Child's Simple Fleece Poncho with Yo-Yo for OCC Shoebox Gift ~ Tutorial

Another fun fleece project I found to make for cold weather was a child's fleece poncho.  I actually made a fleece pillow case dress first and made this to go with it--paired with a turtle neck and a pair of tights the little girl will be toasty warm.  This is a great no-sew project for Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes.  Mine was sent to a reservation here in the US.

Wish I had a little model to show it on.

Instructions:


These are for a toddler's poncho, they can easily be made up to the width of the fleece for larger children.

Supplies:

3/4 yd. Fleece Fabric
Scrap of fleece and button for yo-yo if desired.

Instructions:

• Cut fabric into a 27" square (this amount of fleece should make two).
• Fold in half like a triangle.
• Cut a circle in the middle for the head opening.  I cut one about 4 1/2" in diameter (I used a small soup mug as a pattern).  Because fleece stretches it should stretch over a toddler's head and if it needs enlarged it can be easily cut or a small slit made straight down the front.
• I also used the mug as a pattern to round all of the corners.
• Option #1:  cut fringe around the bottom edge.
• Option #2:  decorate with a yo-yo.
• Cut a piece of fabric (I used fleece to match the dress) into a circle twice the size of the finished yo-yo you desire--mine is about 4" finished.
• With needle & thread make a running stitch about 1/4" from edge of circle and draw up tightly to gather and tack together.  
• Place in center front of neck and stitch down with button in the middle.  I also tacked it along the neck edge slightly for added holding power.

Tip:  Purchase fleece blankets on clearance and cut into ponchos.

We have lots of other fleece tutorials on our Crafting for Operation Christmas Child Shoeboxes Tutorial Index page.

 Design and instructions copyright Simply Shoeboxes. Please enjoy using this design for your personal use and for gift giving.