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Custom Wedding Dress & Kimono Upcycled Clothes | オーダーメイドウェディングドレス&着物ドレス

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/ Tutorial / Tutorial | How to Make a Poncho Top

Tutorial | How to Make a Poncho Top

May 10, 2011 By Chie

Hi! As I promised, here is the tutorial on how to make a poncho top from a rectangle fabric! 

how to make a poncho top diagram

I made some diagrams to show how to cut the fabric and where to sew. You can click the image above to enlarge.

Material needed:
❤ 1-2 yards or fabric, depending on the length of the top/dress. I recommend fabrics that flows well, and avoid stiff fabrics, such as denim, 100% cotton, linen or wool. I used very light weight polyester fabrics for my top and dress. I recommend light weight poly or rayon blend. Fabric that drapes well would work well.
❤ Thread
❤ Elastic band. This is what you use to cinch the waist part. Cut two pieces of elastic bands, in length that’s half of your waist. For instance, if your waist measurement is 28″ around, cut two 14″ elastic bands.

If you have any questions, please leave a comment! I will try to answer as much as I can.
Hope you enjoy this and please do share some photos if you make one! (Instagram: @vivatveritas)

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Did you like this tutorial?

Check out my other tutorial on how to make a sack dress!

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Filed Under: Tutorial Tagged With: creation, top, tutorial

Reader Interactions

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Comments

  1. Paunnet says

    May 10, 2011 at 9:37 am

    Thanks, Chie!

  2. Ai says

    May 10, 2011 at 1:10 pm

    thank you so much chie for sharing your talent:-D

  3. brittany says

    May 10, 2011 at 2:25 pm

    Oh my gosh, thank you thank you. I'm making it!

    Kiss
    You Are My Favorite

  4. Sahina says

    June 22, 2011 at 4:13 pm

    Lovely! Thank you so much for the pattern – I’ll definitely be trying it 🙂

  5. G says

    June 23, 2011 at 11:16 pm

    could you explain the folds through out the process? im a bit confused.
    Thank you!

    • Chie says

      June 24, 2011 at 10:58 am

      hi G, sorry for not understanding your question, but could you explain your question again? im not exactly sure what you are asking..thank u!

  6. Nia says

    July 15, 2011 at 9:39 pm

    Whats with the fold part, i don’t understand

  7. mekuo says

    August 5, 2011 at 2:53 am

    Hi 🙂 I think the question asked by “G” was referring to the draping of the sleeves. I understand your diagram (Great job, by the way) but i had to ask to be sure: are you sewing down two separate pieces of elastic to the front and back of the garment or do the two pieceshave to meet at the sides (underneath each sleeve)?

    • Chie says

      August 8, 2011 at 10:12 am

      hi mekuo,

      elastic bands are sewn on two separate pieces: both front and back. but leave the sleeve part without elastic band. the sleeves are separated from a bodice with just one simple seam as the diagram shows. so the elastic needs to be sewn between the two sleeve seam lines. hope this makes sense! im not all that great at explaining things..please ask if you have any other questions!!

  8. Julie says

    August 17, 2011 at 2:55 am

    Hi, I was wondering about the elastic. Should we sew the elastic band on such that they meet at the sleeve lines? To create a full circle?

    • Chie says

      August 17, 2011 at 11:12 am

      yes! but i used two separate elastic bands, one for front and one for back. i think it’s easier than trying to install one long elastic band.
      one person who tried this tutorial added a belt loop, instead of elastic band. i think it’s a fantastic idea and might be easier than installing an elastic band. just a thought!

      • Julie says

        August 18, 2011 at 7:40 pm

        Okay! Thanks so much for the quick reply! I really love your site 🙂

  9. Ria says

    August 29, 2011 at 12:11 am

    that is awesome i will try to make 1… thnx

  10. Allison says

    December 22, 2011 at 4:44 pm

    This looks like such a fun, easy, versatile piece! I’m anxious to try. I was wondering how long of fabric you used for the dress version? Thank you!

