Many years ago, I was in New York and went to a Christmas market in Bryant Park. I purchased this colorful item below that wraps around your neck and is secured with snaps. The buttons are decorative.
It’s not really a scarf, but I would refer to it as a neck warmer. I LOVE scarves and have several, but there are some days when a woolen, cashmere or even cotton scarf is just too bulky and a silk scarf isn’t enough.
Since we live in a drafty old home, having my neck covered does just enough to ward off the chills. I tend to wear this with a long sleeve t-shirt or light crew neck sweater.
Since I’m not a big fan of turtlenecks, this neck warmer provides the perfect amount of warmth, without the bulk. It snaps on and off so it’s easy to use; no pulling it over your head. There are no long ends to get in the way if you are cooking or doing an activity.
Since I haven’t been able to find anything similar, I decided to make them. I used my original one as a pattern. I also experimented with where I wanted the neck warmer to fasten.
I bought lightweight fleece type fabric, buttons and snaps to do this many years ago. Yes, another project left undone, until now!
The neck warmer before sewing, measured at 27″ x 6″ with 1/2″ seams allowances. You could easily make it bigger too. I have a long neck and short hair and this size works perfectly for me.
Cut out 2 two rectangles of fabric. I used straight pins as guides.
At this point, you have the option to add the buttons and snaps before you sew the rectangles together. Since I used a multi-colored (with different values) fabric, I sewed the buttons and snaps on before I stitched the rectangles together, so you wouldn’t see the back side of my stitching. However, on other fabric, I sewed the rectangles together first, and added snaps/buttons later because the stitching was not visible.
I sewed one end only (the 6″ side) before I determined the placement of my buttons and snaps. Remember the buttons are only decorative; it’s the snaps that secure the neck warmer.
Sew the rectangles together (right sides facing each other) and leave a small pocket open to turn it inside out. Slip stitch the pocket to close the seam.
Here is how the finished product looks on. My daughter, Elisabeth is my model.
The next one I made was so much easier. Since the fabric was busy, I added the one button and snap after sewing the neck warmer pieces together. I wanted to see how one vs. two snaps worked.
With one button you can wear it like it is above, or turn the neck warmer where the button is sitting to one side for a completely different look.
The next one I made is with a fabric that felt almost like cashmere. Being solid black, I decided to sew on the snap but left the button off. Instead I used a jeweled pin, which can be interchanged, for a dressier look.
The original one I had a cowl neck placement. I rearranged the snaps on my original one because I prefer this style.
There are endless ways you can get creative with these, depending on where you put the snaps. For just a few dollars, you can make them out of various fabrics and the button selection is endless. You could add some top stitching too or use two different fabrics on the same neck warmer.
These neck warmers also work well when I am having one of those days when I’m hot, then I’m cold, then I’m hot again. Being able to snap it on and off and not needing a mirror to make sure it is organized properly is very convenient.
I hope you enjoyed my first DIY project for the new year! Happy Wednesday!
Susie says
These are so fun and easy to make! I made them for all the gals last Christmas. Great demo!
Mary Crozier says
Wait? What? I don’t remember getting one! 🙂
Barbara D. says
Love this idea! My neck and shoulders get chilled too and this is a great way to handle that without bulking up with sweaters and scarves. Thanks for showing me my next project!
Denise Storace Blaskovic says
Simply love this Idea! Thanks for sharing. Going to make some for my 92 year old Mother. Bet you my 93 year old Dad will want one too. Finely have a use for some of those buttons in that old tin that I’ve had for 60 years. Hugs
Mary Crozier says
I know, right? I have buttons galore too! They will love them. Funny you mention your Dad, but as I was making them, my husband wondered if I could make a guy version. Leather buttons?
Let me know how they turn out!
Michael Brostek says
We were just at that market in December, what a blast with the tree etc. Pretty cool looking Mary!
Mary Crozier says
We went the year Julianna sang at Carnegie Hall-was that 4th grade? We were so impressed with that market! How fun that you were just there. Wonder if the vendor who made the scarf is still in business?
Melody Dean says
Love this idea! If my neck is cold, I’m cold. Scarves aren’t always convenient. Thanks for this easy tip!
Mary Crozier says
I’m really surprised how easy they are and how creative you can become in making them. Who ever thought I could design a fashion item! Too funny!
JOANN AUGUR says
you are amazing!