Sew, What's Up

Sew What’s Up Presents

The Sew What’s New Archive

This archived content is from Mary Wilkins’ sewing and quilting message board “Sew What’s New,” which was retired in August 2007. It is being provided by “Sew What’s Up,” which serves as the new home for many members of “Sew What’s New.”
From: mollybee
Date: 08-31-2004, 12:33 AM (1 of 48)
I would like to make ponchos out of fleece. I want to make them in various sizes for girls from age 1-about 10. Can you make them out of 2 rectangles?Or can you fold fabric to cut the poncho in one piece? If these methods are right, can anyone give me some measurements? It will not be possible for me to measure the girls involved so I need to get some general measurements. I might fringe the bottoms.

Thanks so much for your help.
User: mollybee
Member since: 08-31-2004
Total posts: 1
From: dmoses
Date: 08-31-2004, 08:20 AM (2 of 48)
I can't help you with sizing, but here is a link to some directions, and if you scroll down the page, there are some other links for other methods/ideas.

http://sewing.about.com/library/weekly/aa072904a.htm
Take care,
Donna
User: dmoses
Member since: 02-22-2002
Total posts: 964
From: MaryW
Date: 08-31-2004, 08:24 AM (3 of 48)
Hi mollybee and welcome to Sew Whats New. :bluesmile

I would think a rectangle of fabric would work fine. As far as measurements, maybe visit some of the pattern sites and find out the fabric amount requirements.

www.sewingpatterns.com says one of their patterns requires 2 yds. for an adult and I think that is more than enough. This was a Stitch & Save I think.
MaryW
owner/editor of Sew Whats New
User: MaryW
Member since: 06-23-2005
Total posts: 2542
From: paroper
Date: 08-31-2004, 09:02 AM (4 of 48)
I've seen them made both ways. The ones that my mother brought back from Mexico were two rectangles, the ones from Equador were just squares of fabric.
pam

Bernina 200e, Artista V5 Designer Plus, Explorations, Magic Box, Bernina 2000DE & 335 Bernette Serger, Bernina 1530 Sewing Machine, Bernina 1300 DC Overlock (with coverstitch)
User: paroper
Member since: 02-03-2004
Total posts: 3775
From: LeapFrog Libby
Date: 08-31-2004, 01:02 PM (5 of 48)
I followed those links at the bottom and the one marked Mexico Leads you right back here. Its MaryLynnes "how to make a poncho" from this website.. Small world , isn't it ?? :whacky:
Sew With Love
Libby
User: LeapFrog Libby
Member since: 05-01-2002
Total posts: 2022
From: njsewnsew
Date: 09-02-2004, 03:50 PM (6 of 48)
Hi Mollybe,
Maybe this will help.
With your arms out to your sides, measure form wrist actos the shoulders. Cut a square that when measured form corner to corner will match measurement plus 1" for hems.
With square folded, cut a 7" circle form the folded point of the square. If
for small children regulate according. Make a 3-6" slit towards one point of the square from the circle edge. Round off the corner form the circle to the slit.(I used a desert plat which is also a 7" circle) If you are making it out
of fleece leave enough room for frienge or if no frienge however you want
to finish it. Hope this helps. Waiting to hear. njsewnsew
User: njsewnsew
Member since: 08-10-2004
Total posts: 1
From: LeapFrog Libby
Date: 09-03-2004, 12:35 PM (7 of 48)
Measured from which folded corner..Folded in half straight or diagonally ???
Could you be a little more specific, Please.. :cool:
Sew With Love
Libby
User: LeapFrog Libby
Member since: 05-01-2002
Total posts: 2022
From: Igogoin
Date: 09-22-2004, 07:50 PM (8 of 48)
I too am looking for a pattern or measurements to make my daughter a fleece poncho.

So far all that I have found is this...which is really measurements for a knitted one but it will definately work!!

