1. Cut two 30-inch by 40-inch rectangles of good quality polyester fleece. Plaid is easy to work with because you can use the lines on the fabric as guidelines for cutting. Sizing note: The original Hancock’s pattern uses two 30-inch by 45-inch rectangles. We found the neck hole to be a bit big, and the symmetry was a bit off. However, it does provide a more generous fit than is achieved with our 30 x 40 rectangles. If you experiment with other dimensions, leave a comment telling us about your results!
2. Cut 4-inch squares out of each corner. These are scraps.
3. Lie one rectangle right side down on a flat surface; lie the other rectangle right side up on top of the first one. Imagine a compass in the center of your 2 matched up fabric pieces. This will help you know where to line up, cut and move.
Match the short side of the top piece to the the long side of the other (the bottom right corner, SW, is matched up), like this:
Fabric pieces placed wrong side to wrong side, one horizontally and one vertically.
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(The two rectangles will have their wrong sides touching.)
4. Cutting both pieces at the same time, cut 4-inch long by 1/2 inch wide fringes along the South side. Only cut as far as the short side; the bit left over on the long piece forms part of the collar.
5. Tie the fringes together in double knots, like this:
Tie the fringes on the South side.
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(You can see the bit left over on the long piece (South) that will become the collar.
6. Look at the photo below (from step 3). See the top piece of fabric, running horizontally? Slide that to the left and up. (Again, imagine a compass printed on top of that photo … slide the top piece of fabric to the West and then North, to line up the two Northeast coners.)
The top piece of fabric is horizontal.
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Below you can see the fringed South side has moved, as you line up the 2 Northeast corners.
This is how it looks when you've moved it.
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7. Now cut the fringe and double knot the East side. Again, only cut as far as the short piece of fabric.
The left over piece will become the collar. You will now have 2 flaps in the Southeast corner (the neck hole) that can be left as the collar, or trimmed off.
Ready to knot the fringe on the East side.
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Below you can see the collar/neck opening in the Southeast corner, and the two fringed and knotted sides (South and East), as the Northwest corner has been lined up.
Both seams are now tied. The neck opening is shown in the SE corner. It's time to fringe some more.
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8. As shown in the above picture, lay the poncho flat, matching the two corners together (to form the Northwest corner). Cut a fringe on both the North and West sides/pieces.
The picture below has been turned from the original compass layout, to show how you will wear the finished poncho. The neck opening is now at the top. The two fringed and tied seams run down from the neck opening – the fringed seams are angled, one is on your front and one is on your back. The fringed seams are not located directly on top of your arms; one is on your front and one is on your back, giving the poncho an asymmetrical look.
Rearranged to show how the poncho will be worn. This is now a finished poncho except for the extra neck opening for babywearing.
9. About 6 inches below the neck opening, cut a 10-inch horizontal slit in the top layer of fabric. That’s the baby’s neck opening. Like this:
Cut a slit for the baby's neck opening.
Closeup. Also, you can see the collar folded down at the top of this photo.
And here is how the poncho looks when worn:
Back carry with toddler.
[...] Susie STOP! We have revised these instructions to make them more clear. The new instructions are here. Use the new [...]
Has anyone tried this w/ 2 layers of fleece?? or would that be too thick? I worry that one layer of fleece will not be warm enough. Thoughts?
I have never heard of anyone doing this project with two layers of fleece, whether knotted or sewn. My first thought is that if you need something warmer than a single layer of fleece provides, you probably also need a longer poncho, so you would want to adjust the dimensions as well. This project was developed in Alabama, where it doesn’t get very cold.
I’m so glad I found this! Thank you for developing this project, will be the perfect thing for us in Texas this winter.
[...] Mamaponcho with arm cuffs, $221 at Slings I Love MCoat, $389 at UpMama PSNY Babywearing Down Coat, $305 at P-Sling NY and Mamaponcho without arm cuffs, at Slings I Love Babywearing Poncho, $98.99 from Etsy seller BabyEtte Peekaru Soft Shell, $249 at TogetherBe And for those who want to DIY, here’s a no-sew poncho tutorial at The Magic City Slinger’s Blog. [...]
THANK YOU !!!!! Awesome project!! I made it today and it turned out great- can’t wait to try it out with my daughter!!
this may be a silly question, but with baby on your back, how do you get his/her head thru the slit? or does the whole thing just fall into place? thanks!
No, it doesn’t just fall into place, you have to pull the back of the poncho back and down until the baby’s head comes through the neck opening. Or ask for help. A mirror or reflective surface (car window, etc.) helps when you do it yourself.
I just made this last night–thank you SO MUCH for the revised directions. I had ruined two pieces of fleece trying to figure out the old directions–these were fabulously easy to follow.
I agree with a PP, though–I have a really tough time putting this on over the baby’s head. I can’t seem to do it on my own–taking off, either–which makes me uneasy about going out of the house with it on. I love it, though–just wish it was easier to get on and off!
Christina, I’m sorry you ruined some fleece. In fairness to the old directions, they do suggest making a small model.
For an easier back carry cover, you could try the simple jacket re-do from this post: http://magiccityslingers.wordpress.com/2007/11/10/we-do-have-winter-in-birmingham/
Also, you can use a basic ruana-style poncho. Finally, the Gypsy Mama no-sew poncho directions produce a poncho with just one shared neck opening.
All babywearing covers with a separate neck opening for the baby will require skill and practice for back carries; this applies to expensive ponchos as well as DIY jobs.
A tip for all having issues- I put it over my little girls head prior to getting our carrier up- it is a bit tricky on my own but doable- best of luck all!
FAB!! Really easy peasy to follow the revised instructions!! I’ve just finished making this poncho and am busting to get the baby up to try it out properly – fits well without him tho using a cuddly spongebob as a baby sub!! x