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How to Make a Fleece Neck Warmer | Pattern and Video

Winter is just around the corner and I started to pull out the winter clothes. So I decided it is the perfect time to share how to make a neck warmer.

This project is super easy to sew, even for complete beginners, and is an excellent solution for those of you who don’t want to wear the bulky traditional styles or just want a stylish addition to their winter wardrobe.

Use the free fleece neck warmer pattern to make your own reversible neck warmer with Velcro closure. It is one of the four scarf tutorials on this site, and is my choice for the coldest weather. It’s bright, reversible and super easy to put on and off WITHOUT ruining your hairstyle.

The last feature seems to be super important for my teen who says that this DIY neck warmer is his favorite scarf JUST because of that.

Below you will find my step by step written tutorial with VIDEO instructions for all the visual learners.

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OTHER SCARF TUTORIALS

Looking for the cowl scarf pattern? Then, check out my other neck gaiter pattern and use fleece instead. There are two styles to choose from – lined and unlined.

If the weather is too warm for fleece yet, why don’t you sew up this easy infinity scarf from flannel or colorful cotton? I used pink plain and this scarf makes me smile every time I put it on.

Last but not least, here is my scarf face mask pattern. It is a great way to keep your mouth and nose covered and be fashionable at the same time! Plus, it’s a lifesaver for people with tracheotomy, who are otherwise forced to wear two masks at once – one for their face, and one to cover the place on their neck from where they actually breathe!

So, without further ado, let me show you how to sew a reversible neck warmer from warm, soft, snuggly fleece.

How to make a Neck Warmer

Supplies and tools

Neck warmer supplies

DOWNLOAD: Fleece neck warmer pattern (Free PDF file)

Follow us for free patterns & tutorials! [easy-profiles]

How To Sew a Neck Warmer

Watch the diy neck warmers video first and then follow the written step by step instructions below.
Please enjoy and don’t forget to Like and SUBSCRIBE over on YouTube to be kept up to date with new videos as they come out.

DIY Neck warmer VIDEO TUTORIAL

INSTRUCTIONS:

STEP 1: Download and print the neck warmer pattern

The pattern consists of two pages. Print them out at 100% without any scaling as it will distort the template. Trim the second page and tape it to the first one. Cut out the neck warmer pattern.

neck warmer pattern

NECK warmer pattern size

The soft and cozy fleece neck warmer pattern is unisex and almost universal – it works well for kids aged 9 and up, men and women.

STEP 2: Cut out the fabrics

Fold the fleece fabric in half and place the pattern on the fold. Pin or use clips so that the pattern won’t shift. Cut according to the neck gaiter template. Repeat for the second fabric piece. Unfold the fabrics – you will have two identical fleece pieces.

The seam allowance is 3/8” (1cm) and is already included in the pattern.

TIP: Fleece has more stretch in one direction than the other. However, you don’t need to worry about stretch with this pattern as it uses Velcro closure.

Cutting fabrics for neck warmers

STEP 3: Pin

Place the two fabrics on top of each other, with the wrong sides facing. Pin  along all sides and leave a 2-inch opening for turning along the top back ed.

TIP: I find it really useful to mark the beginning and the end of the gap either using double pins or double clips

DIY neck warmer pinned

STEP 4: Sew the fleece neck warmer

Sew around the neck warmer using either a regular stitch or a zig zag. Backstitch at the beginning and the end of the seam to make it more durable. Trim the threads.

TIP: Use a walking foot (even feed foot) if you have one. It’s a game changer and makes sewing through thick or knit fabrics sooo much easier

Sewing the fleece neck warmer

STEP 5: Turn around

Turn the whole neck cowl around through the opening you’ve left earlier. Push out the corners using a pencil (NOT your scissors or something too pointy as it may rip through the fleece). Fold the fleece ends around the gap and pin them.

Press with an iron if you want a more polished look and you are not in a hurry to finish it as soon as possible.

STEP 6: Pin the hook and loop fasteners

Cut one hook and loop strip, 2 inches long.

Place finished neck warmer on a flat surface with the straight edge on top. Place the loop part of the Velcro strip about 1/2inch from the left edge and center it vertically. The long side of the Velcro should be parallel to the long side of the neck warmer.

Flip the neck warmer and place the hook part of the Velcro strip about 1/2 inch from the edge. The long part of the Velcro should be parallel to the short side of the neck warmer. Basically, the loop and hook parts should form a cross.

How to make a neck warmer

STEP 7: Topstitch and sew the fastener

Sew around the whole thing using ¼ inch seam allowance. This will also close the opening for turning.

Sew around all four sides of each of the Velcro strips and back stitch the beginning and the end to secure.

TIPIf you want a snugger fit, you can add two loop strips on each side. However, using one is more than enough for us.

Fleece Neck warmer scarf all ready

Congrats! Your DIY neck warmer scarf is all ready to keep you warm during the chilly winter days. You can now braze the cold weather without any fear. Both you, your partner and your kids will be warm and cozy wearing the fleece neck warmers, and all ready for the winter fun ahead!

This is such a quick and easy project, but makes a wonderful and practical gift for almost anyone. Now when you know how to make a neck warmer, you can whip a bunch for everyone in the family (or maybe use as gifts). Use two fun colors for a reversible one, or use one subtle color to go along with most of your wardrobe. It’s all up to you.

Have you made a bunch of neck warmers from the same fleece color? Fret not, you can quickly personalize it with an embroidered monogram or go the lazy way and just embellished each one with a tiny stitch of different bold colors for quick sorting.

