How To Make a Fleece Neck Warmer | Free Pattern

NECK WARMER

When it comes to cold weather, you gotta have something to keep your neck warm. This fleece neck warmer is the BEST, and it’s very easy to make! A double layer of cozy fleece fits comfortably around your neck keeping the cold air out.

You can make it any size. I have measurements for a child, youth, adult, and x-large adult. It is a quick and easy sewing project. You can easily have a neck warmer sewn up in ten minutes. It can be made reversible with two different colors of fleece. I will show you how to make both options.

Neck Warmer Materials & Items Needed

  • Fleece (19-21 inches square)
  • Scissors/rotary cutter (optional)
  • Fabric clips/pins
  • Sewing machine/serger (optional)
  • Safety pin
  • Tag (optional)

Neck Warmer Instructions

1-Cutting Out

Measure your head and use the chart above to determine the cutting measurements. I like using a rotary cutter and mat to cut fleece. It helps get a straight cut and is a lot quicker. However, a pair of scissors will work just fine.

REVERSIBLE NECK WARMER:

Cut out two pieces to the measurements given in the chart with the LONG SIDE ON THE STRETCH.

2-Sewing

VERY IMPORTANT! Fleece fabric has some stretch to it and will be more stretchy from selvage edge to selvage edge. (The finished edge of the fabric is the selvage edge).

 

2-Determine which edge is the “stretchy side” and mark with a safety pin.

This is critical because if you sew it with the stretch on the wrong side, you won’t be able to get the warmer over your head.

 

3-Fold in half so the STRETCHY SIDE is along the long edge.

You can sew this neck warmer using a regular sewing machine or a serger. A serger is very nice if you have access to one, but not necessary.  

You can also hand stitch the whole thing. I have a tutorial showing you how to sew a STRETCH STITCH WITH A NEEDLE AND THREAD.

***If using a regular sewing machine set the stitch to a small zigzag stitch (1 1/2 width x 1 length) or the lightning bolt stitch. IF YOU JUST USE A REGULAR STRAIGHT STITCH, THE SEAM WILL POP WHEN THE FABRIC IS STRETCHED. (Watch the video for a demonstration of what happens if you don’t use a stretch stitch). A serger stitch allows stretching.

4-Sew seam

USING A 3/8 INCH SEAM ALLOWANCE, pin or clip in place and sew from the edge to edge. Backstitch at the beginning and end of the seam if using a single needle machine.

5-Turn right side facing out.

Fold the tube in on itself so RIGHT SIDES ARE FACING EACH OTHER.  Line up the seam and pin in place.

You will be leaving an opening  UNSEWN about 3-4 inches.

TIP: I like to use different colors of pins (red) or clips to mark the opening, so I don’t forget and sew all the way around.

If you want to add a tag to the back neck seam, insert the tag between the layers of fabric and baste in place before sewing the seam. (video tutorial shows how to do this).

Start at one of the RED CLIPS, backstitch, and sew around to the other red clip. Backstitch.

LEARN HOW TO MAKE YOUR OWN CUSTOM LABELS HERE

6-Reach your hand inside the opening you left and turn it right side facing out.

7-Sew the opening closed.

Fold the seam allowance inside and pin it in place. You can sew the opening closed with a sewing machine using a small 1/8 inch seam allowance, or hand sew using a ladder stitch.

8- REVERSIBLE NECK WARMER

Place pieces (RST) and sew along the long sides.

 

5- Follow instructions 3 & 4.

Tadah!

Now wasn’t that a simple little project. These make great gifts.

Be sure to check out my other fleece tutorials showing you how to make a fleece headband ear warmers and fingerless mittens.

YOU MAY ALSO BE INTERESTED IN THIS VIDEO.

 

Play Video

Have fun sewing!

jan3

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Jan Howell

Jan Howell

Whether it’s a new recipe, a fun craft, or some handy tips for your garden and home, I hope to empower and inspire you with skills that you can use to create joy, improved health, and to do it in a simple way.

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The Best Gingerbread Cookies Recipe / Simply Delicious

gingerbread cookies photo

These gingerbread cookies are simply delicious. The ginger flavor is not overbearing, they are not too sweet and the texture is a joy to bite into.

