May 28, 2019

How To Sew Camp Poncho for Kids

Amy | Our Amyable Farmhouse Simply Handmade 3 Comments

This tutorial shows you how easy it is to sew a camp poncho for kids! With just a few measurements, cuts, and a simple seam, kids stay warm and cozy at the campsite.

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This post is in collaboration with several of my blogger friends. We are sharing some spring inspired DIYs. I will have their blogs linked at the bottom of this post, so be sure to check them out!

Our family loves to go camping! The crisp air in the mornings, the refreshing cool of the evenings, the adventure during the days, and marshmallows by the fire.

Our favorite way to keep warm on those crisp mornings and cool evenings is with this super easy, fleece poncho!

Video How to Sew Camp Poncho for Kids

How to Sew Camp Poncho for Kids Materials

1 yard of 59″ or 60″ wide fleece (I like the anti pil because it lasts longer through washes) – a yard is sufficient for small children and toddler sizes
scissors
tape measure
sewing machine
optional: for a finished edge you crochet an edging, or sew on rick-rack or bias tape (I used about 2 packages, 3 yards each of bias tape for this tutorial)

How To Sew Camp Poncho for Kids Instructions

Determine what size to make

For a smaller child/toddler size, use 1 yard of fleece (their wingspan will probably be in the neighborhood of 36″). For older kids, measure the child’s wingspan (from tip of fingers, across the back, to other side’s tip of fingers). Then measure the circumference of child’s head. Wingspan plus half of the head circumference will be how much fabric to purchase, i.e. if wingspan measures 42″ and head circumference is 20″, then cut 52″ from the bolt of fabric. Can you tell I don’t like to buy more than I need? That’s the frugal side coming out in me. 😉

Then cut and sew

Cut a square for the poncho piece to the length measured for wingspan. For example, if using a yard of fleece, cut a 36″ square.
Cut a piece for the hood: a rectangle measuring the head measurement plus 4″ (i.e. 20″+4″=24″) by half that measurement (12″).
Fold your cut poncho piece into fourths to find the center (at the folded point).
From the center measure out the radius, which is half the measurement of your wingspan. Using a pencil or fabric pen, mark the radius at each edge, center, and in between those points. Cut along these marks to create a rounded edge.
To cut the hole for the head, divide the head circumference by pi, or 3.1 4, i.e. 20″/3.14=6.2. That’s the diameter. Find the radius by dividing by 2, i.e. 6.2/2=3.1. Round to 3 because fleece has a lot of ease. And because it’s easier. With the poncho piece still folded in fourths, from the folded corner measure out and mark 3″ on each edge and center, cutting along the marks as before. Open the poncho piece to reveal a donut. Yay!
At this point you can choose to finish the edges of your poncho and hood pieces with a variety of techniques: crochet edging, rick-rack, or bias tape. This time I chose to use 1/2″ wide single fold bias tape. (You can find how to attach that HERE where she explains what bias tape is and how to attach. Great tutorial!) For the hood piece, the edging is attached to just ONE of the long sides.

Assemble

With right sides together, fold the hood piece in half, short sides together.
Sew the back of the hood (opposite of the trim, if using).
With right sides together, pin the hood to the poncho. There should be a slight overlap of the hood edges in the front (if not, make it so — remember, fleece gives). Sew all around, reinforcing the overlap with a few backstitches.
Congrats! You did it, WOOHOO! Hey, anytime I can cheer on a mama, I say whoop it up!

Check out my other Sewing Tutorial

Find my super simple t-shirt dress here: T-shirt Dress For Girls | Simple Sewing

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Will You Make It?

Oh how I would LOVE LOVE LOVE to see your creations! Attach a photo in the comments below. You could go crazy with this; for example, make one for all the kids on your Christmas list, make them for the neighbor kids, make some to pass out to a shelter, children’s hospitals, etc. The possibilities are endless. As is your creativity!