I must confess that my husband and teenage son never know which pair of socks belong to who until I came up with the brilliant solution to embellish everyone’s socks with different color of thread. My son got the green, and hubby got the blue. I can now proudly say that they sort the laundry without asking me for each pair of socks! And that rocks!

Do you like this? Pin this fleece neck warmer tutorial for later:

DIY fleece neck warmer pattern and tutorial (REVERSIBLE)

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Click Here to Leave a Comment Below 28 comments
Life Diet Health - October 27, 2020

Looks lovely… but I wasn’t even aware there was such a thing as a neck warmer! 😛 Thanks for sharing at Fiesta Friday!

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    Helen - October 31, 2020

    It’s the most comfortable scarf ever! You should try it!

    Reply
    MARGARET CAMPBELL GALLAGHER - December 4, 2021

    you dont live at -20C , as kids if my scarf was wet Mom gave me one of Dads big wool socks. good neck warmer lol

    Reply
Elaine Livingstone - October 30, 2020

that looks brilliant, nice step by step instructions and so much more manageable than a scarf.
over from #PoCoLo

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    Helen - October 31, 2020

    I love scarves and have a ton. This one is certainly one of my faves. Super easy to put on and off, warm and cozy

    Reply
Marielle - October 31, 2020

Great idea for the upcoming winter! Thanks for sharing. I’m visiting today from the Home Matters link up. Have a great weekend!

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    Helen - October 31, 2020

    I’m so glad to hear you like it! thanks for the nice comment

    Reply
Naush Samama - October 31, 2020

Very creative ! I love how you keep experimenting and creating new ideas with your sewing talent.
Thank you so much for joining us at Meraki Link Party.
Much love
Naush

Reply
    Helen - October 31, 2020

    Thank you for loving my projects, Naush. It means a lot to me

    Reply
Kim | Shiplap and Shells - November 1, 2020

I love this idea! Thank you for sharing at Charming Homes and Gardens.

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Shelbee on the Edge - November 2, 2020

So cute! I am always cold and always have something around my neck during these colder months. I love this idea of a fleece neck warmer for less bulk but still lots of warmth. Such a great vibrant color you chose, too! Thanks for linking with me.
Shelbee
http://www.shelbeeontheedge.com

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Stephanie 139a - November 2, 2020

Looks snug, but not for me – can’t stand things around my neck! Lovely colour though #PoCoLO

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    Helen - November 3, 2020

    It’s adjustable and very comfy. I can’t stand things around my neck too (turtle necks, snug fitting collars etc), but this one is definitely NOT one of those thingies. I wear it a ton

    Reply
Michelle - November 3, 2020

Looks so warm and cozy! Thanks for linking up with me!

Michelle
https://mybijoulifeonline.com

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Jennifer Dynys - November 4, 2020

So cute! Your skills amaze me! Thank you for sharing at Embracing Home and Family!

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    Helen - November 5, 2020

    Oh, what a kind comment. Thank you so much, Jennifer!

    Reply
chickenruby - November 6, 2020

looks an easy apttern to follow, i keep meaning to buy some fleece. Thanks for linking with #pocolo

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Karol - December 29, 2020

I am not able to download the neck warmer pattern. Could you possibly send me a link to the pattern? Thanks

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    Helen - December 30, 2020

    Hi Karol, I’ve just sent it to your email. Happy sewing

    Reply
Kathy Rader - December 30, 2020

I’m making this neck warmer right now. Two questions came up: 1) which end is up, the curve edge, or straight edge? 2) to make this reversible, wouldn’t you need 2 sets of Velcro fasteners?

Reply
    Helen - December 30, 2020

    Hi Kathy,
    the straight edge is up, and no, you don’t need 2 sets of fasteners thanks to the strategic placement (step 6).

    Reply
    Kathy Rader - December 31, 2020

    Thanks! I discovered the ingenuity of the Velcro placement. But, I designed my neckwarmer, with a “Steeler” appliqué the wrong way, and that makes this neck warmer “bottom-up!” I will design it properly next time though!

    Reply
    Helen - December 31, 2020

    You can wear it that way if you don’t want to unpick the applique. I hate unpicking with a passion 🙂

    Reply
    Torry - December 11, 2022

    This had been my question, also! So I was glad to see the answer. I would like to say that, since the velcro doesn’t show, I just use a different color of velcro to tell the same color of polar fleece apart.Works for me.
    Thank uou, I just finished the first one of 25. This couldn’t be any easier for last minute gifts!

    Reply
Carol Connole - November 30, 2021

How would you adjust this for a 9 year old?

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Ellen - September 11, 2022

The neck warmer is just what my daughter is wanting so that she can keep warm while riding her scooter in the cooler weather. Just curious as to why in Step 3 the instructions say to place the ?wrong? sides of the fleece together to sew? Turning right side out would then put the right side of the fleece on the inside. Perhaps I missed something. I’m using a patterned fleece with a definite wrong and right side. Thanks for posting this really nice pattern.

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Linda - December 4, 2022

Hello, I’ve made several successful neck warmers, thanks to your wonderful pattern. I need to make one for XXL men – how could I go about that? Should I lengthen the pattern? Please advise, thanks.

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Torry - January 29, 2023

Just wanted to thank you again for posting this pattern! I made 31 before Christmas and, to be a good mom, I made 4 more for my son to give to his best friends.

I made several that I enlarged. I did some where I just moved the pattern away from the fold, and several where I did that and also extended the ends. I found it to be pretty easy to enlarge the pattern both ways.

Reply

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