How to Sew a Fleece Poncho with a Cowl Neck

Make a quick, easy, and stylish fleece poncho with a cowl neck that can also be worn as a hood. Perfect as a gift to sew! Blog post with details: mellysews.com/sew-fleece-ponc...
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[@marymortonjones2507]

I found out a friend of mine has cancer. I know from other friends with cancer that when they were going through chemotherapy treatment their neck and head got cold. They also have issues with having to take on and off their jacket, coat, and sweater so the nurses and staff have access to their arms for blood pressure checks, accessing their ports and drawing blood if needed. I came across this video on KZbin. I have made these for them, to take and use at every treatment. I try to find fabrics (fleece) that reflect their hobbies, colors, or favorite pastime. Thanks Melly. You have helped so many people going through cancer treatment and hospital stays keep warm. I also want you to know that many hospital patients like that they can put it on over their hospital gowns to be covered up when they have ministers, chaplains and friends drop in to visit. I have also made them for nursing home residents. I think I have found my purpose in this life.

[@Mellysews]

Thanks - I love this use! This makes me think about doing another poncho tutorial and adding snaps to the front for this specific situation.

[@getskilledalot3834]

I haven't sewn since the 8th grade. I'm 63 now. It's Christmas Eve, and I'm going to try to make this as a gift. My two Pomeranians are barking as I watch this. Your dog sounds like them. Thanks for the explicit directions. I'll need them!

[@Mellysews]

Must be a neighbor dog you’re hearing, my dogs are much bigger than Poms.

[@getskilledalot3834]

You saved my butt with this tutorial. I went out on Christmas eve to buy fleece, and I managed to make this just in time for Christmas! Thanks!!

[@pattysherwood7091]

I love how clear the instructions are and you even mentioned the stitch you use!

[@Mellysews]

Glad it was helpful!

[@nilofarcompton4894]

Fantastic video tutorial. Not too slow and not too fast. with the right shooting angle. Thank you very much

[@Mellysews]

Thanks for watching!

[@carolg.6838]

Melly, thanks for the cute pattern and tutorial. Very generous of you. Thanks for telling about matching the checks...good lesson. Nice to be able to use fleece which is easily available and washable. And thanks to all for comments about widening the cowl. I will probably do that too.

[@Mellysews]

Glad it's helpful!

[@joec783]

great job,melly! looks so warm and cozy!especially after our huge snowstorm.

[@MarilynDIAZDESIGNS]

I FINALLY made this for a Cubs game I went to this past weekend, since it was going to be chilly. I had to trim the sides a lot because I'm only 5.1 and the arms were too long. I also had to add an extra panel of fabric in the center back, with pleats, to the cowl neck portion so it wasn't so tight on my head. And finally I added about a 6" of cuddle fabric to finish the edge, which was folded and stitched with a hidden seam into the inside of the cowl to frame the face. It was perfect for my baseball game. And I did it in Cubs fleece print with contrasting red cuddle fabric. It came out perfect with the adjustments. I LOVE it. I looked like a red monster when I was done sewing with the cuddle fabric. Thanks Melly!!

[@Mellysews]

Thanks for watching!

[@jadejones8996]

I'd love to see a picture of ur cubs poncho!

[@NANI-fp4dg]

Hii are you live 😂🤍

[@adriadri7107]

This is my kind of project!! I'm making it!!

[@jimmie200]

Thank you for the clear instructions. I am making one for my friend in Baltimore. It's cold up there!

[@Mellysews]

Have fun!

[@odellpark]

Just made one and love it! Had to adjust to make neck opening bigger.

[@Mellysews]

Glad you like it! Yes, the neck opening size is a personal preference; I start smaller because you can make it bigger but you can't go back once it's too big.

[@rhinoculousaurus]

Love it. Easy tutorial. Thanks. I'm going to go get my fleece material now

[@Mellysews]

Thanks for watching!

[@beckv8526]

I love it. I'm putting it on my list of things to do as gifts. Thank you.

[@Mellysews]

Hope they love your gifts!

