Materials
FleeceMeasuring tapeScissorsErasable fabric marker (optional)
But, Mom…”
It’s a phrase that, as a parent, you’ve likely heard too often—especially after asking your child to (a) do her homework, (b) eat her vegetables or (c) go to bed. And once the chilly fall air of October hits, you might also hear it after you suggest that she put on a scarf, hat and gloves before going outside.
You’re trying to be the cool parent. She’s trying to be the cool kid. Who says you can’t have both?
While it’s no guarantee, letting your child make this year’s winter scarf (this includes choosing the fleece—no matter how crazy and regardless of whether it matches her winter coat) just might make getting her to wear it a little easier. And while you’re at it, you can even make one for yourself.
Here’s how:
1Buy your fleece. Your local fabric store should have a variety of solid colors and patterns—something for everyone from the baseball fan to the ballerina. For more variety, check online. Since your scarves are unlikely to be more than 12 inches wide, avoid large prints that would get cut off. Bolts are usually about 60 inches wide, which is a perfect scarf length. Buy at least half a yard (18 inches) so you have some flexibility in deciding where your scarf edges begin and end. Make sure you buy fleece that won’t pill (it may be a little more expensive, but it’s worth it).
2 Cut out your scarves. Since the length is already set at 60 inches, all you have to do is choose a width. For a wide scarf, 12 inches works well; for a less bulky scarf try 8 inches. It’s up to you. You might also take your cues from the fleece itself—if a geometric pattern is 11 inches wide, for example, that’s a natural width to use. If you (or your child) need help cutting in a straight line—60 inches is a long line to eyeball—use an erasable fabric marker.
3 Fringe (optional). Three to 6 inches is a good fringe length. You can either eyeball it or draw a horizontal line with the fabric marker a few inches from each end of the scarf to show you where to stop. Again, the width is up to you; a half inch works well.
4Recycle. Save small scraps for future crafts. If you have big pieces left, make scarves for your friends and family.