    Allison

    • Chie says

      December 22, 2011 at 6:08 pm

      Hi Allison, I think I use about 1.5m of fabric for the dress version. Hope this helps:)

  11. Kyla says

    March 13, 2012 at 10:31 am

    I don’t understands the folds either – what are you folding and to where?

    • beal says

      April 4, 2012 at 11:43 am

      The fabric is folded in half initially (see fold line at the top in the first & second graphics). Basically, this is how you will wear the shirt when it’s complete. Just imagine your head is coming out in the middle of the top fold.

      Then the fabric is folded in quarters (now the fold is at the top and the side in the third graphic). This allows you to create the neckline with one cut instead of two. If it were still folded in half, you’d have to make a V-shaped cut–cutting twice. By folding it in quarters (left to right), you make only one diagonal cut.

      The last two images have the fold at the top again.

  12. Jessica says

    May 8, 2012 at 3:55 pm

    This is all to be sewn right-side of the fabric OUT, correct? If you did it traditionally, the fabric would get all bunched up at the sides, and not flowy, right?

    • Chie says

      May 8, 2012 at 6:44 pm

      Hi Jessica, Yes, the side seams (the straight lines) should be sewn with wrong sides of the fabric facing each other, and sewn from the out side. Sorry for the lack of explanation!

  13. Jess says

    August 22, 2012 at 8:12 am

    Hey, I love this! for the picture that’s shown, how much fabric did you use? thanks xxx

    • Chie says

      August 26, 2012 at 5:01 pm

      Hi Jess,

      I think I used about 1 meter of fabric:)

  14. Lily says

    January 4, 2013 at 2:59 pm

    Hi chie! It looks so beautiful! How much fabric would I use for a 10-12 little kid shirt? I love this and really want to make this I’m always doing artsy things so do u no?

    • Chie says

      January 4, 2013 at 8:09 pm

      Hi Lily, the width of the fabric should be your child’s shoulder to shoulder measurement multiplied by 2. The length should be however long the top should be (from top of the shoulder to shirt hem) multiplied by 2. I hope this helps!

  15. Mona says

    January 14, 2013 at 1:40 pm

    Hello!
    Thanks a lot for your teaching.
    Be happy and merry!

    • Chie says

      January 14, 2013 at 3:43 pm

      No problem!

  16. Paula says

    February 21, 2013 at 3:16 am

    Awesome poncho! Thank you very much!

  17. Debbie says

    June 26, 2013 at 9:01 am

    Can you give a quick explanation on how to finish the neckline? Was it done with a facing, bias tape, etc? Thanks!

    • Chie says

      June 27, 2013 at 8:14 pm

      Hi Debbie, sorry the tutorial is not so through. I wrote it a while ago and there are few things that I would do differently. I would cut the shoulder seams apart, instead of on big square, finish the neckline either by bias stripes or facing (if you use sheer fabric like I did, bias strips work better) and sew the shoulder seams together. I hope this makes sense. Let me know if you have any other questions!

  18. Kelsee says

    July 17, 2013 at 9:50 pm

    When you cut out the neck hole, what were the measurements you used? I’m worried that I’ll cut it out, then realize the neck hole is too big.

  19. Yami_Hanako says

    August 17, 2013 at 8:33 pm

    Hey! I really love your work, you are an artist!

    So, I’m going to try this poncho top soon, I’m going to do it a little longer because I want it to be a dress.

    I want it to look like 1920’s style so I have been thinking of adding a lace detail like you did with the Minnie t-shirt but I can’t find a lace anywhere, how did you get it? from another t-shirt? do you think it will look good?

    Thanks!

