Use this neck warmer pattern and sew a super cozy diy neck warmer- easy and quick!
This beginner sewing tutorial will teach you how to make a warm and cozy reversible fleece neck gaiter. It's an easy, super quick sewing project, and a great solution for those who don't like wearing (uncomfortable and bulky) traditional scarves. Good to mix and match to these Easy Diy Hand Warmers too.
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Neck Warmer Pattern
If you have never yet made a neck warmer yet, it's high time to use this easy neck warmer pattern.
Neck warmers also go by the popular names cowl scarves, and neck gaiters - no matter how you call them, these nake great projects for beginners.
Today, I'm showing you how to make a double-layered reversible neck warmer in two colors. It will keep you and your kids super cozy and warm all winter long.
Warmer weather and you don't need a fleece scarf? I've got you covered! Make this easy infinity scarf from jersey instead!
Keep the winter chills away with this warm and cozy cowl scarf pattern.
Supplies:
- 2 pieces of fleece, the largest size requirement is 25" x 9" per piece (64cm x 23cm)
- matching thread
- the free template
This fleece neck gaiter pattern is one of the easiest sewing projects I've so far posted about. Have some fleece leftovers from a previous sewing project? Good! Grab two pieces and let's go!
Bonus tip: you can use flannel for one layer out of the two. This will give you a thinner cowl scarf, and still a soft one. If using flannel, make sure to prewash it. See here why prewash flannel - always.
This fleece neck warmer is all about simple rectangles. To make it easier on you and to prevent the guessing game, I've tested a few sizes and chosen what worked best for me and my children.
Does your child refuse to wear a scarf because it adds too much bulk around the neck? A fleece neck gaiter is a great solution for those who don't like wearing (uncomfortable) traditional scarves. Tried and tested!
What is the finished Size of the Diy Neck Warmer?
Choose one of these three sizes:
TODDLER (1T - 3T): 21" x 7" (53cm x 18cm) = FINISHED size DIAMETER 10" (25cm)
CHILD (4 yrs-10 yrs) 23" x 8" (59cm x 20cm) = FINISHED size DIAMETER 11" (28cm)
TEEN + ADULT: 25" x 9" (64cm x 23cm) = FINISHED size DIAMETER 12" (31cm)
Reversible Fleece Neck Warmer Tutorial
You'll get an image for every little step. Follow me!
Step 1 - Get the free template
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OR do you want a printable copy of the WHOLE tutorial? Scroll to the bottom of this tutorial for more details!
Step 2 - Cut 2 pieces
Once you've decided on the required size, grab your scissors and the ruler. Cut 2 pieces of the selected size. You don't need to add any seam allowance, it's already included.
Stretch direction is important here! Take care to cut the pieces so the material stretches most in the direction marked on the above image.
Step 3 - Sew The Long edges of the Neck Warmer Together
Place the pieces right sides together and align them.
Then stitch along the long sides using a ⅜ seam allowance and a stretchy stitch (a simple zigzag will be just perfect!)
This is how your fleece neck warmer looks like - a long tube. Trim the seam allowances if required.
Step 4 - Fold and Sew the Short Edge
Pull one end of the tube into another one, keeping the right sides together, like this:
Sew around the short end, leaving an opening for turning.
Step 5 - Turn Right Side Out
Turn right side out through the opening.
Step 6 - Close the opening on your New diy neck warmer
The only thing that remains to make this fleece neck warmer is closing the opening. I usually hand-stitch it shut, because it's easier than trying to catch the fleece layers on a machine.
And if you use this ladder stitch tutorial when hand-stitching, stitches don't show at all.
Finished - your own fleece neck warmer. Yey!
Alternatives to a fleece neck warmer
You can mix and match materials - try to find your own favorite! Later on, I also made one additional neck warmer using one piece of fleece and one piece of soft jersey. Actually, I still prefer the double fleece version. Soo soft! But when it's not so cold outside, I love to have a jersey side as an option, because it does not make me sweat.
Also, speaking of alternatives to these diy neck gaiters: if you want to test out other types of scarves and wraps, check out these 10+ free scarves to sew.
What is the best size for a neck warmer?
As you see in the photo, the smallest one is the toddler size, the blue-and-yellow one is mid-size (4yrs to 10 yrs), and the largest one is for me. I quickly modeled it against my partner's chin and can confirm that this size will work for any adult.
It will keep you and your kids warm all winter long! Since winter is (hopefully) coming to an end soon, I was thinking whether I should just fast forward to Christmas sewing. It's so easy I just might.
Have you seen the new baby scarf tutorial that's getting very popular? This free tutorial has a little something added - and it makes it a DIY scarf that will never fall off! Check out here how and why:
Make sure to save this neck warmer pattern and tutorial so you can find it later:
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Or ...go straight to the gift bag pattern. Smart and simple construction, originally a gift bag but around Halloween, it doubles as an adorable Trick-Or-Treat bag - 6 sizes and designs for all your wishes!
Damjana
Juanita O’Neill
Clear, easy to follow instructions but mine would only be useable inside out! When I pull it thru the opening the stretch is gone! Won’t fit over head. What am I doing wrong?