[@lucyl0101]

I totally enjoyed watching your video. I can not wait to buy fabrics so that I can make ponchos for me and family. Great tutorial

[@Mellysews]

Thanks for watching!

[@amyhardman1031]

Girl you are amazing, thank you for a wonderful tutorial!!!

[@Mellysews]

Thanks for watching!

[@makingiteasywithliz]

I love this. Thank you for a great tutorial. I want to make ponchos to keep on our boat and this is perfect.

[@Mellysews]

+Making It Easy with Liz Glad to help, thanks for watching!

[@makingiteasywithliz]

+Melly Sews Making this now...leopard print. 2 seams...how much easier can it get? Great versatile style made easy, just the way I like it.

[@joegonzalez84]

Awesome can't wait to try to make one with my 8yr old! :))

[@TattooedAussieChick]

Thank goodness I found this. I walk with crutches and it’s so hard to wear anything with long sleeves. I freeze in winter. I’m definitely making one of these!!!

[@Mellysews]

Glad it's helpful!

[@izabeau1953]

Love this so nice to make as a gift for the winter, at Christmas...love it . 🌹❤️🌹❤️

[@Mellysews]

Thank you! 😊

[@annemariereyes8197]

Cute and simply :-) Thank you!

[@lauraashby9369]

You're a great teacher! Keep up the great work!

[@Mellysews]

Thanks! I guess all those years teaching high school helped :)

[@Kandiekisses25]

Although this is a older post it’s perfect for me. As I am expecting and I just don’t want to get a big prego coat just for a few weeks.

[@Mellysews]

Congratulations! I hope the rest of your pregnancy is uneventful.

[@bignai21]

This was very detailed, thank you so much! You now have a new subscriber 😊

[@Mellysews]

Thanks for subscribing!

[@rupalvyas3290]

very detailed and clear instructions. So it becomes easy n useful to sew for beginners as well. Thank you very much.

[@Mellysews]

Thanks for watching!

[@charlotteclaussen5593]

Making a pastel Chevron one tonight!

[@Mellysews]

Hope it turns out great!

[@kendalberry9058]

Thanks for sharing A tutorial, Melly. I liked that you tried it on to make sure it fits. I remember when I used to wear a red poncho rain coat

[@Mellysews]

Thanks for watching.

[@kendalberry9058]

@@Mellysews I would like it if you made a Christmas poncho

[@jaywhyte6958]

Stunning! Thank you :) Warm regards from Auckland, New Zealand.

[@Mellysews]

Thanks for watching!

[@beccogiallo]

Excellent tutorial. Thank you.

[@Mellysews]

Thanks for watching!

[@patriciathompson2202]

Brilliant! I will be wearing one today! Thank you for your well done video. I'll be following you from this day on too.. ;-)

[@Mellysews]

+Patricia Thompson Thanks for watching!

[@Irma_G]

me encantó!

[@caroltice161]

I am watching this again. I never made it because there is never a time in Michigan that this would work for me. Today, I realized I can wear it inside all winter. Thank you for this.

[@Mellysews]

Glad you figured out a time to wear one!

[@carolg.6838]

Right! I'm near Chicago and I have friends who are freezing all the time in air conditioning, but I'm even cold in the house in the winter. Just bought a couple yards of fleece to layer with my quilt. So soft..like the inside of a new sweatshirt.

[@TWMAC2011]

Looks easy peasy, thank you!!

[@Mellysews]

It was!

[@kathy8355]

Thanks. I found a great pattern for my rose colored fleece.

[@Mellysews]

Wonderful!

[@chaacho_cino]

That was so enjoyable! Thank you 👽

[@Mellysews]

Thanks for watching!

[@amaliagelizondo2672]

Love it !!!!!! Thank you .

[@Mellysews]

Thanks for watching!

[@missydehart6920]

this was a great tutorial. thank you

[@Mellysews]

Thanks for watching!

[@MileyonDisney]

I can't wait to make one of these. Thanks!

[@MelissaMora-mellysews]

Thanks for watching!

[@dauntiekay2768]

I really like this and I think I will make one tomorrow!!! Great sewing instructions and this looks very easy to make!