Trackbacks

  1. iCandy Guest Post – Fun in the Sun{dress} says:
    July 3, 2011 at 12:09 pm

    […] This dress is really easy as you can make it out of two rectangle fabrics. I love easy projects using rectangles, and if you are interested, check out my other tutorials for reversible paper bag skirt and poncho top […]

  2. Tutorials says:
    January 19, 2012 at 6:50 pm

    […] Tutorial: How to make a poncho top Grab My Buttons!

    […]

  3. DIY: Poncho Top « High Fashion Magazine says:
    May 11, 2012 at 10:52 am

    […] An easy-to-wear and even easier-to-make Poncho top, made from a rectangular piece of fabric! Follow the picto-gram and the few instructions below! (DIY from Vivat Veritas) […]

  4. Sewing ideas | All the world is a stage says:
    June 1, 2013 at 8:41 am

    […] This is a pattern for a top, but she also advises that you can use the same pattern to make a dress (which is what i intend to do). I just need to find the perfect fabric. To see the pattern, visit the Vivat Veritas blog […]

  5. Easy Ways to Make Cute Ponchos | For Women says:
    February 21, 2014 at 5:58 pm

    […] Make a cute poncho top out of a rectangle fabric – easy peasy, even for beginners. And the final result is so great – this is a project totally worth trying. Check the tutorial at vivatveritas.com […]

  6. Floral Blog says:
    January 17, 2017 at 6:52 pm

    Lily Lace Up Poncho

    […] e tutorial is not so through. I wrote it a while ago and there are few things th […]

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このシルクの軽さ、暑い季節にちょうどいい🫠 一枚の着物から、ワイドパンツを作りました✂️薄手のシル このシルクの軽さ、暑い季節にちょうどいい🫠

一枚の着物から、ワイドパンツを作りました✂️薄手のシルクは風を通して、歩くたびに裾がふわりと揺れます♪

後ろ姿には、着物の袖だった部分を使っていてお尻の部分の花柄が上下逆さまになっています👻最初は迷ったけれど、これはこれで面白いなと思ってそのまま残しました🫶🏻

一点ものなので、この一本だけ。気になる方はプロフィールのリンクから見てみてください♡

This silk is so light, perfect for the hot season 🫠

I made these wide-leg pants from a kimono✂️ The thin silk lets the breeze through, and the hem sways softly with every step ♪

The back is made from what used to be the kimono sleeves, so the floral pattern on the hips ends up upside down👻 I wasn’t sure at first, but honestly it grew on me, so I left it as is 🫶🏻

One of a kind, just this one pair. If you’re curious, the link is in my profile ♡

#着物リメイク #kimonoremake #正絹 #一点もの #和柄 夏の装い ワイドパンツ
数年前に制作したシルクのドレス。 今回「Released. Reimagined.」というコンセプ 数年前に制作したシルクのドレス。

今回「Released. Reimagined.」というコンセプトに合わせて、@redyeingproject さんに黒染めをお願いしました。

Helen x Vivat Veritasのイベントにベンダーとして出展してくださったご縁から生まれたコラボレーションです。

「服を捨てる前に、黒染めという選択肢を。」
色あせた服を、グラム単位の染め直しで蘇らせる——そんなコンセプトに強く共感しました。

天然素材のシルクスカート部分は深く美しい黒へ。
シャンティレースの部分は、少し緑がかった表情のある色に変化しました。

一着を長く着続けるための、小さな選択。
Before / Afterの写真、ぜひご覧ください🩷🖤

A silk dress I made a few years ago.

For this ""Released. Reimagined."" concept, I asked @redyeingproject to dye it black.

This collaboration grew out of a connection made when he joined the Helen x Vivat Veritas event as a vendor.

""Before you throw it away, consider black dyeing.""
His concept — reviving faded clothes through by-the-gram redyeing — really resonated with me.

The silk skirt, a natural fiber, transformed into a deep, beautiful black.
The chantilly lace took on a subtly greenish tone.

