Beach Towel Changing Poncho- DIY

A easy sewing project for the industrious, budget minded surfer, swimmer or anyone lacking the item necessary to securely change out of a wetsuit or bathing suit in public places. Save money with this easy to follow tutorial and make one for yourself!
A step by step tutorial on how to make a changing robe with two thrifted beach sized towels. An easy level sewing project with basic sewing knowledge needed. Features include everything you need and nothing you don't- a roomy kangaroo pocket with hidden safety lanyard for keys. Hood with a drawcord for keeping wet hair protected. Measuring steps for customizing size for the width you need for for changing- for any size person.
Time breakdown:
:38 Step 1- Making the Pocket
1:34 Step 2- Pocket Placement
4:26 Step 3- Making the Hood
7:25 Step 4- Sewing the Sides Together
8:42. Step 5- Adding a Drawcord
Music credits:
Savannah (Sketch) by Kevin MacLeod
Link: incompetech.filmmusic.io/song...
License: filmmusic.io/standard-license
Tango de Manzana by Kevin MacLeod
Link: incompetech.filmmusic.io/song...
License: filmmusic.io/standard-license
Cuban Sandwich by Kevin MacLeod
Link: incompetech.filmmusic.io/song...
License: filmmusic.io/standard-license

[@bernardinelermite1133]

Probably the most beautiful changing poncho I have seen on all internet !

[@NoelleODesigns]

Thank you!😊

[@jessblaikie]

I've now made two ponchos using this tutorial. So simple and such a $ saver. Thank you!

[@meandjjforeva]

Thank you for a tutorial ❤❤❤

[@CarolineAnnRaine]

Ah cool beans!!! Thank you. Woke up this morning with the crazy idea that I wanted to make one of these for my surfing husbands birthday present tomorrow. Had a scout around KZbin and this is the BEST tutorial. Off to find some towels now!

[@NoelleODesigns]

GREAT gift idea! Good luck with the project, my guess is he’ll love it!

[@sarahglenn1798]

This was a fantastic tutorial! I made a cool towel poncho with 2 fluffy towels from Walmart that I tie-dyed. Perfect for my kiddo in swim team! Thanks so much!

[@shue458]

Thanks a lot for this perfect pattern! I just started surfing and especially in the winter this coat helps a lot :)

[@raaziamacdonald839]

You've done an amazing job! It looks fantastic. Thank you for the tutorial.

[@merrymacmurphy]

This is what I have been looking for. Great tutorial, thank you so much. I am going to make one today.

[@AnnRicci]

This tutorial is WONDERFUL. I just came across a "towel poncho" on the world-wide web and it was $80.00. I always go to the thrift store to get large pieces of fabric for practice sewing. Sheets///even shower curtains. Going to look for beach towels .... tomorrow !! Thank You

[@NoelleODesigns]

Thank you! So easy to make with a few guidelines and SO much cheaper, not to mention that you can probably find cooler towels on your own than what you can buy already made online.👍🏼

[@thetalkingfly]

Perfect for after ice hole swimming! Cheers, Steve aka The Talking Fly

[@karenjon9948]

You’ve done a great job on this tutorial. Thanks so much!!!

[@emilyredmond6498]

Thank you for this tutorial! Did a long search and yours is definitely the best one I've found. Made one for my spearfisher husband as a gift and he loves it

[@NoelleODesigns]

You’re welcome, thanks for your kind words!☺️

[@PoorLeno101]

EXACTLY what I was looking for. Many thanks.

[@karabelgrove7062]

Thanks for this, I just followed along step by step and made myself a great swim poncho.

[@NoelleODesigns]

You’re welcome- thanks for watching!

[@lindadenty116]

Fantastic video. Best one I've found. Keen to make one myself now. Thanks for the video.

[@leageartis]

Awesome video! Thank you for this ❤

[@pastda3]

Wow, you did a great job. Thanks for the tutorial.

[@augustinekopa6560]

I really loved this video thank you for sharing

[@tracygaytor3735]

I made one of these using your tutorial as inspiration. Thank you, saved me a few pounds.

[@NoelleODesigns]

Excellent- glad I could help!

[@lc8053]

Agree with everyone below- Best tutorial out there!! And such a good reminder to not sew over the pocket hole!!

[@NoelleODesigns]

Thank you!

[@mirahalpern9217]

THANKYOU this is BRILLIANT ❤😊

[@jannloden1221]

thank you. I just made this. turned out great. j.

[@seabreeze3906]

It’s great for learning purposes, that you used two plain towels. Easy for people following to understand which is front, which is back. Thank you. Longer stitch length Walking foot Helps the multiple layered, textured fabric, sewing (I’ve sewn a lot with towel fabric)

[@LilouRg]

Thenk you 🇩🇿🇩🇿🇩🇿👍

[@diyallthings]

This is interesting!!!!!!

