Winter brings with it a certain charm – the crisp air, the cozy nights by the fire, and of course, the opportunity to bundle up in your favorite cold-weather gear. But while scarves, gloves, and hats are essentials, sometimes we forget about keeping our ears warm. That's where a fleece ear warmer comes in handy. Not only does it keep your ears cozy, but with a cute bow accent, it adds a touch of style to your winter ensemble.
In this DIY guide, I'll show you a step-by-step of how to create your own fleece ear warmer with a delightful bow. This project is perfect for beginners and seasoned sewers alike, and you can customize it to match your personality and style.
Materials You'll Need:
- 1 yard of Fleece fabric (choose a color or pattern you love); I chose a tennis themed pattern from Joann's to enhance my winter tennis fashion (https://www.joann.com/blue-tennis-time-blizzard-fleece-fabric/19799519.html). Bonus is it's currently on sale for half off!
- Scissors
- Measuring tape and ruler
- Sewing machine (or you can hand sew if preferred)
-walking foot for sewing machine
- Thread (matching the color of your fleece fabric)
- Pins or clips
- Bow template (you can create your own or find one online)
Step 1: Measure and Cut the Fleece
1. Measure the circumference of your head where the ear warmer will sit. Add about 2 inches to this measurement for seam allowance and comfort (Mine was about 23" and I added 2" to get 25").
2. Determine the width you want for your ear warmer. Typically, it should be about 5-6 inches wide; you will be folding lengthwise and sewing, so keep that in mind to determine how wide you would like the warmer to be. If you choose 5", it will be 2.5" wide once folded. You can add more width if you would like more coverage. I chose 6".
3. Using your measurements, cut a rectangle of fleece fabric according to the length and width you've determined.
Step 2: Sew the Ear Warmer
1. Fold the fleece rectangle in half lengthwise with the right sides facing each other.
2. Pin or clip along the open edge to secure the fabric.
3. Using a straight stitch, sew along the pinned edge, leaving about a 1/4-1/2 inch seam allowance. I forgot to change my embroidery foot at first, as seen in the below picture, but remembered once I started to sew that I needed the walking foot attachment--haha. This definitely helps with slippery fabrics like fleece. Remember to backstitch at the beginning and end to secure the seam.
Step 3: Turn Inside Out
1. Carefully turn the fleece tube inside out so that the right side of the fabric is now facing outward--like how you would right side out a sock. :)
2. Use your fingers or a blunt object to gently push out the corners and ensure the edges are smooth.
OPTIONAL -- Step 4: Create the Bow
1. I cut two sections of fabric 2" x 4" to create a center accent on my ear warmer and give it the illusion of a bow.
2. Place the two bow pieces together with the right sides facing each other.
3. Pin around the edges, leaving a small opening for turning.
4. Sew around the edges, leaving the opening unsewn.
5. Carefully turn the bow inside out through the opening.
6. Hand sew or machine sew the opening closed.
Step 5: Attach the Bow to the Ear Warmer
1. Place the bow on the seam of the ear warmer, covering the seam.
2. Hand sew or machine sew the bow onto the ear warmer, making sure it's securely attached.
Step 6: Sew the ending together. Wear and Enjoy!
Turn the ear warmer inside out, overlap the endings as much as needed to help the ear warmer fit snugly on your head by wrapping around your head and checking. This was about 1" for me, but it is up to your preference. Sew the end with about 1/2" seam allowance and flip the ear warmer back over. Trim any loose threads.
Congratulations! You've just created your own cozy fleece ear warmer with a stylish bow accent. Now it's time to bundle up, head out into the winter wonderland, and enjoy the season in warmth and style.
Feel free to experiment with different fleece colors, patterns, and bow sizes to create ear warmers that match your unique style and personality. Stay warm and happy sewing! 🧵✨
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