A small choice, in service of wearing one piece for longer.
Take a look at the before/after photos🩷🖤

黒染め
@redyeingproject

Photographers
@nothing_special_88
@japanphotographer_

Model
@sienna.christinaaa

Jewelry
@viviange

Hair
@angh0
@sho_kanaida
@iam__little__boy

Make up and videos
@glam_by_jyoti

#黒染め #RedyeingProject #ReleasedReimagined #着物リメイク #サステナブルファッション
これを着て、カフェに行ったら絶対目立ちそう😆☕ アップサイクルで生まれた、新しいファッションの形。 これを着て、カフェに行ったら絶対目立ちそう😆☕

アップサイクルで生まれた、新しいファッションの形。
コーヒー豆袋のジャケット × 着物リメイクのセットアップ。

一枚一枚、生地の柄合わせから縫製まで、すべて手で仕上げています🪡🧚
実はこの着物、裏地にも別布を仕込んでいて、羽織ると初めて見える色があるんです♡

ヴィンテージ素材に眠っていたストーリーを、
もう一度誰かの日常に届けたくて作りました。

If you wore this to a café, you'd definitely stand out 😆☕

A new form of fashion, born from upcycling. A coffee bean sack jacket × a kimono-remake set-up.

Every single piece is finished entirely by hand, from matching the fabric patterns to the sewing itself 🪡🧚 Actually, this kimono has a different fabric worked into the lining too — there's a color that only reveals itself once you put it on ♡

I wanted to give the stories sleeping in vintage materials a chance to become part of someone's everyday life again.

Photographer 
@nothing_special_88 

Model
@emorylove33

Jewelry
@viviange

Make up
@elanoramua

#アップサイクルファッション #着物リメイク #サステナブルファッション
実はこのお洋服、今回のショーに入れるか自分では迷っていました。結構前に作った作品だったので。でもヘレ 実はこのお洋服、今回のショーに入れるか自分では迷っていました。結構前に作った作品だったので。でもヘレンと話す中で、これも一緒に見せようと決めました。

ヘレンと3週間近く一緒に準備を進める中で、コレクションの作り方、見る人を楽しませる魅せ方、ルック全体の組み立て方など、本当にたくさんのことを学びました。自分一人だったらこのルックスを入れる決断はしなかったと思う。誰かと一緒に作ることで見えてくるものがあるんだなと、改めて実感しました。
ヘレン、ありがとう♡

Honestly, I wasn't sure whether to include this piece in this show. It was something I'd made a while back. But talking it through with Helen, we decided to show it together after all.

Working with Helen for almost three weeks to prepare for the show, I learned so much — how to build a collection, how to style looks that engage an audience, how to put together a look as a whole. I don't think I would have made the decision to include this piece if I'd been on my own. Creating something together with someone else really opens your eyes to things you wouldn't see alone.

thank you Helen @designerhelen♡

Model @izumi_nishida

Photographer 
@nothing_special_88 

Jewelry
@viviange

Hair 
@angh0
@sho_kanaida
@iam__little__boy

Make up
@glam_by_jyoti

#KimonoUpcycled #SustainableFashion #DesignerCollab #着物リメイク #ものづくり
お客様からお預かりした大切な帯。 大切に保管されていた帯ほど、実は「日常でどう使えばいいかわからな お客様からお預かりした大切な帯。

大切に保管されていた帯ほど、実は「日常でどう使えばいいかわからない」という声をよく伺います。だからこそ、その帯の物語を読み解きながら、現代の暮らしに馴染むデザインに仕立て直すことを意識してます😌

パッと見にはわからないけれど、実は使いやすさを追求した仕掛けが隠れています。

ショルダーを付ければ、両手が空くアクティブなスタイルにも対応👜

あなたの思い出の帯も、こんな風に日常の相棒にしてみませんか?

A precious obi entrusted to me by a client.

