Keep your kids warm this winter with a cosy fleece scarf. Made from a rectangle of thick polar fleece, it is a “no sew” project, as the warm polar fleece does not fray. Get the kids involved in decorating their scarf – by appliqueing a few simple felt shapes to each end – to make a “one of a kind” accessory.  This would be a perfect project to teach kids some basic embroidery/sewing stitches such as a straight stitch, French knots, blanket stitch, and sewing on buttons. Kids will enjoy co-ordinating some brightly coloured felt and will love the quick results.  If you need a project to keep the kids entertained on a wet day over the school holidays, this is a great activity for some inexpensive creative fun.

Materials:

• Rectangle of polar fleece measuring approx. 15 cm x 160 cm
• Small pieces of coloured felt
• Assorted buttons
• Embroidery floss

Cut your polar fleece to size. Make a fringe at each end by making cuts that are 8 cm deep, and 1 cm apart.

Decorate the scarf by appliqueing some felt shapes on each end. You could applique hearts (as shown), stars, circles, flowers etc.  Cut your shapes out of the felt,  pin the felt shapes onto the scarf, and then stitch in place using two strands of embroidery floss and a basic embroidery stitch such as straight stitch, French knots, or buttonhole stitch.

Browse a range of craft materials on eBay:

• You can find a good range of polar fleece at Joelles Fabric Clearance Warehouse
• Wool felt is available in wide selection of colours at Bumble Bee Designs
• Large assortment of buttons at Bulk Buttons