Sew this: Cooling Neck Wrap – Free Pattern

Imagine attending an event on one of the hottest days of the year. Now imagine the same event, but you’re wearing a lightweight scarf with cooling beads in the back that keep you cooled off all day. Our Cooling Neck Wrap is the perfect stylish antidote to too hot days, whether you’re at home or out and about. Create a few so that you can have one while one is being washed (handwash only). Make them for the whole family before you are off on a summer adventure.

The water beads in the back of the scarf are what keeps you cool. You simply soak the neck scarf and wear. The first time the beads are hydrated, it may take up to 4 hours of soaking in a bowl of water in your refrigerator. The second time only took 2 hours to fully rehydrate.  Keep a few in a bowl of water in the back of the frig so they are ready when you are.  Don’t cover the bowl-some people have experienced issues with mold.

Once it dries out, soak it again. It’s the perfect little summer sewing project and you can use all your favorite summer fabrics.

Supply List:

• Cotton fabric: 1/8 yard x width of fabric
• Sierra Pacific brand or FloraCraft brand Water Beads
• Frixion pen or water soluble marker
• 1/4 tsp measuring teaspoon
• Sewing machine with thread to match fabric

Directions:

1. Trim the selvages (the edge produced on woven fabric during manufacture that prevents it from unraveling).
2. With the right sides of fabric together, fold and pin the fabric in half lengthwise.
3. With a marking pen, mark the midpoint of the length. Mark 8” on either side of this midpoint.  Mark  4” from the midpoint.
4. Using a 1/4” seam allowance, stitch one narrow end and up the long side 2” past the first mark. Repeat with the other end.
5. Turn right side out and press, rolling the seam allowance inside on the unsewn part of the tube and press.
6. Stitch across the width of your tube at the midpoint and at the 4” marks, creating a total of 4 pockets for your gel beads.
7. Insert a scant 1/4 tsp. of gel beads in each pocket. Don’t heap the spoon. The beads swell much more than you think – this will be plenty!
8. After filling each pocket with 1/4 tsp. of beads, sew the pocket opening closed with your machine or by hand.
9. Soak the wrap in a bowl of cold water for at least four hours to activate the beads. When not in use, leave neck wrap in an area where it can dry. The wraps may be refreshed in an open bowl in the refrigerator.  They may mold if stored in a bag.
10. If making this for a smaller adult or child, create the tube 32” long and only create two 4” pockets on either side of the midpoint seam.