I often hear people say they aren't sure how to incorporate their cherished obis into their daily lives. That is exactly why I focus on reading the story woven into the fabric and reimagining it into a design that fits modern living😌

There are hidden details that make this bag truly functional, even if you can't see them at first glance. By attaching the shoulder strap, it becomes the perfect hands-free bag for an active lifestyle👜

#upcycledfashion #着物リメイク #obibag #remake #sustainablestyle
飛行機と電車の中で作ったジャケットです✈️🚆 去年の夏の3週間、アメリカとヨーロッパを旅しながら、 飛行機と電車の中で作ったジャケットです✈️🚆

去年の夏の3週間、アメリカとヨーロッパを旅しながら、座席でひたすらチクチク🪡着物の裏地にキルト芯を挟んで、フリーハンドで刺し子して、日本に帰ってから染めました。

This jacket was made on airplanes and trains✈️🚆

Over three weeks last summer, traveling through the US and Europe, I stitched away in my seat🪡 
Kimono lining sandwiched with quilt batting, sashiko stitched freehand, then dyed after I got back to Japan.

Model
@kana_nakar

Photographer 
@nothing_special_88 

Nails
@ms_muse_nail

Jewelry
@viviange

Hair 
@angh0
@sho_kanaida
@iam__little__boy

Make up
@glam_by_jyoti

#kimonoupcycle #sashiko #sustainablefashion #ReleasedReimagined
#刺し子
お客様から届いたステキな帯を、オーダーメイドのリュックにアップサイクルしました✂️ 吉祥文様が織り お客様から届いたステキな帯を、オーダーメイドのリュックにアップサイクルしました✂️

吉祥文様が織り込まれた錦の帯地は、黒地に金・白・紫…と、見る角度によって表情が変わる贅沢な一品。その美しさをそのまま活かしながら、毎日持ち歩きたくなる使いやすいリュックに仕立てました。内ポケット付きで、実用性もしっかり。

受注制作についてはプロフィールのリンクよりお問い合わせください💌

A client’s treasured obi has found a new life as a custom-made backpack✂️

The brocade fabric, woven with auspicious Japanese motifs, shifts from gold to white to violet depending on the light, a truly luxurious textile. I tried to preserve its beauty while crafting it into a backpack you’d actually want to carry every day. Complete with interior pockets for real-world practicality.

For custom orders, visit the link in our profile 💌

#KimonoUpcycle #SlowFashionJapan #WearableHeritage #着物リメイク #帯リメイク
着物リメイクをするとき、どうしても捨てられてしまうことの多い裏地。 薄手のシルクの手触り、もったい 着物リメイクをするとき、どうしても捨てられてしまうことの多い裏地。

薄手のシルクの手触り、もったいなくてサマーワンピースに生まれ変わらせました。

そのままでは物足りないのでアーティストの Riko Monma @rikoshurimonmaさんに染め直しをお願いしたら、一気に息を吹き返しました✨

数年前に作ったこの一着、今回の @designerhelен とのイベントで、コレクションに加えることにしました。

Helenからは色の組み合わせについていろいろアドバイスをもらって、自分だけでは絶対に辿り着けなかったような配色を試してみたり。準備の時間も、とても楽しかった😌

The lining of a kimono — often discarded when the fabric is remade into something new.
That soft, lightweight silk felt too good to let go, so I turned it into a summer dress. It needed something more, so I asked artist Riko Monma to dye it for me — and suddenly it came alive again.

I made this piece a few years ago, but for the recent event with @designerhelena, I decided to bring it into the collection. Helen gave me so much guidance on color — combinations I never would have arrived at on my own. The whole preparation process was just really, really fun😌

Model
@bethenny.x

Photographer 
@nothing_special_88 

Nails
@ms_muse_nail

Jewelry
@viviange

Hair 
@angh0
@sho_kanaida
@iam__little__boy

Make up
@glam_by_jyoti

#着物リメイク #キモノアップサイクル #KimonoUpcycle #SustainableFashionTokyo #ReleasedReimagined
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