[@mamal0ogcube656]

good Job ty

[@susantainter9760]

Thanks so much for the reply. I found the clips at a sew shop

[@susantainter9760]

Love this! This is the "best" tutorial I found, and I love your sewing machine! I have one that is probably the model before yours. Got it in the 70s. Also those clips are great!!!! Where to find? Thanks so much for this useful video

[@NoelleODesigns]

I’m glad you liked the video and found it helpful! The 50 year old Berninas are the best - I’m glad you’ve got one too. I’m not sure what the little clippys are called- any sewing supplies place should have them, especially online places. They’re weirdly expensive- like $1 each… I hope you can find them cheaper! Thanks again for watching🙏🏼

[@vanesaM.7033]

Que linda!! Cuantos metros de tela usaste en total incluyendo la capucha?,

[@DakhlaCity-ui1po]

Traduire du texte avec votre appareil photo Thank you very much. I learned from your simple and enjoyable method

[@familythiede]

I'm just learning to sew. So, hard for me to make modifications with out instructions. If I wanted to make the hood less pointed, how would I accomplish that? Thank you, this looks like the best video I found on making a changing poncho. My daughter bought one for 80.00, and I think I can make her another one for much less. I bought 2 towels from Amazon for 17 for both, and then a cool towel with stripes and sharks for the pocket. Anyway, thank you again.

[@NoelleODesigns]

Hi Betsy- great job taking on sewing- it’s a rewarding activity. I would round that corner as you sew the top hood seam. Pin it, turn it right side out and take a look before you sew it to get an idea of how it will look. Good luck!

[@elnana1]

Hi there what size needle would you use for sewing towel fabric? Thanks!

[@NoelleODesigns]

Hello, I would use a larger needle, a 90-120 for towel fabric.

[@josephinehoekstra6156]

how long did this project roughly take to make? I would love to make one but don't have a lot of time for it

[@NoelleODesigns]

This project only took a few hours, you could probably finish it in an afternoon.

[@mersea5191]

Hi there! What were the measurements you used for the neck-hole and the shoulders? Thank you.

[@NoelleODesigns]

Hi, the measurements for the neck hole are roughly 12” across each towel, so 24” total. Thanks!

[@seabreeze3906]

12 inches = 30cm (same width as a standard ruler)

[@RosalynGrady]

Thank you for this great tutorial! I have 2 questions: 1. I can only find towels 33" wide, I would like to add 5" to get more width. How do you recommend I do this? 2. I am making this for my daughter, she would like an opening inside the pocket so she can access her garments without having to pull her arms inside the poncho. Thank you :)

[@NoelleODesigns]

Good questions- off the top of my head, I would try looking for “double” sized beach towels, for 2 people, for extra width. Then cut the double size down to the width you want and serge or Hume the edge. For inside access to the pocket you could put an opening on the inside that zippers or velcros or even just add a button or two. I hope that helps!😊

[@RosalynGrady]

@@NoelleODesigns Thanks, I haven’t seen a double beach towel. I ended up using another bath towel to make 2-6”strips, attached them to the sides of front and back. It’s not a CB pretty poncho but it is functional and warm. I talked my daughter out of having an opening in the pocket.

[@bigmeatyxclaws876]

1. How hard would this be if its my first time using sewing machine? 2. Could I reasonably do this by hand?

[@NoelleODesigns]

Sewing on towels can be tricky due to the thickness and bulky. If you spent a couple of hours practicing on the machine you could probably pull it off. Sewing it by had is doable but would be time consuming. Good luck!

[@bigmeatyxclaws876]

@@NoelleODesigns Thank you for reply! I just picked up a used Singer sewing machine, wish me luck!! Not sure what tension setting to use for this, going to start with 5 and see how it goes.

[@32srt32]

How much did it cost in the end if i have my own sewing machine

[@NoelleODesigns]

It all depends on how much you spend on material- you could purchase new towels, use what you’ve already got or buy second hand- it’s all up to you!

[@holmwoodgrows]

I have 2 bath towels. I was wondering the width of you towels?

[@NoelleODesigns]

The width of the towels I used are 38”, they are definitely pool/beach towels. If you used regular size bath towels it would be more of a kid size, pretty small for an adult to change in. Good luck, I hope that helps!

[@wem2049]

Can you please give measurements for your beach towels? Not always standard size. Thanks.

[@NoelleODesigns]

The beach towels I used were 38” x 58”

[@wem2049]

@@NoelleODesigns Thank you.

[@Igor-no.rus.]

20/20 just for the cat🤣

[@NoelleODesigns]

Pierre is the best 😂 thanks!