Damjana
Juanita hi,
a good question. Two things that come to my mind: have you pulled the entire piece right side out in step 6 (not just half of it)? When I only pull it halfway through, it would look like it's too small. And in step 5 make sure you have sewn the short edge with right sides together. Please let me know if this solves your issue, will you? xoxo, Damjana
Pam
The length of the gaiter has to align with the stretch of the fleece so it will stretch over the head. Otherwise the stretch goes up and down where you don’t need or want it.
Vicki B.
Thank you so much for this easy to follow tutorial! I just finished making a neck warmer for my niece for Christmas, it's the fastest I've ever finished a project and I used very soft, fuzzy, hard to work with polar fleece! I had a small panic moment before I turned it right side out thinking "omg this isn't going to fit over anyone's head!!" but once it was turned out the right way I understood and had a good laugh at myself.
Damjana
Glad it worked out 😀 Happy holidays,
Elizabeth Hill
Can anyone tell me what kind of fleece I should use? I’ve never used fleece before, and there seem to be so many different types, anti-pill, micro, polar, arctic, stretch. It’s too confusing 🤪
Michelle Norse
I'm a beginner sewer & I made an adult snood from your pattern & I'm so pleased my first project went well! Thank you for the great pattern & clear instructions. I've made it for my husband & he is really pleased with the fit.
Damjana
So happy to hear that!
Pamela Lebreck
I just had to tell you..I have made thirteen of your neck warmers so far...still have two more to go. Everyone is getting one in with their Christmas present this ear. Your directions were easy to follow..ad they were fun to do. Thank you so much for sharing this idea with us. I look forward to your site and all your great ideas. Thanks again.
Damjana
Pamela hi,
that's amazing, thank you!
Unknown
I have made these and donated them to the school. Fast, easy, and they love them. Thank you!
Unknown
Yours are the absolutely clearest and easiest to follow instructions I found! Thank you so very very much!!!!
Unknown
Hi Marmalina,
Yesterday I was at the fabric store for some thread and saw that luxury fleece was on sale for 50% off(Yay!) I took advantage and found your web page for making neck warmers. Your instructions are perfect; clear, concise, and so easy to follow! I made 4 this morning from just 1 yd.(2 for my boys, 2 for my husband and father-in-law) for Christmas gifts. They are also very practical, especially for active kids - no more lost scarves! I definitely plan on making more and gifting them to loved ones. Who wouldn't love a handmade gift that keeps them cozy warm all winter? I also saw the post from the Cub Scout leader in Canada and agree this would make a great project for kids. My boys are Cub Scouts too so we will definitely try this with our den. Thanks SO much for taking the time and effort to share with all of us!
Rege
Damjana at AppleGreen Cottage
Rege
thank you, that's such a lovely comment. And yes you're right, it does make a great kid sewing project - I know of a few kids who've made their neck warmers from this tutorial. So happy I can help! xoxo,
marmelina
With your tutorial it was fast and easy to make...and now it's a pleasure to wear those soft and cozy scarfs. Thank you!!!!
Teatime
Thank you so much for these instructions. I am a Cub Scout leader in Canada and recent changes to our badge system require our Cubs to create "an article of winter clothing". Your clear instructions were my saving grace! This past Tuesday, our Pack produced 24 of them in a little over an hour and a half! The kids were thrilled and so proud to make these themselves. I have heard that several of them have insisted on wearing them ever since (both outside and inside!). This pattern was so forgiving for beginning sewers, looks great, and feels so soft and cuddly. A few of them asked about making hats and I gave them the idea of the previous poster. Thanks again!
Damjana at AppleGreen Cottage
Teatime,
that's awesome! Amazed about your initiative and the kids' enthusiasm, and thankful for your comment. Have a great day,
Honeybug
I've just used you great instructions to complete a neck warmer interchanged with hat pattern. A friend had one and I've drafted a pattern from it. All it is, is exactly what you have done here and then I sew a channel about half an inch down from the top edge. Then I snipped a hole on either side of the vertical seam and inserted cord on a safety pin. Pulled the cord through, tied it off, moved the cord around so that the knot was hidden in the channel and then put the end of the cord through a toggle which allows the cord to pulled tight for a hat, loosened slightly to fit through a pony tail and stretched out completely to slide down over the head to be a neck warmer. Very happy with the results.
Damjana at AppleGreen Cottage
A great idea, Honeybug, and thanks for sharing it! I need to try that out.
Ang
I love this! I have been making simple (but warm) hats and mittens for the homeless. This will make a nice addition to the sets. Thank you!
Damjana at AppleGreen Cottage
Happy to hear that 🙂
Connie Kresin Campbell
Great tutorial, I've got some fleece and need to make a couple for my granddaughters! Thanks for sharing.
Damjana at AppleGreen Cottage
You're welcome, thanks for visiting!
Anne
I love this! I always end up with scraps of fleece that are too big to throw away but I otherwise have no use for them. Now I'll know to make neck warmers! --Anne
Pam @Threading My Way
I do like the construction of your neck warmer, Damjana. Looks much easier than how I've been doing infinity scarves. A great tutorial, as always.