This diy fleece scarf will never fall off. See why not – and learn how to sew one!

This post contains affiliate links. Thanks for your support. Are you here for diy scarves? Check out these too:
- This easy infinity scarf
- THIS crazy popular Neck Warmer Tutorial (it has a free PDF template!)
- these 10+ Free Scarf Tutorials
Oh, and while sewing, don’t forget to make a few super easy diy pocket hand warmers – use the 4 free templates to keep your hands all toasty and warm.
This diy fleece scarf is breathable, lightweight, soft to the skin, and comfortable to wear. And you don’t need to pull it over your head when putting it on. This is what makes it perfect for babies, but older kids and grown-up will love them too. It’s a great accessory for toddlers you can mix and match with a diy bandana bib like this one – one for warm weather, and the fleece one for winter. Not just for kids though!
This scarf tutorial has a secret ingredient you’ll want to try out!

It’s a beginner sewing project that will neither require a lot of material nor time. Since I had a few pieces of soft fleece left from my last year’s neck warmer project (free template here), it was time to tackle a new scarf idea. It makes a great diy gift for babies and older kids.
Diy Fleece Scarf
Now, let’s make a nice little diy fleece scarf. Actually, this one was made for my toddler daughter, but you’ll want to make them in all sizes once you see the smart addition to it. First, feel free to check out the slideshow video I made for you:
Supplies For Diy fleece Scarf:
Now, let’s see what supplies you’ll need.

- 2 contrasting or complimentary-color pieces of fleece, dimensions 30″ x 5″ per piece (76cm x 13cm)
- 1 piece of fleece (same color as the backside of the scarf) – 4 1/2 inch x 3 inch (12cm x 8 cm)
- ruler, scissors or rotary cutter + cutting mat
- matching thread, pins
What Scarf Size to Sew?
I’ve made this diy fleece scarf to fit a baby. You can easily adjust it to fit any size.
As you’ll see, it’s all about simple rectangles. To make it easier for you, I’ll just show you what dimensions I used:

These will work for a baby through toddler. And if an older kid happens to need a bulk-free way to protect just the neck – this is the same dimension you should go with for them, too.
But if you need to cover the chin up to the nose, I suggest you go with the neck-warmer version here:

How To Make A Fleece Scarf
Cut the fleece
1) Once you’ve decided on the required size, grab your scissors, or even better, a rotary cutter, and the ruler. Cut 2 main pieces and one small strap piece. You don’t need to add any seam allowance, it’s already included.
We’ll start with the small piece, the stay-put strap holder:

Sew And attach the small strap
2) Fold it along the long side, right sides together (if you have a right side).
My piece of fleece does have a right and wrong side: I noticed it only after prewashing the fleece.

3) Turn right-side-out and move the seam to the center, like this:

4) Take one of the larger pieces, the one that will form the backside of the baby scarf. Place the strap on it, taking care to keep the seam facing up – later on, we’ll flip it over, so it won’t be visible anymore.
Also, one end of the flap needs to be 9 inch away from the end of the main piece. See the image below.

5) Pin and ..

… stitch in place.

6) Flip the strap over towards the outer end of the scarf piece, and pin in place. The center seam is not visible anymore. Now you’ll attach the other end of the strap, and you have two options:
a) topstitch over it, as marked below:

or b) machine stitch by going below the strap. It is easier than it looks like, and I prefer it this way.

7) Strap attached:

Sew the main 2 fleece scarf pieces together
8) Place the 2 main pieces right sides together:

9) Pin and stitch around, leaving an opening for turning.

I used a narrow zigzag stitch to keep the seam flexible.

10) Optional: you can make rounded ends instead of rectangular ones. I did, and it looked like this:

12) Notch the rounded portions, or clip corners if you left them square. This quick sewing tip will help you.
turn the diy scarf and finish the seam

13) Turn inside out through the opening.

14) Stitch the opening close.
I usually hand-stitch it shut, because it’s easier than trying to catch the fleece layers on a machine. (And if you use the ladder stitch when hand-stitching, stitches don’t show at all.)

15) Done!

While I prefer the cowl version of our home-made scarves, I’m certain that a baby would vote for this one, as there is no pulling over head involved. Some babies can’t stand onesies or pullovers or any other type of garment actually being pulled over their little heads, and this stay-put scarf seems to be a great solution for the cold winter months.

Though I said it’s a baby scarf, it is well suited for toddlers, as well as for older kids, too. Due to the easy use, my daughter enjoys putting it on and pulling one end through the strap. Going out with kids during winter? Never a problem to put on this fleece scarf!

This little strap will hold the scarf in place. Works great!

What you see next to the stay-put fleece scarf is my last year’s cowl neck scarf I made for my daughter then. Feel free to check out the tutorial with the free 3-sized template included. The largest one is suitable for adults, too!
Feel free to check it out here.
Save for later:

This post is part of the FREE BABY SEWING PATTERNS series on this blog. Make sure to grab ALL of the free baby sewing patterns on this site:
- Free baby hat pattern – NEW 3 SIZES!
- Diy Knotted Baby Headband– SWEET!
- Free Baby Bib Pattern – Comes in 3 Sizes!
- Bandana Bib Pattern – Cool And Free
- Free Pattern – Baby Burp Cloth
- Free Pattern – Fabric SailBoat Toy
- Baby Sensory Toy
- Easy Baby Soft Ball free pattern
- Diy Flannel Baby Blanket – so soft!
WANT MORE FREE TUTORIALS AND GOODIES?
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Or …check out this popular PDF pattern – the Earwarmer Headband pattern in 8 Sizes:
Joy Owen says
I made these for my grandchildren last year. They are such a success that I have been asked for more so that they can have another each in their outdoor play clothing sets at nursery. I am always delighted when I get requests for more items that I have sewn. Thank you very much for the idea, pattern and clear instructions.
Damjana says
Joy hi,
I’m SO glad to hear that. Thank you!
Cucicucicoo: Eco Crafting & Sewing says
What a great idea! So simple, but I can imagine that it's a perfect life-saver! 🙂 Lisa
Damjana at AppleGreen Cottage says
Thank you, Lisa 🙂
Pam @Threading My Way says
You're waiting for the end of Winter, and I'm hanging out for cooler weather, Damjana. Clever idea to add the tab to keep in place.
Damjana at AppleGreen Cottage says
Thanks, Pam,
and I need to admit that always when I publish a tutorial when the season is ending, I think to myself that it will be right on time for my Australian readers. 🙂
Kathy says
Thank you for this! I hope I have some big enough fleece in my stash. I'd like to make one for my little granddaughter for when they get back from Florida. I also checked out the neck warmer too. I do like something around my neck in the house during the winter (and I can't tolerate a turtleneck type top), but don't like the length of a scarf because it gets in the way. The neck warmer would be perfect for that.
Damjana at AppleGreen Cottage says
Kathy,
happy to hear you'll be able to use both of the free tutorials. Happy sewing,