Hey everyone. Today we're making a cozy scarf and hat set, and you'll learn how a fun airplane print turns soft plush into a gift a little flyer will actually wear.
Meet the fabric first
This is the Aruba Fly With Me Digital Cuddle 58/60" Fabric Per Yard from Shannon Fabrics. It's a Cuddle Fabric, and it's a digitally printed Cuddle minky plush.
Do you know a little one who's always looking up at the skies? Then you'll get this print right away, folks.
It features a variety of old-school and modern airplanes. There is a helicopter or two in there, too. And they're all illustrated in geometric shapes.
A little one can point out the airplanes and learn their shapes, too. Super duper cute.
The color here is Aruba, a fresh blue tone. Bright and playful without being loud.
Here are the real numbers. It's 100% polyester. It's 58/60" wide. That wide cut gives us plenty of room for a scarf, a hat, and a spare practice piece.
Shannon notes this print would look especially good as pillow cases or minky throw blankets to bring onboard a flight. A travel-ready scarf and hat fits right in. We're not reinventing the wheel here.
The project: a scarf and hat set for little flyers
A scarf and hat set is just what it sounds like. One soft scarf for the neck. One simple hat for the head. Warm, matching, and made to be worn.
Our child-size scarf finishes at about 6" by 42". That's long enough to wrap once and tuck in. Not so long that it drags or tangles.
Our hat is a simple beanie style, about 20" around for a child. Measure the head first and adjust — completely up to you.
Why does this fabric suit it? Minky plush is soft right against the skin. No scratchy edge at the neck. And that airplane print does all the decorating for you. No appliqué needed. Just like that, it looks finished.
One honest note. Plush can shift while you sew. Pin well and sew slow. That's the secret.
Materials list
- 1 yard Aruba Fly With Me Digital Cuddle — you'll use part for this set and have plenty left for a pillowcase or a second set
- Matching polyester thread
- 90/14 stretch or ballpoint needle
- Walking foot, long pins or clips, and a rotary cutter and mat
- Paper or card for your hat curve, and a hand-sewing needle
Brief steps
First, let the fabric rest flat. Mark your scarf piece at 13" by 43". With 1/2" seam allowances, that finishes at 6" by 42". Keep the airplanes running one direction.
Second, fold the scarf right sides together, long edges meeting. Pin every 2 to 3 inches. Plush likes to creep, so extra pins earn their keep.
Third, sew the long edge with a 1/2" seam. Go slow, about 8 to 10 stitches per inch. Use your walking foot if you have one. Leave the short ends open for now.
Fourth, turn the scarf right side out. Fold the raw ends in 1/2", pin, and topstitch them closed. Tie off your threads neatly.
Fifth, make the hat. Cut two pieces about 10 1/2" wide by 9" tall. Round the top corners with your paper curve. Keep the print upright.
Sixth, place the hat pieces right sides together. Pin well, then sew around the sides and the curved top with a 1/2" seam. Leave the bottom edge open. Slow down on that curve, or the layers can shift under the foot.
Seventh, hem the bottom. Fold the bottom edge in 1/2", then fold again. Topstitch around it. Try it on your little flyer and adjust the fold if you need a shorter fit. Completely up to you.
Practical tips from my table
Shake cut plush over a trash can. Those tiny fibers get everywhere. A lint roller helps, too.
Test on a scrap first. Check stitch length and tension. Two minutes of testing saves a whole seam of picking out.
I'll admit my mistake here. My first plush hat came out a little pointy on top. Oh my goodness. I forgot to round the corners enough. The fix was easy. I turned it inside out, softened that curve, and sewed it again.
Your set does not have to be perfect. If a topstitch line wobbles, it wobbles. You're your own worst critic. Take your time, it's not a race.
If I can do this, y'all can do it. Pick a little flyer who loves airplanes. Let those geometric planes do the talking.
Alrighty. Thanks for sewing along with me today. We'll see you next time. Bye.
Shop the Aruba Fly With Me Digital Cuddle 58/60" Fabric Per Yard at Linda's Electric Quilters.
