Your old blankets can still be of use. You can upcycle them by learning how to make a blanket poncho.
You don’t even need to sew them to become ponchos. You can follow the simple steps below. We’ll also let you in on the different kinds of ponchos and how to measure the perfect poncho for you.
Best Steps On Making A Blanket Poncho
Step #1. Prepare materials
First, you have to prepare your fleece or wool blanket. Then, prepare your cutting materials, namely scissors and a rotary cutter.
Finally, prepare your pins for marking. Pins also keep your blanket from moving as you cut your blanket.
Step #2. Lay the fabric
Fold your fabric, then lay it on a flat surface and make sure the edges are clean. Next, cut the excess fabric on the edges.
Step #3. Fold, fold, and fold
Fold your fabric again. You will have three folds—two at the top and one at the edge.
Step #4. Mark the center
Pin or mark the fabric’s center from its folded edge. Mark one inch from the ends of the folded fabric to serve as a guide.
Mark from top to bottom with one inch out. The mark should only be on one side of the material, not on all the folds.
Step #5. Cut the center
Cut the marked center of the fabric, the folded edge earlier. If you lay it on the table with only one fold, the cut will not go through the whole material. Only the top part of the folded fabric is cut.
Step #6. Round edges
Fold the fabric with the cut center on the inside of the fold into four. Next, cut a round edge on the material using the rotary cutter. After this, you can wear your blanket poncho!
What is a poncho?
The defining characteristic of a poncho is the hole in the center of the fabric. It is loose-fitting, but you can style it to fit your body, too.
They don’t have sleeves and don’t have a particular shape to them. They are sometimes called interchangeably with shawls, capes, or cloaks.
Typically, it’s made of wool, and it keeps you warm. It has a slit in the middle where you can fit your head.
Nowadays, there are shawls with hoods and turtlenecks. Some designers make shawls from leather, too. It’s a versatile fashion piece that hasn’t gone out of style.
What are the different types of poncho?
Learning about making a cloak out of an old blanket and what a cloak is is not enough. Here, we listed the different types of cloaks for your reference.
1. Shoal poncho
Women typically wear this type of shawl. You can wear them like a shoal or a scarf, and you can fasten them with a brooch or a tie.
2. Jorongo poncho
This type of poncho is typically long. Traditionally, jorongo shawls are worn for horseback riding. Nowadays, you can wear them during special events.
3. Chamanto
You can only find a Chamanto Poncho in Central Chile. It is a silk-woven traditional poncho.
Sometimes it can be wool-woven with ribbon edges. It is also reversible and unisex.
4. Emergency poncho
An emergency poncho is used for rainy days to keep you dry. It is made up of waterproof material and has the distinct characteristics of ponchos. This one comes in different styles, some with pockets and some that are long enough to be set over a motorbike.
5. Traditional mexican style
A traditional Mexican poncho is made of wool. It is made with different and colorful designs and has tassels on its edges. It is still a hit because of its versatility and durability.
How are ponchos measured?
To determine the hang of the shawl on your body, measure its length, then subtract about six to eight inches for its drape.
Divide the difference in half. The quotient will be your measurement from shoulder down.
The shawl’s length is measured from the hole of the fabric and vertically towards the bottom. The drape is the length of the poncho from the shoulders to the bottom of the shawl.
To determine the arm length of the shawl:
- Take the width of the shawl
- Subtract it with the width of your shoulders
- Divide the difference by two. The quotient will be the arm length of the shawl.
Styling a poncho depends on its length and arm length, which is why measuring it is important. It’s so that you can find the ideal cloak for you without it feeling awkward on your shoulders, looking too long or too short, or covering too much or too little of your arms.
Conclusion
It was easy to learn how to make a blanket poncho because all it took was folding and cutting. However, determining your perfect poncho fit proved to be a bit more challenging.
Don’t fret, though; we’re sure that there are shawls that are perfect for you. Moreover, by knowing how to measure a poncho correctly, you can alter it to fit you.