[@Mellysews]

Have fun!

[@Theonlychioma]

This is fantastic!

[@Mellysews]

Thanks for watching!

[@foxxybrown291]

I really Love this Melly, looks so comfy 😍😍😍 xx

[@Mellysews]

+Live, Love & Learn Naturally Thanks!

[@rosselslife3217]

This is exactly what I want to make for my next project. Thank you so much for this tutorial..

[@Mellysews]

Have fun sewing!

[@whengculit4359]

So easy to follow. Thanks for sharing. :)

[@Mellysews]

Thanks for watching!

[@nuvoclassic]

great video - nice deign - excellent explanations - I can do this!

[@Mellysews]

You can!

[@tatianab.5475]

so nice!! i will do this. thx for sharing

[@Mellysews]

Thanks for watching!

[@sharifaparker2418]

I love it!!!!

[@Mellysews]

Thanks for watching!

[@genmohmed359]

Thank u for the video

[@christianrivera8623]

amazing work !!

[@Mellysews]

Thanks!

[@PossumLady8262]

Just subbed to your channel. Such an easy tutorial even I could

[@Mellysews]

Thanks for watching!

[@jennialfabetico5691]

Love it!! 🤓

[@Mellysews]

Thanks!

[@marietteforget7804]

Thanks a lot! I will make it for my son’s girlfriend. 🌸🌸

[@Mellysews]

Have fun!

[@StitchingMadeEasy]

Wow it looks stunning😍

[@Mellysews]

Thanks for watching!

[@StitchingMadeEasy]

@@Mellysews It is worth watching.

[@esthersefer1285]

You are a Genius.

[@Mellysews]

Thanks

[@ginocanzonetta9527]

This is an excellent tutorial. What a great job you do. I am a beginner and was wondering because I visit the freezing cold midwest in winter if you could make two, one as a lining. It could be pulled through the neck opening before the cowl is attached and if the cowl was lined the edge framing the face would have a nice seam. What do you think???

[@Mellysews]

I haven't tried that, but sounds like it might work.

[@ginjabea49]

Sounds great. Black lining on this poncho would look nice- you could cut it 1/2 inch longer all the way round and flip it on top of printed side-double hem all way round to get a nice smooth black trim edge

[@maryt2887]

Watching this great tutorial in 2023. Could I topstitch around the neckline to keep the seam down?

[@Mellysews]

Sure, but use a stretch stitch

[@annettemasden3382]

I would love to try this , it's so cute. I am a beginner ....... I am very serious I can't thread the needle on the sewing machine. I am totally embarrassed to admit , but it's the truth . I did some sewing in high school and made my own graduation dress. It looks easy when I watched you . I will have to get myself together. Regardless I really enjoyed the video. I will be watching for more . Thank you so much for posting .

[@Mellysews]

You should try it - that's the best way to learn.

[@carolg.6838]

Annette, you can sew this! If you made a dress, you have the skills. Go for easy print or solid color to keep your first one simple. Not directional or plaid. Some comments explain they needed to widen width of cowl and adjust the neck opening. (Every time I don't sew for awhile I lose confidence. Get out the manual. If has to be threaded right with the right stitch length and stuff. If that's not right it's like a computer that has a faulty program installed. You can have all the skills but can't be successful.)

[@judyallen6268]

I like ..going to make one or 2 or more

[@Mellysews]

Have fun sewing!

[@mrsducky3428]

Can't help but admire your beautiful shirt! Absolutely love that Tshirt look with the princess seams! Did you make it yourself?

[@Mellysews]

Yes! Pattern is in my shop here blankslatepatterns.com/products/denver-tunic-and-dress

[@carolynlaboy4901]

This is adorable ! I am new to sewing but I think I can handle this. Was looking for a hooded poncho pattern for my daughter. I checked your blog for the pattern. Any suggestion on how much smaller the 2 pieces should be for a 10 year old ? Bring new to this I don't know how to make those adjustments. I am a crocheter LOL

[@Mellysews]

I haven't made one for that size, so I don't know.