Here is the web addy for the basic poncho shape....Hope this helps!!

http://www.knitting-and.com/knitting/patterns/clothing/poncho-shape.htm


:smile:
Donna in Alabama
User: Igogoin
Member since: 09-22-2004
Total posts: 3
From: MaryW
Date: 09-23-2004, 10:37 AM (9 of 48)
Hi Donna, welcome to Sew Whats New. :smile:
MaryW
owner/editor of Sew Whats New
User: MaryW
Member since: 06-23-2005
Total posts: 2542
From: mommydionne
Date: 09-27-2004, 02:08 PM (10 of 48)
Julie at timmelfabrics has some really easy poncho directions on her website. They would be quick to scale down to kid sizes and take about 10-20 min to cut and sew up,

www.timmelfabrics.com
Jeanette
User: mommydionne
Member since: 01-08-2004
Total posts: 838
From: MaryW
Date: 09-27-2004, 05:47 PM (11 of 48)
Wish I could read it, way too small for me. Think I will email her.
MaryW
owner/editor of Sew Whats New
User: MaryW
Member since: 06-23-2005
Total posts: 2542
From: mommydionne
Date: 09-27-2004, 06:00 PM (12 of 48)
I know it was really small on the screen but printed off ok
Jeanette
User: mommydionne
Member since: 01-08-2004
Total posts: 838
From: MaryW
Date: 09-27-2004, 06:05 PM (13 of 48)
I just realized you are in Aylesford. For heaven sakes woman, we are practically neighbours. :bluewink:
MaryW
owner/editor of Sew Whats New
User: MaryW
Member since: 06-23-2005
Total posts: 2542
From: dmoses
Date: 09-27-2004, 06:08 PM (14 of 48)
I guesss it was really small...I couldn't find it! :whacky: :bluewink:
Take care,
Donna
User: dmoses
Member since: 02-22-2002
Total posts: 964
From: MaryW
Date: 09-27-2004, 06:15 PM (15 of 48)
She didn't have it linked on the site. Here it is.
http://www.timmelfabrics.com/deirdreponcho.jpg
MaryW
owner/editor of Sew Whats New
User: MaryW
Member since: 06-23-2005
Total posts: 2542
From: Igogoin
Date: 09-27-2004, 06:30 PM (16 of 48)
Hey and thanks for the welcome!~

My name is Donna and I live in Alabama. I havent sewn for years but am getting back into it now...esp if I can make it with fleece!!

I have started a poncho for my daughter, I understand the first seam of sewing the short side of one strip to the long side of the other...but just where do I sew the other edges together at to finish the poncho? It is just 2 rectangles, no zipper etc....I sewed one side to the other long side but cannot figure out the rest...

I saw this poncho on ebay and I know I can make it...maybe I am just having a brain dead day!!:bang: So anyway, here is a pictuer of what I am trying to make the picture is not mine and I am not selling this...hope you can help me!!

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=8133250648&ssPageName=STRK:MEWA:IT (http://)

Donna :)....
I so look forward to hearing from ya'll with your great words of wisdom!! :pc:
User: Igogoin
Member since: 09-22-2004
Total posts: 3
From: dmoses
Date: 09-28-2004, 06:52 PM (17 of 48)
Hi Donna,
Did you figure it out, yet? It looks as though you sew the short side of one piece to the long side of the second piece. Then you sew the other end(short side) of the second piece to the long side of the first piece...I think. :nc: You repeat step one, but use opposite sides. :whacky:
Take care,
Donna
User: dmoses
Member since: 02-22-2002
Total posts: 964
From: dmoses
Date: 09-28-2004, 06:57 PM (18 of 48)
She didn't have it linked on the site. Here it is.
http://www.timmelfabrics.com/deirdreponcho.jpg

Thanks, Mary. :bluesmile You're right. It is small! :whacky:
Take care,
Donna
User: dmoses
Member since: 02-22-2002
Total posts: 964
From: Igogoin
Date: 09-29-2004, 07:53 AM (19 of 48)
Hey Donna,
I made 2 ponchos, the first sew of the short side to the long side is perfect, then when I go to do the next one, it is tricky.:whacky: I have to flip it right side out to do it and then sew the other short end to the other long end. Well the neck line isnt right...it isnt a v on the front and back, more to the side. I am thinking maybe my strips arent long enough. I did 24 x 32 and thought that would work. Maybe you have to overlap to sew instead of end to end...that makes it more of the diaganol. I sure wish someone that has made one would clue me in!