Ingredients Gingerbread Cookies

  • 6 cups flour
  • 1 tsp. Baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp. Baking powder
  • 2 sticks butter (1 cup)
  • 1 cup Brown sugar
  • 4 tsp. ground ginger
  • 4 tsp. cinnamon

Frosting Ingredients 

  • 4 TB butter, room temperature
  • 4 cups powdered sugar
  • 4 Tablespoons milk
gingerbread cookies

You can frost the cookies or simply leave them unfrosted. A layer of white frosting really makes the cookies pop.

gingerbread cookies

You can frost the cookies or simply leave them unfrosted. A layer of white frosting really makes the cookies pop.

Wrap a few in a cellophane bag and give them as a yummy holiday treat.

gingerbread cookies freezer

I like to make a double batch and freeze some of them so we can have a little treat whenever we want a little yumminess.

 

TIP: I love this rolling pin. It helps to keep the cookies all the same thickness. You can get it here.

Ingredients Gingerbread Cookies

  • 6 cups flour
  • 1 tsp. Baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp. Baking powder
  • 2 sticks butter (1/2 cup)
  • 1 cup Brown sugar
  • 4 tsp. ground ginger
  • 4 tsp. cinnamon
  • 1 1/2 tsp. salt
  • 2 Large eggs
  • 1 1/2 cups Molasses

Frosting Ingredients 

  • 4 TB butter, room temperature
  • 4 cups powdered sugar
  • 4 Tablespoons milk

Gingerbread Cookie Instructions

1- In a medium size mixing bowl combine 6 cups flour, 1/2 tsp. baking soda, 1/2 tsp. baking powder, 1 1/2 tsp. salt, and 4 tsp each ground ginger and cinnamon. Mix well

2- In another bowl, cream together 1/2 cup butter (2 sticks) butter and 1 cup brown sugar.  Mix well.

3- Add 2 eggs to the butter mixture and mix well. Slowly add the flour combination and mix well.

4- With the mixer running on low speed gradually add 1 1/2 cups molasses and mix until combined, about 30 seconds.

5- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper.

6- Divide the dough in half, forming each into a ball. Wrap each in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 2 hours or overnight, or place in the freezer for about 20 minutes, until firm, if you’re in a hurry.

7- Remove one ball of dough from the fridge/freezer and place on the counter. Roll out the dough (use a little flour on your rolling pin if needed), until it’s about ½ inch thick. Cut gingerbread with cookie cutters and place them on the prepared baking sheets.

8- Remove one ball of dough from the fridge/freezer and place it on the counter. Roll out the dough (use a little flour on your rolling pin if needed), until it’s about ½ inch thick. Cut gingerbread with cookie cutters and place them on the prepared baking sheets.

9- Bake the cookies until set in the centers and the dough barely retains and imprint when touched very gently with fingertip, 8 to 11 minutes (depending on the size of your cookie cutter). Do not overbake!!

11- Remove the cookies to a wire rack. Allow cooling to room temperature before frosting.

12- Add 4 TB of butter, 4 cups of milk, and 4 cups of powdered sugar to a bowl. Mix until smooth. Add an additional cup of powdered sugar and mix until smooth. Add frosting to the piping bag if desired.

The Best Gingerbread Cookies Recipe / Simply Delicious

gingerbread cookies photo

These gingerbread cookies are simply delicious. The ginger flavor is not overbearing, they are not too sweet and the soft and chewy texture is a joy to bite into.

  • Prep Time20 min
  • Total Time35 min
  • Yield48 depending on size of cookie
  • Serving Size1 cookie
  • Course
    • Dessert

INGREDIENTS

COOKIES

    • 6 cups flour
    • 1 tsp. Baking soda
    • 1/2 tsp. Baking powder
    • 2 sticks butter (1 cup)
    • 1 cup Brown sugar
    • 4 tsp. ground ginger
    • 4 tsp. cinnamon
    • 1 1/2 tsp. salt
    • 2 Large eggs
    • 1 1/2 cups Molasses

FROSTING

    • 4 TB butter, room temperature
    • 4 cups powdered sugar
    • 4 Tablespoons milk
     

INSTUCTIONS

1

In a medium size mixing bowl combine flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt and spices. Mix well.