[@kathyhotson9668]

The cowl was too small and bulky for me. So I cut it to 26"x14". I then changed the dimensions of the neck hole to 4.5"x2.5" and it was perfect!

[@Mellysews]

+Kathy Hotson Way to customize for yourself - that is exactly why everyone should sew :)

[@marytremendous9091]

i just subscribe right now. you really did great job , video was very comfortable and also explained well. i have a question that can sew out the outside corners of poncho ? i mean the surrounding of all fabric

[@Mellysews]

You mean like a hem? Sure.

[@brendafuller1806]

your awesome 🌹🌹🌹

[@Mellysews]

Thanks for watching!

[@LoveIsAlwaysHereChooseLove]

Hi Melly! This is another great video. Thank you! I am wondering how to finish the circular seam using flannel instead of fleece. I could still cut to the stitching line so the cowl lays flat, but then how to stop it from fraying?

[@Mellysews]

You'll need a bigger neckline since flannel doesn't stretch, and then I'd probably finish the same way I did this cuff. mellysews.com/how-to-stitch-in-the-ditch/

[@utbaker]

Thank you for the video! I was wondering if extra fabric is needed for a plus size? I know a lot of ponchos are a "one size fits all", but when you are a plus size, that is not always the case.

[@Mellysews]

My best suggestions would be to measure and maybe use a blanket or sheet folded to see the general size and determine if you'd like more fabric for your poncho.

[@riasharma3172]

I like your tshirt...

[@Mellysews]

Thanks for watching!

[@cristinana6379]

Ty you for this, may I ask, can it be worn in a way that its like a triangle at the front, not sure if this makes sense, but I love the ones that a pointy at the front not straight?

[@Mellysews]

Sure, just turn it when you put it on.

[@cristinana6379]

@@Mellysews really that easy lol, ty, actually now looking at it, yeah makes sense, i was just thinking if i turned it the hood wouldn't do, but of course it will lol

[@darlenebegovich9433]

This is beautiful! I would like to make this for a four year old child. Do you have measurements to make a smaller version?

[@Mellysews]

I don't.

[@susieramer5444]

Nice, thanks. Going to make one for my daughter (adult daughter) for christmas. Just bought 3 yards of purple " flannel" fleece. And it looks like it works up fast. She will love it. Have you ever added pockets to it?

[@Mellysews]

I have not tried pockets on this, if you do let us know how it goes!

[@cheryellemley-mcroy6758]

How about pockets on the inside? Hidden?

[@supermelodia]

Very cute and functional. the size of the hood is the same size of the around neck?

[@Mellysews]

Yes, but the neck is about the same size at the head circumference, not pulled in like a t-shirt.

[@cindybonem2412]

Hi Melly, are you standing to sew? I hurt my back several years ago and now the slight rocking of sewing kills my back. I was just thinking today, standing to sew might be the way to go for me. Do you have a special table you use for this, if you do would you tell us what it is? Thank you. Cindy

[@Mellysews]

I only stand to sew in my videos, but it's certainly possible. My table isn't anything special, it's just counter height.

[@cindybonem2412]

Melly Sews thank you for replying.

[@paulanddebbierowlands1178]

I just found this very interesting pattern today. I hope that it is not too late for a question. When you cut the neck opening, and you measure one side at 4 inches and the other side at 2 inches, which is the longer side(60 inch side) and which is the shorter side (54 inches). I keep watching the video and cannot tell. Is the 4 inch measurement along the 60 inch side? I hope you can understand my question. I would so appreciate your instruction on this. Polar fleece is on sale at my local fabric store this weekend and I am looking forward to giving this make a go. Thank you!

[@Mellysews]

The diagrams in the post linked in the video description should help clear that up for you.

[@monicalawhorn2485]

So simple and cute. Very cozy. Is there any way to make the cowl larger? I prefer my hoods very large and loose. I will most likely use it as a hood a lot but still want a cowl option.

[@Mellysews]

Sure, cut a bigger neckline, then measure it at the seam allowance to determine the length for your cowl.

[@monicalawhorn2485]

@@Mellysews I will try this. thank you mivh for the advise.

