How to Sew a Poncho: Free Patterns and Instructions

Written by
Debbie Colgrove
Debbie is an award-winning seamstress and tailor who wrote sewing content for over 18 years for The Spruce Crafts.
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Debbie Colgrove
Updated 07/01/19

A poncho is a comfortable and useful garment that never seems to go out of style. A basic poncho easy to make. Put one together from fleece fabric you find on sale or give an old throw blanket a new life. Use these free patterns, some of which have instructional videos to show you just how it's done.

  • 01 of 10

    Easy Fleece Poncho

    Easy Fleece Poncho

    Debbie Colgrove

    Use two pieces of fleece to make a poncho that is double warm and reversible. This pattern has photo-enhanced instructions. You just need 1 yard of each fabric.

    Easy Fleece Poncho Pattern from PigGear at Instructables

  • 02 of 10

    Martha Stewart Poncho Project

    Martha Stewaert Frying Pan Poncho

    Debbie Colgrove

    This pattern and instructions are enhanced with a video. Watch how using a kitchen frying pan and a yard of fabric lets you create a stylish poncho. It's designed by Wendy Mullins, who guides you and Martha Stewart through the process.

    Poncho Pattern from Built By Wendy at Martha Stewart

  • 03 of 10

    Circle Poncho DIY

    Circle Poncho DIY

    Debbie Colgrove

    This poncho is done with a laminated fabric and a lining to create a child's raincoat poncho. Follow the step-by-step instructions and use your fabric choices for a one-of-a-kind beautiful creation that a child is going to love.

    Circle Poncho Raincoat from Sewing Rabbit

  • 04 of 10

    Bernina Poncho with Panache

    Bernina Poncho with Panache

    Debbie Colgrove

    Make a stylish fringed poncho with this pattern. These instructions are designed to guide you through using Bernina's sewing machine presser feet. Directions for using a serger are included but optional.

    Poncho With Panache from Bernina

    Continue to 5 of 10 below.
  • 05 of 10

    Colorful Sewn Poncho

    Colorful Sewn Poncho

    Debbie Colgrove

    The instructions for this colorful poncho start with using tie dye kits to make your own colorful fabric for a cozy poncho. The fabric choice makes this poncho one that would be great with leggings or other tight pants while masking any upper body flaws in color.

    Colorful Sewn Poncho from FaveCrafts

  • 06 of 10

    How to Make a Lined Poncho Video

    DIY Poncho Jacket Video

    Debbie Colgrove

    This tutorial uses satin fabric and wool fabric to create a jacket styled poncho. Make a true fashion statement while keeping you warm. These instructions are simple and easy to follow so don't hesitate to give making your first lined jacket.

    Lined Poncho Video from Sewing for Beginners

  • 07 of 10

    Simple Cowl Neck Fleece Poncho

    Melly Sews Cowl Fleece Poncho

    Debbie Colgrove

    Follow these simple and detailed instructions to convert 2 1/2 yards of 60-inch-wide fleece into a toasty, cozy poncho with a cowl neck.

    Simple Cowl Neck Fleece Poncho Pattern from Melly Sews

  • 08 of 10

    Kathy Davis by the Sea Chiffon Poncho

    Make a breezy poncho to use as a beach coverup. Use 2 yards of chiffon fabric plus twill tape and cotton ball trim for this fun poncho. It's at an intermediate skill level as working with light fabrics takes a little more experience.

    Kathy Davis by the Sea Chiffon Poncho from Jo-Ann Fabrics

    Continue to 9 of 10 below.
  • 09 of 10

    Pleather-Trimmed Poncho With Zipper

    Finish the edges of this poncho with pleather trim for extra style. Adding a front 24-inch zipper also allows you to secure it on those cold and windy days. This is an intermediate sewing project.

    Pleather-Trimmed Poncho With Zipper from Jo-Ann Fabrics

  • 10 of 10

    Rain Poncho

    Use waterproof PUL fabric to make your own useful rain poncho. You'll be adding snaps to keep it all in place during a storm, so you will need snap pliers for this intermediate-level project.

    Rain Poncho from Jo-Ann Fabrics