexican poncho costume for babies

Read tutorial now from XOXO Grandma – FREE

  • Sizes: Custom sizing: Instructions for how to cut your fabric to size are included in the blog post. 
  • Design: Mexican style poncho costume for babies. Pull-on style with small V-neckline. Bias finished neckline. 
  • Fabric: Light to medium weight knit or woven fabric. For example, wool blends, fleece, or jersey. 
  • Format: Instructions for cutting the fabric and constructing the poncho are included in the blog post.
  • Suitable for beginners? Suitable for an advanced beginner. The poncho is a very simple style but a complete beginner might struggle with applying the bias tape to the neckline to create the arrow shape. However, the poncho is a costume so if you aren’t concerned with perfection this would be a great project to practice your sewing skills on. 

Rain ponchos:


Oversized, hooded rain poncho which can be packed into its own pocket

Buy now from The Assembly Line – €10 (approx. $10.50)

  • Sizes: One size fits many. Finished chest circumference: 76” (193 cm). The length of the body and the sleeves can be adjusted. 
  • Design: Hooded rain poncho with wide sleeves. Paneled construction. Oversized for wearing over clothing. Can be packed into its own pocket. Large front pocket. Snap buttons to close sleeves, slits and pockets. Optional drawstring.
  • Fabric: Lightweight wind and water resistant technical / non-woven fabrics like ripstop-nylon, recycled nylon, or recycled polyester. You can also use woven fabrics like waxed canvas, oilskin, or gabardine.
  • Format: PDF digital download in A4 / US letter sizes and A0 copyshop size. Instructions are included.
  • Suitable for beginners?  No, this pattern is better suited for an intermediate sewist. A beginner would struggle with the advanced techniques involved in the construction of this poncho. Working with the recommended fabrics requires some experience and skill as well.

Easy hooded waterproof poncho with toggle fastenings and asymmetrical front opening

Read tutorial now from Nancy Zieman – FREE

  • Sizes: One size.
  • Design: Hooded rain poncho. Asymmetrical front opening. Toggle fastenings down the front. Seams are covered with ribbon. Storage pocket. 
  • Fabric: Lightweight wind and water resistant technical / non-woven fabrics like ripstop-nylon, recycled nylon, or recycled polyester. You can also use woven fabrics like waxed canvas, oilskin, or gabardine.
  • Format: Instructions for cutting the fabric and constructing the poncho are included in the blog post. A separate neck opening pattern is available as a PDF digital download.
  • Suitable for beginners? No, this pattern is better suited for an intermediate level sewist. I think a beginner would struggle with the cutting and the construction steps as the illustrations are hand drawn and not very clear. Some sewing experience would be helpful for interpreting the process and working with the slippery, water repellent fabrics.  

Short, hooded rain poncho (+ Video)

Read / watch tutorial now on Online Fabric Store- FREE

  • Sizes: One size.
  • Design: Hooded rain poncho. Oversized. Above-the-knee length. 
  • Fabric: Lightweight wind and water resistant technical / non-woven fabrics like ripstop-nylon, recycled nylon, or recycled polyester. You can also use woven fabrics like waxed canvas, oilskin, or gabardine.
  • Format: A separate hood pattern is available as a PDF digital download with email subscription. Instructions for cutting and constructing the poncho are included in the blog post and YouTube video
  • Suitable for beginners? Yes, I think an advanced, confident beginner with some garment sewing experience could sew this pattern. A complete beginner might struggle to sew the hood since it’s curved and trickier to sew. Some sewing experience would be helpful for working with the slippery nylon fabric.

Poncho sweater:


“M7262” sweater cardigan and poncho with draped details

Buy now from Simplicity – $19.95

  • Sizes: US 8 – 24W. Hip: 33 ½” – 48” (85 – 122 cm).
  • Design: Loose fitting poncho style sweaters. Option for open center front or pull-on neckline. Asymmetrical hem. Layered sleeves. Cowl neck. Draped cowl front. Optional snap closure concealed by mock button band. 
  • Fabric: Light to medium weight knit fabrics with moderate stretch. For example, sweater knits, wool jerseys, or ponte knits.
  • Format: Paper pattern with printed instruction booklet.
  • Suitable for beginners?  Yes, the Versions B and C may be  suitable for an advanced beginner with some previous garment sewing experience. A complete beginner might struggle with forming the cowl neck and fitting the snaps and mock button bands. Some experience would be helpful here. 

Quilted:


“The return of the poncho” quilted poncho with hood (+ Video)

Buy now from Cotton Street Commons – $15

  • Sizes: One size. 36” (91.5 cm) wide. Instructions are included for making the poncho smaller or larger if needed. 
  • Design: Oversized, quilted poncho. “Flying geese” patchwork pattern on the front and the back. Bias bound edges. Oversized hood. Fully lined. 
  • Fabric: Quilting cotton for the shell and the lining, with wadding as an inner layer. An existing quilt can also be used.
  • Format: Instructions for creating the quilt and sewing the poncho are included in the download. An additional YouTube video is also available here
  • Suitable for beginners? No, this pattern is suitable for an intermediate level sewist with some quilting experience. The quilt pattern is quite involved with some accurate stitching required, which a complete beginner might struggle with. Attaching the bias binding to the edges can also be fiddly and difficult to sew without prior experience. 

For men:

For a man’s poncho, this tutorial from Lydia Naomi would be a great unisex option. 