[@christinagarcia927]

Do you think I can use cotton? My daughter wants a pumpkin style poncho. I am going to make the cowl green & the rest orange. Wish me luck. Thanks for sharing!

[@Mellysews]

It would need to stretch, or else you'd have to modify the neckline to make it bigger.

[@donnasoper7619]

I love the shirt you're wearing - what pattern is that?

[@Mellysews]

That's my Denver Tunic; pattern here blankslatepatterns.com/products/denver-tunic-and-dress

[@kathrynpledger9068]

Hi, my cowl seems to be a bit to snug around my face. Is that the way that it should be? Or is there any accommodations different head sizes? Thanks

[@Mellysews]

It's personal preference. You can certainly make yours bigger around if that's what you prefer.

[@lazystef74]

ok I have city to specifications. from what I understand the 60 in should basically go over should and arms. I cut the neck and your measurements are good for my heat. but when I cut the cowl omg i can barley put over my head. and when I do its tight at neck and under chin, I looked like E.T. lol. if I cut the cowl bigger the it would be to bulky to sew on lto the neck. please help

[@Mellysews]

You'd need to cut the cowl wider, not taller, and cut the neckline hole bigger then. The width of the cowl should match the circumference of the neckline.

[@lazystef74]

Melly Sews but I the cowl shorter will it go over my head

[@Mellysews]

You don't shorten the cowl. You keep it the same height, just cut a wider piece at that height.

[@lazystef74]

thats what i thought. thank you

[@2194steve]

Hi love videos, what size material did you start with to make the poncho? Thank you Regards Steve

[@Mellysews]

I've got dimensions in the blog post linked in the video description

[@samreenahmad346]

how much fabric it need...I like it very much can u plz tell me how much fabric it take

[@Mellysews]

Please check the post linked in the description for more information.

[@mypotK]

samreen ahmad w

[@kathyhotson9668]

I couldn't get the link to work either. I really need the measurements because I have the fabric and am ready to go!

[@Mellysews]

+Kathy Hotson Umm, try clearing your browser cache? It's working and a live link.

[@susanrisdal6638]

+Kathy Hotson See Melly's answer to me...it works now.

[@vickieroskom5175]

will the 50x60 throw blankets work for this.

[@Mellysews]

My measurements were 54x60.

[@vickieroskom5175]

Thankvyou got one done looks great.

[@suzicarpenter6162]

Melly Sews love this tutorial!

[@carmenvelarde8400]

I wonder if you can add pockets to this and if so how.

[@Mellysews]

Sure. Try patch pockets mellysews.com/how-to-sew-patch-pockets/

[@cheryleandrews2643]

I assume you trimmed off the salvages on the 60” sides? Thank you.

[@Mellysews]

Only if it's ugly. Not all fleece has visible selvages.

[@leannpratt4534]

When I click on the link to see the cut outs, it says error

[@Mellysews]

Try again, link has been updated.

[@sharynlowenkamp7395]

What other fabric would work, if any

[@Mellysews]

I'm not sure, I haven't tried any other fabrics.

[@gladysrios3618]

Sharyn Lowenkamp

[@bindujain1774]

Mam what is fabric

[@Mellysews]

I used polyester stretch fleece for this one.

[@ruthdrews496]

Are you able to tell me how to modify this to fit a person who is about 5’2? I want to make this for a girlfriend of mine, but want to make it a surprise......

[@Mellysews]

This should fit her with dimensions in the post in the description.

[@susanrisdal6638]

The link doesn't work.

[@Mellysews]

+Susan Risdal Umm, try clearing your browser cache? It's working and a live link.

[@susanrisdal6638]

+Melly Sews Maybe Chrome doesn't like it. The error I got was that there were too many re-directs. I went to your website and typed it in and I got an error message there, too. Don't really need anything other than your excellent video, but it might be the question mark, although I tried it with and without.

[@Mellysews]

+Susan Risdal I changed it to the long URL instead of the short URL - hope that helps!

[@susanrisdal6638]

It did. Thank you.

[@angelceasar2707]

Do you have measurements for a child?

[@Mellysews]

Nope