How to Make a Fleece Poncho for Kids

Remember when ponchos were popular in the sixties and seventies? Ponchos in that era were usually crocheted, colorful, and very stylish. Kids in the sixties and seventies were especially fond of ponchos, and it’s not surprising that ponchos are making a big comeback. Ponchos are stylish, warm, and most of all, ponchos are fun.

Kids can have fun making a stylish fleece poncho with a little help from mom or dad. You don’t need a sewing machine to make this one-of-a-kind fleece poncho. All that’s required is a pair of fabric scissors, fleece, and the desire to make a fun and fashionable fleece poncho. To make a fashionable fleece poncho even more stylish, kids can add decorative beads to the fringe for added fun and fabulous flair.

Making fleece ponchos that don’t require sewing is a fantastic group activity for girl scouts, brownie troops, and girls’ clubs. Friends also love getting together to make these easy fleece ponchos. Consider making the following fleece ponchos for your kid’s next group project or slumber party. These fleece ponchos are as fun to make as they are stylish.

Fleece fabric is available in major discount stores and fabric stores, and there are dozens of patterns to choose from. You’ll be amazed at the number of choices available. Popular cartoon characters, flowers, animal prints, and geometric designs are just some of the patterns available. If you can’t make up your mind, consider making more than one fleece poncho. You can make a different fleece poncho for every day of the week.

Sizing the Poncho

A 42-inch square poncho fits average size kids between the ages of eight and ten. The poncho should hang approximately 4 inches above the knees, so choose the size of the fleece fabric square accordingly.

Supplies Needed

A 42-inch square piece of fleece
Fabric scissors
Decorative beads (optional)

Procedure

Simply ask the fabric store to cut a piece of fleece that measures exactly 42 inches square. Having the fleece cut in advance will save time and ensure the square is exactly the right size.

The next step is to make an opening for your the head. Fold the fleece square to form a triangle, and fold the triangle in half again to make a smaller fleece triangle. Cut a small quarter-circle from the folded point of the triangle. Make sure you begin by cutting a small circle so the opening doesn’t end up being too large. The fleece will stretch a little, so the opening doesn’t have to be very large. Open the triangle to see if the circle is large enough for the head. If the opening isn’t large enough, simply fold the fleece in the same manner as before, and trim off a little more fabric until the opening is the proper size.

Next you will need to cut a 4-inch square from each corner of the fleece poncho. Cutting out each corner will enable you to make the fringe along each side. After cutting out the squares, create the fringe by carefully cutting �½ inch strips four-inches in length across each side of the fleece. Finish the fringe by making a knot at the base of each strip.

Make your fleece poncho more stylish by threading decorative beads onto each strip of fringe. Add one bead to each strip of fringe, or add several beads. Secure the beads with knots, and your fashionable fleece poncho is ready to wear.