This is something I made for my girls when they were small. I was surprised this one survived ~ I mean, 20+ years, it's done well!!! I made them coats with 4-ply yarn used for the embroidery before sewing. The strap that hung around their neck was tube made from the broadcloth I used to line the muff.



This shows the shape and size ratio of outside fabric and lining. The "purse" rectangle is for 'Normal' to try!

This is the finished muff.
This is the seam which I placed pointing to the feet and off center towards the tummy to hide it as much as possible.

Looking inside the end, you can see how the smaller lining pulls the sherpa inside. You can see where the tubular neck hanger was sewn.
A couple notes...
• -This was made before I knew how to sew on heavy, napped fabrics. Did not know I was supposed to trim some of the bulk away in the seam allowance.

• -After it was sewn, I should have used a straight pin to pull the long fibers back to the outside the machine had caught in the seam.

• -Depending on what type of nap [mink or faux fur] depends on how you treat the seam allowance and what you want to pull afterwards.

• -You may have to use a clear, removable tape to hold long fibers away from the edge of the seam allowance so not to catch too much in the stitches!

Many of you know more about sewing this type of fabric than I do. This was an original pattern made by guess-ti-mating hand sizes (while they were sleeping) and pictures of muffs I'd seen. These turned into a very special Christmas gift indeed! We live in Southern California where it doesn't get that cold, but in the early mornings the girls enjoyed them. That's why I only used broadcloth for the lining. You will also note there is no "innerlining" for added warmth. If I had used it, I would have cut it the same size as the lining!

If you have questions, don't hesitate to ask. Please share what you come up with, too! That's the fun part...



I think I'll use fleece scraps for the inside.
I'm such a whimp when it comes to cold hands!
Somewhere I know I still have some of this black lamb fabric but just where is anyone's guess! Norma

I think this would be a good idea for the deer woods. Easy to get your hands out of. Sue L.

Think I would use at least flannel to keep the hands warm! As it was, the broadcloth ~ though not warm ~ made them almost too hot to use here!!! The sherpa itself is quite warm, but in colder climates an inner lining would be nice, too! Karen A.

What a great idea!
I have been considering doing something similar. I have an old, out of style fake fur coat that I plan to cut off the sleeves. That way all I have to do is finish one end and the lining is already there.

I live in Wisconsin and it gets very cold and damp. Even when I wear gloves my hands get cold. Maybe this will help. I remember having a white fake fur muff as a little girl. I loved it. I may check out the thrift stores for a little girl's coat so that I can make a muff for my two granddaughters. Barb

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