How to Make a Muffler Construction

A colorful muffler adds a touch of fun to your outfit while providing warmth.

A warm, cozy muffler wrapped around your neck on a cold winter day will help keep the chilly winds at bay. "Muffler" is another name for a heavy winter scarf. Choose from an unlimited range of fabrics, colors and patterns. For use in very cold climates, fabrics such as fleece and wool can be good choices. Mufflers are inexpensive and easy to make. Create several in different colors. Express your own style and personality. The muffler in this project is made from fleece and is a variation on the traditional look of a scarf.

Things You'll Need

• Fleece fabric
• Scissors
• Sewing machine
• Thread
• Needle

Instructions

1. Lay the fleece fabric on a flat surface. Use fabric that is 60 inches wide. Cut the fabric into three strips, each 5 inches wide and 60 inches (5 feet) long. Cut your strips across the width of your fabric.

2. Place the three fabric strips on top of each other to form one thick strip. Using three strips of different colors or patterns can add a fun touch to the muffler. Sew a single, straight line directly down the center of the full length of the 60-inch strip. This will leave 2 1/2 inches of fabric on each side of the seam you have just sewn. The use of a sewing machine is recommended, but this can be done by hand if no sewing machine is available.

3. Cut slits 1 inch apart for the full length of the 60 inches. These slits should each be about 2 inches deep. You are creating bulk and form for your muffler.

4. Separate the three layers of slits along the full length of the muffler. Shake and fluff the muffler to give it fullness and bulk.

Tips & Warnings

• For a child's muffler, cut the fabric strips 3 or 4 feet long.

• To wear the muffler, hold the muffler lengthwise across the front of your body at the level of the neck. Place the center of the muffler against the front of your neck. Wrap one end of your fleece muffler around the back of your neck and bring around to the front, letting it drape over your shoulder and down. Repeat the process with the other end. Loosen the fabric slightly around the neck to give a slight droop to the fabric.

• For a touch of elegance, mufflers can be constructed from chiffon or cashmere.

• When using fabrics that fray at the edges, hemming may be necessary. The frayed edges may create a desired look as well.

References

• Make and Takes: Easy Fringe Fleece Scarf Tutorial
• Bukisa: Sew a Winter Scarf