Fibro-Friendly: The Sleep Scarf

For some reason, my neck seems to be the weak link in the chain of my fibromyalgia symptoms. It is most evident at night, when I go to bed. Seems I have a habit of throwing off the covers and leaving my upper body sans blanket. No blanket means my neck gets chilled, which results in more neck, shoulder, arm and hand pain in the morning.

It became clear to me that I needed a solution to keeping my neck covered and warm overnight. My solution was to invent the sleep scarf.

Making a sleep scarf is actually very easy, thanks to versatile fleece fabric. Did you know you can cut fleece and it will not fray? Which means you can cut out a fleece scarf of any size or shape and it will remain that way forever.

Note: Click on any of the pictures below to get a larger view.


Now the key to a sleep scarf is in the size. Compared to a store-bought scarf, you can see it is much wider. In addition, you make your sleep scarf longer than a regular scarf.


When you go to purchase your fleece fabric, you need to know that fabric comes in 45 and 60 inch widths. I made my scarf 84 inches long and 14 inches wide, so I purchased 2 1/3 yards of fabric to make my scarf. Since the fabric was 60 inches wide, I could actually make about 4 scarves total.

Suggestion: You might use the extra fleece to make scarves as presents for your family and friends.


All you need is fleece fabric, sharp scissors and a flat cutting surface. Hint: Pick fabric with a lined pattern to make the cutting process easier.




Once you cut out the basic shape, embellish the ends by cutting fringe. This is where using a lined cutting board really comes in handy.




Finally, the beauty of the sleep scarf is in the wearing. Simply fold the scarf in half and place it around the back of your neck, letting each end rest on your chest. Pick up the ends in your hands and insert the fringe through the loop created in the other end and pull it through. Adjust until the fit is snug but comfortable. I promise you, worn in this fashion, your sleep scarf will stay put throughout the night.


So that's all there is to making a sleep scarf ... a fibro-friendly (and fashionable) solution to avoiding neck chills overnight.

So what do you think? Are you heading out to the fabric store to get the supplies to make your own sleep scarf?