It’s no secret that the weather is changing, and with it, the number of accidents on our roads is on the rise. If you have a car full of kids, you know that car seats are essential for keeping them safe. But what if there was an easy way to keep all those car seats protected from the elements? That’s where car seat ponchos come in. These handy garments can be easily put on over your child’s car seat and keep them warm, dry, and secure during a storm. If you’re looking for a way to keep your car seat protected and comfortable, check out our guide to sewing a car seat poncho. We’ll show you step-by-step how to make one yourself.
What You Need
If you have a car seat, but don’t have a poncho, now is the time to make one. This project is easy and can be done in just a few short hours. The poncho will keep your child warm while they’re riding in the car. You’ll need:
-An old shirt or jacket
-Thread
-Fabric glue
-Fabric scissors
-Pins
-Ruler or straight edge
1. Cut the old shirt or jacket into an 8″x10″ rectangle.
2. Lay the fabric face down on your cutting surface and trace the rectangle with your pencil. Cut out the traced rectangle with your fabric scissors.
3. Turn the fabric over so that the right side is facing up and line up the edges of the newly cut rectangle with the original traced lines from step 2. Align and pin along each side of the pinned square, then use Fabric Glue to adhere it together (see photo). Let dry completely before moving on to step 4.
4. Sew along each of the four sides of the pinned square using a straight stitch (the seam allowance should be about 1/8″). Clip corners as you go (see photo). Turn right side out and press gently before turning hem allowances inwards by 1/4″. If desired, hemmed edge may be serged instead of clipped (this will avoid fraying).
How To Sew Car Seat Poncho
Looking to add a little personality to your car seat cover? Check out our tutorial on how to sew a car seat poncho! This easy project can be made in just a few hours, and is perfect for keeping your little one warm and snuggly while they’re cruising around town.
To get started, you’ll need some supplies: a piece of fabric measuring approximately 60″ wide by 23″ long (or longer if you want the poncho to be fuller), 1/4″ seam allowance, scissors, and Thread Theory® Classic sewing thread in coordinating colors.
1. Cut the fabric into a 60″ by 23″ rectangle. The length should be slightly shorter than the circumference of your child’s car seat, since the poncho will be folded in half once it’s sewn together.
2. Pin the fabric along one long edge, making sure that the seams are aligned vertically and horizontally. Sew along the pinned edge using a 1/4″ seam allowance. Trim any excess fabric off of the seam allowance once it’s sewn together.
3. Turn the poncho so that it now has a short (23″) edge opposite of the seam you just sewed together. Using a sharp knife or pointy scissors, make 1-2 cuts along this newly created edge, then press them open so that they form nice pleats. Do not cut too close to your original seam—just enough to create an attractive
Tips for Sewing a Car Seat Poncho
1. Get the right fabric: You’ll need a heavy-duty, water repellant fabric for the body of the poncho and a lighter-weight fabric for the lining.
2. Sew the flaps: First, sew together the two outermost edges of the light fabric. Next, fold each flap in half so that it forms an “L” shape, and sew along both sides of the “L”.
3. Make the hood: Sew a small rectangle of fabric to one end of the long edge of the heavier fabric (this will form the hood). Following steps 2 and 3 above, stitch up one side of the hood and across its top.