Thanks for your reply to me Donna!
Have a super day!

Donna :nc:
User: Igogoin
Member since: 09-22-2004
Total posts: 3
From: mommydionne
Date: 09-29-2004, 06:47 PM (20 of 48)
Hi Donna
I made this for me the other day, Sew a short end to a long end, gives you and L shape, now pull the short end of the L and sew it to the inside long piece of the L. When it falls naturally you should have a square with a notch out of the top for your head to go through. You can change the size easily by making bigger rectangles but keep the proportions the same.

good luck
Jeanette
User: mommydionne
Member since: 01-08-2004
Total posts: 838
From: MaryW
Date: 09-30-2004, 12:16 PM (21 of 48)
Yes ma'am, that's it. If you print out the directions, they are easy to see and follow.
MaryW
owner/editor of Sew Whats New
User: MaryW
Member since: 06-23-2005
Total posts: 2542
From: mommydionne
Date: 10-02-2004, 05:25 PM (22 of 48)
the seams don't fall on your shoulder line, more on an angle, I did the 24x30 and did ok but the knit was a little stretchy and may have "grown"
Jeanette
User: mommydionne
Member since: 01-08-2004
Total posts: 838
From: novicesewer
Date: 10-23-2004, 11:49 PM (23 of 48)
hello, here's how i am making my own fleece poncho. I found a fleece throw 50 inches wide by 60 inches long and figured I could use that to make a no-sew poncho! It has 2 ends already fringed. Fold the throw in half meeting the 2 fringed ends together (so now you have a rectangle 30 inches long by 50 inches wide). Fold in half (meeting the 2 unfringed sides together) to find the centre point of the rectangle. Make a little cut at that centre point; unfold and now make a slit about 5 to 7 inches long on either side of that cut along what would be the shoulders of the poncho (the cuts will be along the fold and toward the unfringed ends). Then make a cut about 5 to 7 inches from the centre along what would be the front of the poncho...the cuts will form a 't' (make the cuts shorter at first, try on the poncho and make the slits longer if it doesn't fit over your head! that way you adjust as needed!!). You can fold over the 2 flaps at the front (the flaps result from the t-shaped cut you made to create the hole for your head) and you can tack them down with buttons which you can hand sew on! And this project cost me just a bit of time, a couple buttons if you don't have any at hand, and $5.61 CND (taxes included!!) Now you can't beat that :)
User: novicesewer
Member since: 10-23-2004
Total posts: 4
From: Zabelle
Date: 10-24-2004, 02:44 AM (24 of 48)
Hello everyone,

Thanks to this thread I'm getting ready to make ponchos... I plan to make ponchos for me and my sister (using the 2-rectangle method).
But... before I start I have two questions...

Does fleece shrink a lot and need prewashing?

My other question is, when you use the rectangle method, how do you cut the fleece? Can you cut out the two pieces next to each other to save on fabric? Or is there anything special I should know? What's your experience there? :nc:

I had that fleece sent from the US over to France (beats our fleece every time in quality and choice of colours)... so I don't want to mess up with it !! :nervous:

Thanks so much for your help!
English sewing journal: Kitty Couture
In French: Journal d'une cousette
User: Zabelle
Member since: 02-25-2004
Total posts: 98
From: DorothyL
Date: 10-24-2004, 09:23 AM (25 of 48)
I'm making a poncho for my niece but I'm doing it the easy way - pattern on sale at Joannes for 99 cents.
My question is the same as Zabelle's. The few times I've used fleece it was for more complicated items and I did preshrink but do I need to for a poncho?
I guess it wouldn't hurt.
Dorothy
User: DorothyL
Member since: 12-09-2002
Total posts: 3883
From: paroper
Date: 10-24-2004, 09:30 AM (26 of 48)
It might stretch with wear but I have never noticed that Fleece shrinks. I've only used it for clothing items. One of my favorite patterns is a short bomber jacket with a zipper and ribbing at the sleeves and bottom that I've made many times. It should have shown on that jacket if it shrank.
pam

Bernina 200e, Artista V5 Designer Plus, Explorations, Magic Box, Bernina 2000DE & 335 Bernette Serger, Bernina 1530 Sewing Machine, Bernina 1300 DC Overlock (with coverstitch)
User: paroper
Member since: 02-03-2004
Total posts: 3775
From: Zabelle
Date: 10-24-2004, 10:51 AM (27 of 48)
Thank you paroper! :smile:

I think I should rephrase my second question about cutting, as I realize it's not clear at all! :whacky:
What I meant was: does it matter in which way do you cut your two rectangles? And in that case do you have to cut them parallel or perpendicular to the selvage??

