No Sew Fleece Poncho

Fleece: Lightweight, Snuggly and Soft

Fleece is a snuggly, soft fabric that is available in many different colors, patterns and designs. One of the best things about working with this inexpensive fabric is that it does not ravel or fray when it is cut. Another great characteristic of fleece is that it is lightweight, yet it keeps you toasty warm. Developed as an alternative fabric to wool, fleece does not itch, shrink or absorb water as wool does.

A Project for Crafters of All Levels

No sew ponchos made of versatile fleece fabric can easily be made by a crafter of any experience level. A beginning crafter will enjoy creating a functional item of clothing, while a more experienced crafter will have fun adding adding special touches to the finished garment. Several of the special touches may include:

• Using pinking shears to make a special fringe trim
• Knotting the bottom of each fringe
• Knotting a wooden bead on the bottom of some, or all, of the fringes
• Using embroidery thread to add a fancy stitch around the edges of the poncho
• Adding an embroidered design or initial to the poncho

A word of caution regarding fleece, never use an appliqué that is applied to the fabric with an iron. Fleece is very heat sensitive; it scorches and melts easily.

If you should need to iron your poncho, set the iron on warm and use a cloth between the iron and the fleece. When you wash your poncho, use cold water and air dry if possible. If you use a dryer, tumble dry at a low setting.

Styles of No Sew Fleece Ponchos

There are several different styles and methods used to make these beautiful fleece ponchos.

• Mommy Savers offers instructions for a cute child’s poncho designed by Kimberly Danger. One yard of fleece, 60 inches wide, is enough fabric for two ponchos for a small child.
• Another adorable no sew poncho from Marcus Fabrics needs one yard of fabric for size 5-6.
• With just 1 ¼ yard of fleece, you can make an adult no sew poncho in under one hour. Offered from Hancock Fabrics, a printable copy of the project is available including instructions and a pattern.
• Marie Le Baron came up with a cute no sew poncho she takes to the park with her children. Her Park Ponchos double as a blanket when the weather is warm.

Perfect Poncho for Mother and Baby

Susie of the Magic City Slingers, a baby-wearing group, posted on their blog an adapted version of the original instructions from Hancock fabric. This version accommodates carrying her baby with her. You can make this adorable poncho with just 1 1/4 yards of fabric. Detailed instructions, with pictures, are located on the Magic City Slingers site.

Another no sew poncho made for mother and baby is offered by Gypsy Mama. Instructions for this useful poncho are simple and easy to understand. Once you make this comfortable garment, you can wear the long side to the front, back or side depending on how you are carrying your baby.

Where to Find Fleece

There are many places to buy fleece both off and online including:

• The Fleece Lady
• Joann Fabric and Craft Online
• Joann Craft stores
• Pico Textiles
• Wal-Mart
• Singer fabric stores
• Local fabric stores
• eBay
• Fashion Fabrics Club

When shopping for fleece in stores, you will find the most variety offered in the fall. If you purchase fabric at the end of the winter, you will most likely get the best price.