Neckwarmer Tutorial

This is a really easy project from the scrap bin.  I think that it took about 15 minutes.  Plus, it would make a nice gift for any child or adult.  P.S. I am trying a new format for the tutorials on the blog and trying to shrink the photos and make the tutorials easier to read and print out. 

I used fleece because I had a little scrap perfectly sized for this project.   

1) Cut a rectangle of fleece (or jersey) about 12"x24".  (8"x18" for a child's size) 
2) Using a piece of double fold bias tape about 14" long open the tape.  Fold over the raw edge about 1".  3) Pin in place down the length of the scarf.  Fold the bottom edge up and pin so that there are no raw edges on the bias tape.
4) Stitch down both sides of the bias tape and then down the middle using the crease as a guide.  Do not sew the ends shut.  They need to be open so that you can thread the ribbon.
5) The easiest way to thread the ribbon is with an elastic threader.  This little gadget costs about $3.00 and is worth every penny.  If you don't have an elastic threader, you can use a safety pin hooked through the end of the ribbon.  Start at the bottom. 
6) Go up through one side and then down through the other side. 
 

7) As you can see, you will have the ends of the ribbon hanging out of the bottom of the scarf.  Pull on the ends evenly to gather up the scarf. 

8) Fold the scarf RIGHT SIDES together and stitch up the side seam.  Trim off any excess.

9) Tie a bow in the ribbon at the bottom of the scarf.  The easiest way to keep the ribbon from fraying is to seal it with a lighter. 

10) Finished neck warmer. 

Tween Girl Christmas Gift Ideas & Tutorials

Arm and Leg Warmers

I've been meaning to do this tutorial myself for some time now but I never seem to be able to get around to it.  Basically, you are cutting off the foot of a pair of socks.  You can then make arm or leg warmers.  This is a really easy and cheap no sew gift to give.  I would also recommend cutting a little slit for the thumb to go through.  She didn't do that here, but that is what the kids want.

This great tutorial is from Brassy Apple.

Easy Fringe Fleece Scarf - School Colors

This is a really cute project and so easy to make.  Lisa and I just made a dozen of these in about 1 hour the other night for our shows.  This fleece scarf tutorial is from Make and Takes.

Memo Board

I thought that this tutorial was just great for a teen or tween.  It combines so many things they love, photos, messages, etc.

Check out the full memo board tutorial at Sew Dang Cute.

Mini Photo Album

For a tween I would substitute cds rather the vinyl albums, but the idea is really cute.  Scrapbook Crazy is really one of my all time top 10 craft blogs.   Especially if you love mini albums.



I would love to see more ideas.  This is such a hard age to make for.  Thus the name tween.  But there are a few great ideas here to get you started.