Thanks again!! :smile:
English sewing journal: Kitty Couture
In French: Journal d'une cousette
User: Zabelle
Member since: 02-25-2004
Total posts: 98
From: LeapFrog Libby
Date: 10-25-2004, 01:01 PM (28 of 48)
I have never found that it made any difference in cutting fleece on the straight grain or crosswise grain as long as it is one or the other.. I do find that when cutting single knits it makes a great deal of difference which way you cut..
BTW--- the other day I made DGD a poncho out of a single knit I had in my stash.. I cut at into 2 rectangles of 16 X 32 and sewed short side to long side and the same again .. Step 2- I made a dart on each shoulder at neckline to make neck opening smaller- I serged a 1/8 width of ribbon to the neckline for a finished edge to keep that from stretching.. on the outer edges I just serged and of course it made a lettuce edging all around the outer edge.. It turned out so cute.. Her mother had a fit over it.. The cheapest RTW one she could find was $ 19.99.. Can you Imagine?? Mine took less than a yard of $ 2.00 a yard single knit from WalMart.. I'm going to make her another of better fabric and add a fringe to outer edge.. :love: :love:
Sew With Love
Libby
User: LeapFrog Libby
Member since: 05-01-2002
Total posts: 2022
From: Zabelle
Date: 10-26-2004, 04:43 AM (29 of 48)
Thank you so much for sharing all this Libby. Oh my, doesn't your poncho sound darling !! :dave: I'm sure your DGD loves it. The dart and ribbon are smart ideas. And I just LOVE lettuce edging. Must be so pretty for a little girl's poncho!

If you have a digital pic of it that you had the time to share, that would be great.


ps: I spent last year in Durham, NC! :wink:
English sewing journal: Kitty Couture
In French: Journal d'une cousette
User: Zabelle
Member since: 02-25-2004
Total posts: 98
From: LeapFrog Libby
Date: 10-26-2004, 01:24 PM (30 of 48)
I still live in the dark ages.. (my gkids say) I do not have a digital camera or a cell phone.. I'll try to get my sister to do it.. I remember reading you on here when you were in Durham.. I assumed you were at Duke.. Glad you are still on the threads with us..
Sew With Love
Libby
User: LeapFrog Libby
Member since: 05-01-2002
Total posts: 2022
From: Zabelle
Date: 10-26-2004, 01:52 PM (31 of 48)
No problem about the picture Libby, it was just in case you did have a pic handy, but really I don't want you to bother about it if you don't have a digital camera! :smile:

It's amazing - and touching - you should remember about me being in Durham. And you're spot on, I was teaching at Duke... Oh, I sure miss your beautiful North Carolina (but I can't live all my life so far away from my family...).

And it has been a long time since I last posted... :nervous: I've had a very busy time since I left the US and need to find good habits again! :wink:

I still live in the dark ages.. (my gkids say) I do not have a digital camera or a cell phone.. I'll try to get my sister to do it.. I remember reading you on here when you were in Durham.. I assumed you were at Duke.. Glad you are still on the threads with us..
English sewing journal: Kitty Couture
In French: Journal d'une cousette
User: Zabelle
Member since: 02-25-2004
Total posts: 98
From: Zabelle
Date: 11-08-2004, 12:03 PM (32 of 48)
After a lot of 'thinking' I finally did make that poncho. After making a paper template I realized the 2-rectangle poncho wouldn't suit my petite frame, so I went for a square with rounded edges, following... MaryLynne's instructions on Sew What's New! I'm 5"1 and cut out a 46"x46" square. I also added a hood to make it my "own"... :wink:

