A muff is a perfect way to keep your hands cozy and warm this winter. Luckily, it is a very easy project for even a beginner in sewing.

I made it at TechShop! Need more help? The Dream Consultants at TechShop are always available to help!

Step 1: Getting Started

You will need:

Batting
Lining fabric (I used silk)
Craft fur

Thread

Ribbon
The specific measurements will depend on how large you make your pattern but 1/2 a yard should be enough of each material. For the batting, I bought a bag labeled for a twin size bed.

Tips for selecting materials:
Your ribbon will be visible when carrying your muff so you can pick something colorful for a contrast or match to your fur color.

You will also need an overlock serger and standard sewing machine. These machines are available to all TechShop members as well as a sewing kit that includes a rotary cutter to make cutting so much easier. Large rotary cutting mats are also available in the textiles area.

Step 2: Create a Pattern

The muff shape is simply a rectangle rolled into a cylinder. My muff pattern is 14" x 20". I decided this after I took measurements with my hands together for length then wrapped my tape measure around for the diameter with extra room for fluff. You can decide how large or small you want to make it. and adjust your shape accordingly. Once you have your measurements, I taped 2 sheets of plain paper together to have enough space and drew out my pattern. It really is just a big rectangle, very easy. Once you have your pattern, you are ready to cut your fabric.

Step 3: Cut Your Materials

Using your created rectangle pattern, simply trace along the edge of each material with your rotary cutter. Continue cutting through the lining, batting and fur materials.

Craft fur is very messy when cut. Try to limit the shedding on everything by clearing your cutting table first and sweeping up right after you cut. Otherwise, you'll be cleaning up fur for days.

Batting is what gives your muff the fluffy pillow quality. You can give your muff more or less fluff by adding or subtracting layers of batting to make it just the way you like it.

Step 4: Time to Sew!

You are ready to begin sewing!

Start with the lining fabric and the batting layers. To hold the layers in place, You will baste the lining and all your batting together around all the edges. If you are using a fabric for the lining that frays easily, I recommend surging the edges before you begin assembly.

Take the lining and batting layer and place them face down on the fur. That means, your lining fabric and the fluffy side of the fur will be together. Sew along the shorter edges of the muff. (14" side for me)

Turn the muff right side out. Now your batting will be inside and your lining and fur will be out.

Cut your ribbon handle long enough to go around your wrist and let the muff dangle. (Mine is 12")
Loop the ribbon so any pattern is facing out and sew at the edge of the muff as shown

Fold the muff so the fur sides are together and surge or sew a straight seam joining the longer (20") sides.

Turn your muff right side out.