2

In another bowl, cream together the butter and brown sugar. 

3

Add the eggs to the butter mixture and mix well. Slowly add the flour combination and mix well.

4
With the mixer running on low speed gradually add the molasses and mix until combined, about 30 seconds.
 
5
Divide the dough in half, forming each into a ball. Wrap each in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 2 hours or overnight, or place in the freezer for about 20 minutes, until firm, if you’re in a hurry.
6
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper.
7
Remove one ball of dough from the fridge/freezer and place on the counter. Roll out the dough (use a little flour on your rolling pin if needed), until it’s about ½ inch thick. Cut gingerbread with cookie cutters and place them on the prepared baking sheets.
8
Refrigerate the cut gingerbread for 5 minutes (meanwhile you can roll out the other dough ball).
9
Bake the cookies until set in the centers and the dough barely retains and imprint when touched very gently with fingertip, 8 to 11 minutes (depending on the size of your cookie cutter). Do not overbake!!
10
Remove the cookies to a wire rack. Allow to cool to room temperature before frosting.
11
Store gingerbread cookies in an airtight container with parchment paper between the layers. Freeze for up to 3 months.

FROSTING

12
Add butter, milk, and 1 cup of powdered sugar to a bowl. Mix until smooth. Add additional cup of powdered sugar and mix until smooth. Add frosting to piping bag if desired.

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Jan Howell

Jan Howell

Whether it’s a new recipe, a fun craft, or some handy tips for your garden and home, I hope to empower and inspire you with skills that you can use to create joy, improved health, and to do it in a simple way.

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Easy DIY Mini Wreath | Made From Upcycled Sweaters

mini Christmas wreath

I hope you’ve been saving your felted wool sweater scraps! This adorable mini wreath is so fun and easy to make. It’s a project that even the little ones can handle.

mini Christmas wreath doorknob

You can hang this mini wreath on the Christmas tree, on a doorknob, or attach one to a wrapped gift. These Christmas wreaths can be made any size! This particular wreath measures about 4 ½ across when finished.

mini Christmas wreath tree

I have a video tutorial for those of you that are visual learners.

Mini Wreath Materials & Items Needed

Sweater scraps of all colors cut into small pieces (size depends on how big or small you want the wreath to be)

mini Christmas wreath rotary cutter

Mini Wreath Instructions:

Cut fabric into small pieces, approximately 1-1 ½ inches for the mini wreath. Don’t worry about making them uniform in size or shape. Just cut them all in the approximate same size. I really like using a rotary cutter and mat, but scissors will do just fine. BE CAREFUL NOT TO GET YOUR FINGERS IF USING A ROTARY CUTTER!

Once you have a bunch of different colors cut out, place them in a bowl or container and find a comfortable seat. This is a fun project to sit around the table with friends and family and chat while making a mni wreath or you can cozy up with your scraps and watch a good movie.

mini Christmas wreath adding scraps

Take a wire and start threading the scraps onto the wire one at a time. There is no need to pre-cut the hole, just poke the end of the wire into the center of the scrap. Keep adding scraps until you have it to the desired size.

mini Christmas wreath twist wire

Once you have all your scraps loaded onto the wire, twist the ends together to make a circle. You can make a loop with the wire to hang it with, or you can clip the wire and add a ribbon to hang it with.

This mini wreath is a fun addition to a wrapped gift or given as a gift itself. A gift and decoration that is unique, charming, and EASY TO MAKE!

sweater scraps bin mini Christmas wreath

It’s pretty simple and straightforward. Gather your sweater scraps and get cutting.

I have a few bins full of sweater scraps. There are so many fun things you can make with even the smallest scraps of upcycled sweaters. Here are some other fun ideas.

Upcycled Sweater Hearts

How To Do Crazy Scrap Quilting USING YOUR Upcycled Sweater Scraps

Felted Wool Sweater Hearts Tutorial

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Jan Howell

Jan Howell

Whether it’s a new recipe, a fun craft, or some handy tips for your garden and home, I hope to empower and inspire you with skills that you can use to create joy, improved health, and to do it in a simple way.

Read More