Baby & children:


Easy DIY towel poncho with hood (+ Video)

Read / watch tutorial now on Merricks Art – FREE

  • Sizes: One size. Poncho and hood are sewn from an existing bath sheet and hand towel.
  • Design: Oversized, hooded towel poncho. Rectangular shape, long length. Cross-over hood.
  • Fabric: An existing bath sheet and hand towel are used, but you can also use regular towelling fabric and finish the edges yourself.
  • Format: Instructions for cutting the fabric and constructing the poncho are included in the YouTube video tutorial
  • Suitable for beginners? Yes, I think this would be a great project for a beginner to try since this project uses existing towels, meaning there’s less cutting and sewing involved. The video tutorial is clear and easy to follow. 

Easy hooded towel poncho for kids (+ Video)

Read / watch tutorial now on Happy as a Bee – FREE

  • Sizes: 2 sizes: 
    • Size 1: 18 months – 3 years.
    • Size 2: 4 – 6 years.
  • Design: Oversized, hooded towel poncho. Hood is lined with toweling fabric. V-neckline. Rectangular shape.
  • Fabric: Water absorbent woven fabrics like toweling, terry loop, or waffle weave double gauze.
  • Format: Instructions for cutting the fabric and constructing the poncho are included in the YouTube video tutorial. A separate pattern for the hood can be downloaded as a PDF digital download. 
  • Suitable for beginners? The style of the poncho is simple but a complete beginner might struggle with following the auto generated subtitles, as the video and the written instructions are in French. Some sewing experience would be helpful for sewing the waffle fabric and lining the hood.

Easy fleece poncho cowl neck and fringing detail

Read tutorial now on Sew Crafty Me – FREE

  • Sizes: One size. Made from one yard of fabric.
  • Design: Oversized, fleece poncho. Pull-on style with large cowl neck, which can also be worn as a hood. Fringing detail around the edges. 
  • Fabric: Fleece fabric like polar fleece or minky.
  • Format: Instructions for cutting the fabric and constructing the poncho are included in the blog post.  
  • Suitable for beginners? Yes, this pattern is suitable for a confident beginner. The style of the poncho is simple and the instructions are clear and easy to follow. Polar fleece is easy to work with since it has moderate stretch and it doesn’t fray. This would be a great pattern for a beginner to practice with.  

Quick Q&A’s:


How much fabric do you need for a poncho?

This depends on how long your poncho is going to be. You will usually need 2-3 yards (1.8 – 2.7 meters) of fabric. A child’s poncho can be sewn from as little as 1 yard for babies and small children.

How big should the hole be for a poncho?

The average size for a neck hole is around 4 ½” – 7 ½” (11 x 19 cm). It’s wise to measure your neck before cutting just to check that the hole size the pattern advises you to cut will fit.

How do you cut a head hole in a poncho?

The typical method for cutting a head hole in a poncho is to fold your fabric twice in half, once vertically and once horizontally. You then measure the desired amount along the long edge and short edge, mark both points with a pin and draw a curve between the pins (a quarter circle or oblong shape). 

How do you make a poncho out of fleece fabric?

A simple poncho can be made from fleece simply by folding your fabric in half, cutting a head hole and sewing along one edge. The edges of fleece fabric do not need to be finished since they don’t fray. Fringes can be cut into the edges of fleece for a decorative finish. 

What stitch is best for a poncho?

If you are sewing a poncho from a stretch or knit fabric, it’s always best to use a stretch stitch such as a zigzag or lightening stitch, particularly around the neck opening as the stitches will need to stretch to fit over your head. For a woven fabric a straight stitch can be used. 

What is the best fabric to make a poncho out of?

A warm fabric is best to be used for a poncho since they are usually worn as outerwear. Some examples include wool or wool blend fabrics, fleece, sweatshirt knits, or double knits.

What is the best wool for a poncho?

If you are going to be making a fringed edge for your wool poncho, you will need to select a wool with a loose weave. Fabrics with a loose weave are easier to pull apart than dense wools. If you will not be making a fringe, boiled wool is a good choice since the edges do not need to be finished and the fabric is very warm.

How do you make a waterproof poncho?

Waterproof ponchos are generally sewn in the same way as non-waterproof ponchos. A weatherproof fabric will need to be chosen for the outer layer such as ripstop nylon, or recycled polyester. You may also choose to seal or cover your seams with seam tape to ensure water doesn’t seep through the holes created by the needle.

How do you join 2 rectangles to make a poncho?

The two rectangles of fabric will usually be joined down the center front and back seams to create a larger piece of fabric which is sewn in the same way as a regular poncho. 

What size are rectangles for ponchos?

Rectangles used are generally between 1-2 yards.

Can you make a poncho out of a blanket?

Yes. It is very easy to sew a poncho with a blanket since the fabric is usually already finished around the edges. The blanket should be treated in the same way as the required fabric for the pattern and a neck hole will need to be cut and the raw edges finished in some way (if necessary).

How do you measure for a poncho?

To measure for a poncho you will need to take your neck measurement and the length you would like your poncho to be. To measure your neck, place the tape around your neck and, if your poncho will have a center seam, remember to add this overlap to the measurement. To measure the length, measure from your neck to the finished length you would like. 

What is the shape of a basic poncho?

Ponchos come in a variety of shapes. The most traditional is a square shape sewn diagonally to form a pointed, asymmetrical hem. Ponchos can also be sewn from rectangles or circles with a head hole cut in the middle. 

Can you make a poncho from 2 triangles?

Yes. The triangles will need to be joined along the longest edge with a head hole left open in the middle of this seam. The bottom of the triangle will form a point at the hem. 



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This article was written by Sally Gauntlett, and edited by Nisan Aktürk.

Sally Gauntlett (author)
Sally started sewing as a child. In 2008, she started a handmade business selling personalized gifts and homeware. She then became a sewing content creator, sharing her makes on Youtube and Instagram. Read more…