When Lucas was a toddler, keeping a traditional tied scarf on him was a challenge.  It would come undone.  He would be uncomfortable because the scarf was too long and bulky.  I was looking for a solution when I came across an easy knit pattern for a child neck warmer cowl scarf.  I haven’t purchased a traditional scarf since knitting my first neck warmer cowl scarf.  This week, we had a Snow Day and I was inspired to make new scarves using Corduroy and Sherpa I had in my fabric stash.  Try these two neck warmer cowl scarf DIY projects.  They are good for beginner knitters and sewers.

Knit Neck Warmer Cowl Scarf

You will need:

• 1 skein of medium weight yarn
• Size 8 knitting needles
• A yarn needle

For the gray scarf, I used Caron Simply Soft yarn.

Step 1:  For a child-sized scarf, cast on 91 stitches (21″ length).  Knit every row (garter stitch) for 61 rows (7 1/4″ width).  For an adult-sized scarf,  cast on 95 stitches (22″ length); knit 63 rows (8″ width).

Tip:  The number of stitches and rows will vary depending on the yarn weight and your gauge.  Use the measurements above and adjust as needed.

Step 2:  Cast off.  Weave in ends.  You now have a knitted rectangle which you will join in the next step to complete the scarf.

Step 3:  Sew ends together using an invisible sewn seam.

LionBrand.com is a great resource for crocheters and knitters.  I’ve included links above which I think can be helpful when making this scarf.  The site also has a library of free patterns available for different crochet and knit skill levels.

Source for knit cowl scarf:  MarthaStewart.com

Corduroy Sherpa-Lined Neck Warmer Cowl Scarf

You will need:

• 1/2 yarn each of Corduroy and Sherpa fabrics
• Coordinating thread
• Rotary cutter
• Ruler
• Cutting mat
• Iron
• Sewing machine

Step 1:  Pre-wash your fabric.

Tip:  This step ensures that your finished garment retains its shape and doesn’t shrink when you wash it.

Step 2:  Prep your fabric for cutting by ironing it.  Cut two 23″L x 8.5″W rectangles from each fabric – the outer fabric (Corduroy) and liner (Sherpa).

Step 3:  Place the fabrics on top of each other right sides together and pin along the two long sides.

Step 4:  Use a 1/2″ seam allowance and straight stitch to sew the two long sides together.  You now have a tube that is open on the two short sides.

Step 5:  Turn the piece inside out and iron along the seam to create clean edges.  Before turning over the piece, I trimmed the excess fabric on the seam using pinking shears to reduce the bulkiness of the joined fabrics.  You can skip this step if the fabric you’re using isn’t thick.

Step 6:  Align and pin the four layers of fabric along the two short sides.  Use a 1/2″ seam allowance and straight stitch to sew the two short sides together.

Step 7:  To retain the scarf’s shape, top stitch along the top and bottom of the scarf edges.  To top stitch, use a 1/4″ seam allowance with needle positioned to the right.  The thread will be visible so you need to decide if you want a contrasting or coordinating thread color.  I used white thread on the blue scarves and pink thread on the pink scarves.  The top stitch thread color is another way you can customize this project.

The finished dimensions of the scarf are 22″L x 7.5″W.  Please note:  the child in the image is 6 years old.

The frigid temperatures are a great excuse to stay home and craft.  If you try these projects, please share a picture and use tag #latinamominnyc.  I can’t wait to see the yarn and fabrics you use to customize your projects.

Stay warm!