If you'd like a pic, you can see one (several actually!) on my sewing blog (http://e-zabelle.blogspot.com/2004/11/ponchos-in-forest.html). :smile:
English sewing journal: Kitty Couture
In French: Journal d'une cousette
User: Zabelle
Member since: 02-25-2004
Total posts: 98
From: DorothyL
Date: 11-09-2004, 08:52 AM (33 of 48)
I bought a pattern for 99 cents for my niece's poncho. It has a pretty curve in the cut that I wouldn't have been able to do on my own. It's a pretty mint green with a cable knit pattern on it. I appliqued a cupcake, an ice cream cone and a sundae (cut from the kitchen curtain fabric remnants). Turned out great.
Now I'm going to make her brother a Sponge Bob quillow -- and I'm going to use my brand new serger.
Dorothy
User: DorothyL
Member since: 12-09-2002
Total posts: 3883
From: Marielle
Date: 11-09-2004, 11:16 AM (34 of 48)
I'm just about done with my son's poncho. He's 1 and I can't dress him with bulky winterwear because it hinders the way his car seat works. So I've made a poncho after a friend suggested the idea. To make it more boyish and because he already had a very nice knitted hat I designed the neck like a fleece half-zip pullover. Looks very good and I'm going to sew a decorative label on the end of the zipper in the front.

I'll post pictures when I'm done.
User: Marielle
Member since: 10-13-2004
Total posts: 4
From: Zabelle
Date: 11-09-2004, 11:35 AM (35 of 48)
Dorothy and Marielle, your ponchos both sound great! :up:
Isn't it amazing, a poncho is such a basic idea at the start and then everyone ends up with a totally different result thanks to one's personal adds-on :smile: !
English sewing journal: Kitty Couture
In French: Journal d'une cousette
User: Zabelle
Member since: 02-25-2004
Total posts: 98
From: Marielle
Date: 11-09-2004, 02:07 PM (36 of 48)
here it is so far. I'm the one responsible for the sensible/boring cream fleece choice. I have to hem it and add the decorative label. I recycled the zipper from one of those sheet set bags. :up:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v34/marielle448/Ian/iansponcho.jpg
User: Marielle
Member since: 10-13-2004
Total posts: 4
From: Zabelle
Date: 11-09-2004, 02:38 PM (37 of 48)
I love it Marielle! :up: :up:
What a brilliant idea about the zipper. It sure doesn't show that it's recycled! :wink:

Hey Mary, that could be a good one for your daily tips ! :smile:
English sewing journal: Kitty Couture
In French: Journal d'une cousette
User: Zabelle
Member since: 02-25-2004
Total posts: 98
From: blessedmommyuv3
Date: 11-09-2004, 09:26 PM (38 of 48)
Isabelle,
Your poncho is lovely. Thanks for posting a pic :smile:
Inspires me to finish the one I have had 3/4 of the way made for the past 2 weeks-lol!

Happy Sewing!
Jen in CA
User: blessedmommyuv3
Member since: 05-18-2004
Total posts: 263
From: luv2sew
Date: 12-04-2004, 06:28 PM (39 of 48)
I want to make poncos for 7 of my GDs (2, 4, 6, 9, 11, 11, 13) for Christmas and your information here has been very helpful but I need a little more help in sizing for a two and four year old. They do not live nearby and I can't get their measurements. I was wondering.....if I have a size 2 (4) long sleeve pattern....would it work if I measure the pattern from the neck to the end of the sleeve and use that measurement in calculating the size???? :nc: I have searched pattern catalogs and the internet and just found this forum which has more information than previously found and your pictures have been helpful. Any and all help surely will be appreciated.
Clara
Luv2sew
An act of kindness is never wasted!!
User: luv2sew
Member since: 05-21-2004
Total posts: 174
From: paroper
Date: 12-04-2004, 07:02 PM (40 of 48)
Yes. If you put the sleeve cap to the top of the shoulder and measure across from cuff to cuff you should have a correct measurment.
pam

