2 yards of fleece and 30 minutes of time is all you need to make this darling cowl neck fleece poncho that is perfect for snuggling up in on a cool day! It even has a hood! Double layered with a cozy cowl that also works as a hood! This simple sewing project is great for beginners. This post contains an affiliate link.
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Ready to make your own fleece poncho? Let’s get started!
30-Minute Cowl Neck Fleece Poncho
Time: 30 minutes
Seam allowance: 1/2″
1-yard fleece for the outer layer and cowl (anti-pill or blizzard fleece both work fine)*
1-yard fleece for lining*
thread
pins
walking foot sewing machine attachment, optional
*Make sure you are using 58″ wide bolts of fleece. A yard of each color of fleece will fit up to 8 years of age. If you are making one for an adult or teen you will need to purchase extra fleece, probably a yard and a half of each fleece.
Measure the length from one wrist, across the chest, and all the way to the other wrist.
Cut both pieces of fleece into a square that matches that length.
Kaylee measured 36″ so the fleece squares were 36″x 36″. A yard of fleece is just right, and because fleece is 58” wide, there is extra fleece leftover to make the cowl.
Trim seams and clip corners.
Now we need to create a neck opening.
I used a 6.5″ circle that I cut in half as my template. This fit both of my girls (ages 5 and 8) perfectly. You can always start with a smaller neck hole and make it bigger if you need to.
When I made Kaylee’s no sew poncho when she was 3 years old I used a 4″ circle (as a reference).
Cut a rectangle for the cowl piece that is 24″ wide (the circumference of the neck opening) and 14″ tall.
Fleece has a bit of stretch to it. Make sure the stretch goes the direction as the 24″ width.
Now it’s time to sew the cowl piece to the poncho!
- The lining fleece will be the outer layer.
- The outer fleece (main fabric) will be the middle layer.
- The cowl piece will be the inner layer (wrong side out so that you can see the side seam)
Stretch a little as you pin, if necessary, so that everything lines up.
Turn your fleece poncho right side out.
More Sewing Projects You’ll Love to Make!
Fleece Hat Tutorial from Fleece Fun (would go nicely with the cowl neck fleece poncho!)
Color Block Water Bottle Tutorial
Fleece Hand Warmer Muff Tutorial
I am folding the cowl down and covering the raw edges inside. My alteration won’t allow for the hood option but I couldn’t leave those unfinished seams inside.
You could also cover the inside seam tape and top stitch. I make ponchos with a serger so seams are more finished.
Did you finish the edge of the cowl? If not does it end up curling too much?
Hi Judy! We didn’t notice it curl up at all. It’s been a few years and my girls still have them. They look great!
I’m making these for my granddaughters and if I only have 1 yard of fabric my square could only be 36″ square. Am I just confused or do I need more fabric?
Hi! A yard of fleece is 36″ long, but usually 58″ wide. Perfect for up to 8 years old. 36”x36” square plus extra fleece to make the cowl. If the measurement from wrist to wrist is larger than 36”, you’ll need to purchase an additional half yard of fleece or so.
I was just gifted a sewing machine and this was my second project. My daughter loves her poncho and the instructions were clear enough for even me to understand. Thank you so much!
Sara, this made my day! I’m so glad it worked out perfectly and have fun with your new machine!! 🙂
Do you need to buy more than a yard of one of the fabrics to make the cowl?
Love the pattern!
Thanks!
Donna Sloman
Hi Donna! If you use 58″ wide bolts of fleece you should have enough in 1 yard for both the poncho and the fleece piece. I updated the directions to make that a bit more clear! Thanks for asking!
I have to make this for my niece! She’s been asking for a reading poncho! I don’t have access to measure, is your older daughter the one that measure 36? She’s the right age for my niece, so I’m wondering if I can use those measurements.
Just made a huge 1.5m square one for myself to snuggle under and throw on for quick trips to the corner shop. SO snuggly and easy to make with your instructions – thank you!!
That wounds heavenly! I should make one for myself! It’d be cozy to use in the car!
What size did you make the circle? Do you remember?
I am looking at this from a beginner’s stand point, and it does not look intimidating. Perfect for the cool evenings of our Florida weather. Pinned to try, and shared.
Would love if you came to link up! And enter the giveaway for an Etsy gift card :)!
Alexandra of EyeLoveKnots
Super Crafty Sunday Link Up #8: https://eyeloveknots.com/2018/09/super-crafty-sunday-link-up-8-two-giveaways.html
Yay, I’m glad that it looks do-dable! And thanks for the link-up link!
I plan to make this for my granddaughter-it is adorable! Do you have any suggestions for adding slits for her arms/hands…where to place?
Thank you for sharing this the simple tutorial!
Hi Beth! The shawl kind of drapes across the shoulders and the hands and arms can go through there. I’m actually not sure where I’d add slits, but I’m sure it would be easy to do.
I can’t wait to make these for my girls (also 5 & 8 and I have a Ruby too!) Going to make matching ones for their dolls too1 Thanks so much!
Awesome! I love that idea to make little doll ones! 🙂 And Ruby is one of my FAVORITE names. So dainty and feminine.
It is starting to get cool again. I am thinking of making one for my nearly 3 year old grand daughter. How long should the cowl be? you have 14″. Maybe 10″ or 9″ for a 3 year old?
You could definitely start at 10-12″ and cut it shorter if needed!
What a cute poncho!! Thanks for the tutorial!
Oh these are TOO cute!
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I love this project. It’s so cold I feel like making one to wear around the house today.
Thanks for sharing at Funtastic Friday!
Awesome tutorial, what a cute result! Thanks so much, it’s something for a beginner like me to try. And your model is adorable!
What a cute ponchos you made for your girls! I was thinking the same thing as Joanne… that I might need to make one for myself. 🙂
What a cute poncho and such a great tutorial. I may have to adjust measurements and make one for me!
Hi Brandy! This is fantastic, thanks! How can I incorporate hand openings for them? I thought about just making super large button holes, pretty sure that would work but wondering if you’ve tried this. Thanks a bunch!
Hi Kathy! I’m not sure! Large button holes would probably work.