Materials and Tools

• Fleece material is readily available at fabric stores and is also sold in the sewing section of most Wal-Mart stores. Fleece typically costs only a few dollars per yard. Ponchos for small children can be made for around $5.00, and don't actually require you to do any sewing. Purchase one yard for child-size ponchos and four yards for adult sizes. You'll need scissors so you can cut to size and a needle and thread for adult ponchos.
  
  Fleece is such an economical choice for outerwear that buying several different patterns will not be a budget buster. Get seasonal with a leaf pattern for fall walks in the park or pumpkins and ghosts for the week of Halloween. Purchase candy canes and Santa patterns for Christmas, snowflakes for January or a heart pattern for Valentine's Day.
  
  

Assembly

• Fleece is available in 60-inch widths. For a child's poncho, fold the fabric in half to form a square and cut off any excess. To make an adult-sized poncho, sew two pieces of fleece together to get full coverage. Fold in half, then trim to form a square. Fold the square diagonally so the material is in the shape of a triangle. Find the center of the fold to cut the opening of the poncho. The neckline will be more attractive if cut in a semicircle; get a smooth line by tracing around the edge of a saucer for a child and around a plate for an adult. Cut the head opening then place over the recipient's head to make sure it fits correctly, and adjust as necessary.
  
  

Finishing Touches

• Fleece ponchos often have a fringe; create one by laying the piece flat with the head opening at the top. Cut a fringe on both the front and the back of the poncho but only on the bottom two sides that fit below the arms. To make the fringe even more decorative, tie a knot at the top of each fringe where your cut stops. Add a wooden bead before you make the knot to create a western-style fringe.