Winter Style: DIY Earmuffs

I have been wanting to make earmuffs for quite some time, even before the spring of last year, but I finally decided to create two different versions for the new year. In my initial mock-up, I created ear warmers that I could also use with my earphones. These were basically ear covers, but then I just wanted to design a less complicated DIY version to share with you.

Here’s a simplified version of the earmuffs that I made—a softer and versatile style that will keep your ears warm through winter’s windy breezes.

Materials:

Vintage fur or faux fur fabric (2 pcs.)

Jersey fabric  (2 pcs.)

Headband (1)

Batting or flannel for lining filling (2 pcs.)

Studs or snap trim

Epoxy or Heavy duty fabric glue
Glue stick and glue gun for trim (optional)

Scissors

Sewing machine

Needle and thread

First, I used the outline of my headphones to create a pattern, (you may also measure and adjust the shape however you want your earmuffs to look, i.e., oval or circular, etc.). Next, I cut two pieces of vintage fur from my pattern, which will be large enough to cover my ears. Next, cut two pieces of jersey fabric, and two pieces of flannel or batting fabric layers (this will be smaller than the fur pieces), approx. 2 to 4 cm smaller.

*Helpful tip: If you don’t have headphones, measure your ear length and width (circumference) and add approx. 7 to 8 cm+ around entirely shape, then add seam allowance. Cut same amount of pieces as stated above.

Start sewing the edges of one fur piece to one jersey piece together (with fabric face to face, leaving a small opening left to insert lining filling later. Turn inside out and finger press seams open as you turn it out, making certain to go along the entire seam. Cut excess threads and fabric. Now, insert your lining (I used thin flannel fabric), but if you don't want your earmuffs as thick you can use thinner cotton fabric, etc.

I made my padding pieces rectangular because of the shape of my earmuffs, which are oval. Because of the shape, I found it to work best when I folded the fabric in half, this way it also gave the earmuffs a fluffier result.So, the lining/padding pieces may vary, depending on the shape of your earmuffs. You can make it easier and just cut (two padding) pieces in the same shape and slightly smaller than your jersey lining fabric piece if you don't want to fold it.

After adding lining, I closed the seam by hand-stitching for a clean finish; you may also fold in each end of the fur and jersey (where the opening is), joining them by pressing close, and then top-stitch them together instead. 

After trial and error, I had the novel idea of using a headband for the second version that I made, which split the designing time in half. With a ruler or measuring tape, make a mark (with a pin) for a reference point that's in the center of each fur piece; carefully attach each fur piece to each end of the headband separately with heavy duty glue. To do this, position each headband end approx. 4 to 5 cm down from the top edge of each fur piece. Press. Hold, and let dry completely. Lastly, I added trimming to the ends of the headband for a custom touch. Now, the earmuffs are ready to wear in style! See the result here and below. 

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