How to make a Fringed Fleece Scarf

Learn how to sew a simple fleece Fringed scarf!      

Learning how to make a simple fleece scarf is part of our Kids' Sewing Series!  It's also appropriate for adults!

Cozy fleece scarves are just the thing to keep necks warm on a cold and chilly day.  Everyone likes to have a soft scarf to keep the wind off!

The tutorial for this fleece fringed scarf is very easy, and it is the perfect beginner sewing project for kids.  First time sewers will love to make this DIY scarf to wear for themselves or to give as gifts!

Scarves can also be made by finger knitting, which is another fun and creative craft to try! 

This tutorial teaches how to sew a fleece fringed scarf that anyone would be proud to wear.

With this sewing project, kids will be able to choose the perfect fabric pattern for the fleece scarf.  Fabric stores have wonderful fleece designs to choose from!

The kiddos will have a great time browsing all of the whimsical fleece fabric designs from dragons to fairies, to flowers and so much more!  The designs are nearly endless! 

These instructions for a fleece fringed scarf are easy to follow, and the finished DIY fleece scarf is sure to look fantastic and fashionable!

Watch this video tutorial and read the following step-by-step instructions to learn how to make a fleece fringed scarf.

Sewing Instructions for how to make a fleece fringed scarf

What you need to sew a fleece fringed scarf

• 1/2 yard of fleece material
• Coordinating thread
• Scissors
• Sewing machine
• Ruler
• Scotch tape (optional)

step 1:  Cut the Fleece

Lay the fleece fabric on a flat cutting surface. With your hands, carefully smooth out the fabric so there are no wrinkles or bumps.

Cut the fleece 15" x 60".  

Be sure to also trim off the salvage edges at one end of the fabric for this sewing project.

Step 2: Pin the Fleece Fabric

Take the piece of fleece fabric that has been cut and fold it so that the right sides of the fabric are facing each other. 

For kids, it is easy for them to remember that the pretty sides go together.

With right sides together, pin the fabric pieces on the long edge.  It is important that the first pin is placed 5" from the short end of the fabric.

The 5" area is where the fleece fringe will be cut later.

Use a ruler to measure 5" from the beginning of the folded fabric to accurately place the first pin.

Continue pinning the fabric sides together, placing the pins about five to seven inches apart.  Measure 5" from the end of the long side and place the final pin at that point.

Once again, there should be 5" of unpinned fabric where the fleece fringe will be cut in the final step.

Step 3: sew the fabric together

With the sewing machine, use the coordinating thread to sew a 1/2" seam allowance from the top pin to the bottom pin.  It is important to back tack at the beginning and end of the line of sewing.

Remember to leave that 5" piece of fabric free from stitching!

Sew the seam all of the way down the fabric, being sure to remove the pins so that you are not sewing over them. 

Sewing over the pins can break the needle on the sewing machine. Stop stitching at the last pin. 

The stitching should stop with 5" of fabric left for fringing. Be sure to back tack before cutting the thread.  

Once the stitching is complete, turn the fabric right side out.

Step 4: Prepare for the Edge Stitching

Lay the piece of sewn fabric on the work area and smooth the fleece until it is nice and flat without any wrinkles.

Pin along the sewn edge of the fabric, once again starting 5" from the beginning and end. The pinning will keep the fabric nice and flat while edge stitching each side.

Now, keeping the fabric smooth and flat, pin along the other long side just as you did on the first edge.

step 5: Edge stitch the sides of the fleece scarf

Begin by changing the length of the stitches using the stitch setting on the sewing machine.  The stitches will be longer now.

This machine was set at number 3, which is nine stitches per inch.

Use the side of foot along the edge of the fabric as a guide for the edge stitching.  Start sewing at the first pin, which is 5" from the top of the fleece scarf. 

If you'd like to learn more about edge stitching, visit our sewing basics page.

Stitch along the edge of the fabric down to the last pin, leaving 5" of fabric that is not sewn. Be sure to back tack when you begin and end sewing.

Don't stitch over those pins!  Remember to remove the pins so there is no chance of stitching over them and breaking your sewing machine needle.

Turn the scarf around and repeat this on the other pinned side of the scarf.

Step 6: Stitch along the short sides

Once the edge stitching is complete, it is time to sew along the short ends of the fleece scarf. The stitching will be done 5" from each end.

There are two ways to do this.

If you are comfortable sewing a straight stitch line, use the pin as your guide to sew along the short end. 

Remember to back tack at the beginning and end of the stitching.

If stitching with a guide is more comfortable, take the ruler and mark 5" from the end of the fabric.  Place scotch tape along the ruler all of the way down to make a straight stitching guide.

Edge stitch beside the scotch tape, making sure not to sew over the tape.  

Don't forget to back tack at the beginning and end of sewing so the stitches don't come out!

Remove the piece of scotch tape after the edge stitching is complete. There should be a nice straight line of stitching!

Step 7: Cut the fleece fringe

Take the fleece scarf to the work station.  It is time to cut the fringe!  Begin by cutting along the folded edge, making sure not to cut through the stitching.

The fringe can be as narrow or as wide as preferred. Cut the fringes either by using a ruler to measure that each fleece fringe is the same, or simply cut by eye.

Turn the scarf around and cut the fleece fringe on the other end, repeating the steps for cutting the fringe. Be sure not to cut through the stitching.

This completed scarf is 7" wide by 60" long.  The size can be changed by cutting the fabric larger or smaller in step one.

Make one for yourself and others to give as gifts!  Want to monogram the scarf?  Check out our page on how to machine embroidery on fleece!

OTHER SCARF TUTORIALS

• Fleece Infinity Scarf - In about 30 minutes you can sew this scarf. Even a beginner sewer can make it!
• DIY Loopy Fleece Boa - This boa is a modern twist on the feather boa.