Braided Fleece Ear Warmer

Instructions

1. Cut 3 long strips of fleece 27" by 3.5" so that the greatest amount of stretch goes with the long edge.

2. Fold each strip in half, right sides together, so that the long edges meet. To make it easier to turn, place a ribbon, about the same length as the strip, inside the folded fleece.

3. Sew across the top of the folded tube, catching the end of the ribbon. Pivot at the corner, and sew down along the long edge. Be very careful not to sew over the ribbon at any point.

4. Take hold of the loose end of the ribbon and pull. This will turn your tube right side out. Cut off about 1/2" at the top to remove the ribbon. You can reuse the ribbon for each of the tubes, and then use it for another project.

5. Rotate the tube so that the seam is in the center of the back. Repeat with the other two tubes. I gently steamed each tube to flatten it (be careful, fleece will melt with a hot iron!)

6. Line the tubes up on top of each other with the seam facing down. Pin the ends together. Braid the tubes together, being careful not to pull too tight or twist the tubes. When you get to the end, pin the three tubes together. Try on the ear warmer. The length given will fit a medium – large women’s head. If it is too big, simply trim off a bit at the end and repin

7. Overlap the two ends and stitch in place. Trim off the excess seam allowance. You can leave the ends as is, or cover it up with a fleece flower (free pattern here).