It’s the 6th Day of Christmas Freebies at Made for Mermaids!  We are halfway through our 12 Days and hope you are loving all the goodies!! Today we have a great pattern for everyone in the family.  Fleece Ear warmers available for baby, kids, mama and papa.   You can choose to make a plain version (super fast to sew), cinched, bow, or kitty.  This is a quick pattern for knit fabrics, fleece is recommended.  They take very little fabric… yay for scrap busters!  And they make wonderful gifts for friends, family, teachers, etc.

Download your Free pattern here.  See the print layout below.  If you need help putting the pattern together, pop over to the faqs and troubleshooting page or ask in the facebook group . Print and assemble the pattern. I’m going to use my serger for construction, if you don’t have a serger, make sure you’re using a stretch needle (jersey, ballpoint, stretch) and a stretch stitch (zig zag, lightening bolt or triple stitch)

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Supplies:
You will need a small scrap of fleece fabric.

Now, let’s get started! You will use 1/2″ seam allowances through out (they are included, you don’t need to add them). Use 1/4″ seam allowance on the kitty ears (if adding).

There are several options, so I suggest doing a read-through of the steps before you jump in! 😉

Step 1-

Plain option- Cut 2 headbands on fold. Make sure you are cutting using the stretch arrows on the pattern piece. You want the stretch going around the head.

Kitty Option- Cut 2 headbands on fold, cut 4 kitty ears. You will need buttons and ric rac to embellish.  I also cut two smaller triangles (pink fleece) for the inside of the ears.  I just used my ear pattern piece and trimmed them down. Make sure you are cutting using the stretch arrows on the pattern piece. You want the stretch going around the head.

Bow option- cut 2 headband on fold, cut 2 bows per size, cut 1 bow center. Make sure you are cutting using the stretch arrows on the pattern piece. You want the stretch going around the head.

Step 2- Bow Center for Cinched, Bow and Kitty options.  For plain option, skip to step 4.
Fold widthwise. Pin. Stitch together.

Turn right side out and finger press seam to back center. Optional- topstitch down the long edges. Set bow center aside.

Step 3- Kitty ears option-
If you cut smaller ears for the inside (pink fleece), stitch them on to the right side of two ears.

Place the other set of ears on top with right sides together.

Stitch along sides.  Leave the straight bottom open for turning.

Clip the top corners.  Turn.  Optional- press and topstitch.

Place your ric rac whiskers.  Stitch whiskers in place.  Keep your 1/2″ seam allowance in mind when placing the whiskers.  You don’t want them too close to the top or bottom edges.

Place kitty ears and headband front right sides together.  The inside corners of ears should be 1-1.5″ away from the center.  Pin and baste in place.

Step 4- Constructing the headband (ALL OPTIONS)

Place headband front and lining right sides together.  Pin both long sides.  Kitty option- your ears and whiskers will be sandwiched between the front and lining.

Stitch together with a 1/2″ seam allowance.

We are going to begin turning the tube.  With right sides together, fold the headband in on itself.  You can use a safety pin to help thread it through.  Don’t turn the tube the whole way though!!! See the next few pictures before you begin turning.

When you get to the other raw, short end, you will line up the raw edges.  Match up your seams and pin.

Stitch around the short edges leaving a 1-2″ opening for turning.

Turn the headband right side out.  You can either hand stitch your opening or use your machine to stitch it closed.

Optional- Topstitch around the top and bottom edges.  Note: topstitching may reduce the amount of stretch the headband has.

Step 5- Finishing Kitty Option- bow option skip to step 6.

Place bow center and headband front right sides together.

Pin bow center at the short, raw end.

Stitch bow center.

Turn bow center around so the right side is facing out.

Hand stitch buttons in place for eyes and nose.  I like to stitch through the bow center and headband when attaching the nose button. This will keep the bow center from sliding around.

Step 6- Bow Option-

Place bows right side together.

Pin together.  Stitch around all four sides leaving a 1-2″ opening for turning.

Clip corners and trim seam allowance to 1/4″. DO NOT TRIM OPENING.

Turn right side out.  Use a chopstick or turning tool to push corners out.  Use caution if ironing.  Fleece has a tendency to melt.  Make sure your seam allowance is tucked in.  Topstitch around all four sides, closing up the opening.

Repeat on second bow if you wish to layer them.  Pleat bow(s).  If you you are layering bows, pleat them at the same time.

Secure the center of the bows by wrapping thread around bow(s).

Lay headband out with the seam up.

Place bow right on top of the seam.  We are going to cover it up!

Hand stitch bow in place.

Wrap bow center around bow and headband front.  The right side of bow and bow center should be together.  Pin the short end of bow center.

Stitch the bow center closed.

Flip bow center around so the right side is out and the seam is in the back.

Cinched Option- You can also skip the bow and just use the bow center to cover up your seam!

There you have it! Try on your fleece ear warmer and you are ready to battle the cold winter weather in style!

We can’t wait to see what you create with this! As always, I would love for you to share in our Made for Mermaids Facebook Group and tag us on instagram #madeformermaids #madeformermaidspatterns 🙂 Join us tomorrow for Day 7!

12 Days of Christmas Freebies
December 1 – 12, 2016
Day 1 ~ Handwarmer Muff for Child and Dolly
Day 2 ~ Hippie Headband for Mama and Child
Day 3 ~ Ribbon Bookmarks
Day 4 ~ Layered Bow Ties
Day 5 ~ Boot cuffs for Girls and Mama