Bernina 200e, Artista V5 Designer Plus, Explorations, Magic Box, Bernina 2000DE & 335 Bernette Serger, Bernina 1530 Sewing Machine, Bernina 1300 DC Overlock (with coverstitch)
User: paroper
Member since: 02-03-2004
Total posts: 3775
From: luv2sew
Date: 12-04-2004, 07:17 PM (41 of 48)
Paroper....thank you. Your directions are so much better. I neglected to say "double the measurement". I have some left over fleece so will go give it a try....after I find and measure the pattern. If I am successful, I plan to do some embroidery on them. This is going to be so much fun. Thank you again. Clara
Luv2sew
An act of kindness is never wasted!!
User: luv2sew
Member since: 05-21-2004
Total posts: 174
From: paroper
Date: 12-04-2004, 09:25 PM (42 of 48)
No problem, kiddo. If you don't have enough fabric, cut another piece the same size and turn it so that the design (if there is one) goes the other direction (like a square "T")...they'll think you are sooooo clever! If you can figure a way out of anything, there is no such think as a mistake, just clever engineering!
pam

Bernina 200e, Artista V5 Designer Plus, Explorations, Magic Box, Bernina 2000DE & 335 Bernette Serger, Bernina 1530 Sewing Machine, Bernina 1300 DC Overlock (with coverstitch)
User: paroper
Member since: 02-03-2004
Total posts: 3775
From: luv2sew
Date: 12-05-2004, 10:08 AM (43 of 48)
Paroper:
:up: :up: Two thumbs up for a job well done!!! :wink:
I have cut two and now on to the embroidery on those. I will use decorative thread in the upper looper of the serger to finish the neckline and probably do a decorative stitch with the same thread as the neck about 2" in from the edge and then cut 1/4" apart for fringe. Using the patterns for measurements was a good idea and thank you for helping me to get over my "jitters". Two heads are better than one. I have a couple of pieces left over that I can use to try your "T" suggestion. If I can't get it to work, I will cut squares and triangles and make a lap robe. :bg: Waste not, want not.
Thank you again for your help.
Clara
Luv2sew
An act of kindness is never wasted!!
User: luv2sew
Member since: 05-21-2004
Total posts: 174
From: LeapFrog Libby
Date: 12-07-2004, 12:35 PM (44 of 48)
I saw a really neat poncho for a girl in a store the other day.. it consisted of 2 pieces of knit fabric.., a rectangle and a square.. so easy.. 12 X 30 and 12 X 12.. The long and short corners of the rectangle form the points for back and front.. The square is sewed to the long side on the back and front and forms the shoulder of one side of the poncho..This makes it fit properly around the neck .. They had stitched fringe on some of them but not all of them had fringe.. This was a very good idea , I thought..
Sew With Love
Libby
User: LeapFrog Libby
Member since: 05-01-2002
Total posts: 2022
From: M & M's Mom
Date: 02-02-2005, 11:42 AM (45 of 48)
Set your page to print on "Landscape" setting and pattern fits on perfectly (once you've clicked on bottom right of picture to make it enlarge).
User: M & M's Mom
Member since: 12-01-2004
Total posts: 102
From: natmyers
Date: 03-09-2005, 08:36 PM (46 of 48)
Just found this forum & was reading through old posts. Here's an example of some ponchos that I have made. They are actually no-sew but I add a facing at the neck.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v18/NatalieF/DSC01245.jpg

I have instructions I can email out if anyone wants them. <email address removed for privacy>
babyandbeyondboutique.com
User: natmyers
Member since: 03-09-2005
Total posts: 34
From: MaryW
Date: 03-10-2005, 07:17 AM (47 of 48)
Hi natmyers, welcome to Sew Whats New.
MaryW
owner/editor of Sew Whats New
User: MaryW
Member since: 06-23-2005
Total posts: 2542
From: Zabelle
Date: 03-10-2005, 10:51 AM (48 of 48)
Oh Natmyers, your poncho is ever so pretty. Lovely colour, lovely details. :up: Thanks for sharing!
English sewing journal: Kitty Couture
In French: Journal d'une cousette
User: Zabelle
Member since: 02-25-2004
Total posts: 98
Sew, What's Up
Search the “Sew What’s New” Archive:
Visit Sew What’s Up for the latest sewing and quilting tips and discussions.
This page was originally located on Sew What’s New (www.sew-whats-new.com) at http://www.sew-whats-new.com/vb/archive/index.php/t-13487.html