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.
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.
Have fun sewing!
Jan Howell
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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.
5 Comments
Okay thanks
just got a sewing machine.I have used a machine in my high school years but that was i was 14 ( 53 now ) in the UK…lol Now things have changed for me after 4 strokes and an array of medical issues ( lucky me lolololol) leaving me disabled with little feeling and movement on my right side but i am determinded to try and do this project .I am worried about even making this as I have aphasia and short term memory probs but I will do this.thank you very much for this free pattern.Merry xmas and happy new year
You’ve got this. Pace yourself and do what you can. So glad to hear you’re getting back into sewing. Happy New Year! Wishing you the best,
Jan
Thank you Jan. I’ve made a few of these but sometimes I get turned around and sew the wrong side or something. Your tutorial is simple and clear. Thank you for your kind note to Carol too. And Carol, I hope you made a nice neck warmer.
Did you know that there is a right side and a wrong side to fleece? When you pull the stretchy bit it bends over the wrong side.
Hi Mary,
Here is a video tutorial all about fleece that you may be interested in. It sounds like you already are pretty savvy with fleece.
https://youtu.be/oy76QuIph94
Enjoy your weekend,
Jan