Gator (neck warmer) instructions:
These directions are very detailed, and take longer to read than to sew a gator! If you still have questions, please email me at mary.skelton@gmail.com .
Directions:
60 inches of 60″ wide stretch fleece will make nine gators, so purchase fleece in multiples of 60 inch increments. (Many fabric stores have given a discount if it’s not on sale, when told about the project!) Choose tan, grey or black. With 2 yards of fabric still folded in half as it came off the bolt, cut across the length every 20 inches, then cut each of these strips into thirds, making nine 20×20” squares. Fold each square in half so it measures 20×10″, checking to see that this folded rectangle stretches the long way.
First seam: Zigzag stitch the 20″ seam close to the edges, creating a long tube. (NOTE: This is important — this first seam must stretch, as this is how they gator is pulled on over the head. If you cannot stretch the tube around your head, rip out the seam and refold the other way.)
Second seam: To sew the seam that closes the tube (this vertical seam will be located at the back of the head): turn the tube right side out, and then turn tube inside out just half way, lining up the raw edges and seams. Zigzag stitch around the tube close to the edge, to within 4″ of where this seam starts, leaving an opening. Pull all the fabric through the opening, turning the gator right side out.
Third seam: Turn the remaining 4″ raw edges under, and straight-stitch opening closed, very close to the edge. Turn right side out. Insert a postcard or a note of thanks and encouragement, if you like.
Sewing Tips:
-For the second seam, you may find it easier to turn the tube right side out, as instructed above, then place right sides together, matching seams, and begin stitching around the tube, an inch before the seam. This does create alot of bulk in the opening you’ll have, so your opening will be greater than 4″ which is fine.
-I also found that stretching the fabric for the first seam eliminates the critical need to zigzag stitch. The other two seams can be straight stitched as well.
-A large rotary cutting blade can go through 4 layers of fleece with no problem. If you have a friend who quilts, you might ask to borrow one.
-There is also no need to back stitch, as long as your stitch length isn’t too long.
If you have any other suggestions, please email me at mary.skelton@gmail.com
Insert a postcard or a note of thanks and encouragement, if you like.
My son-in-law wearing a gator
- -A large rotary cutting blade can go through 4 layers of fleece with no problem. If you have a friend who quilts, you might ask to borrow one.
-There is also no need to back stitch, as long as your stitch length isn’t too long.
If you have questions, or any other suggestions, please email me at mary@thegatorproject.org.
Illustrated instructions
October 1, 2008 at 5:39 pm
I AM ABOUT TO COMPLETE MY 200 TH GATOR.
HAVE HAD A HARD TIME FINDING WHERETO SEND THEM. FINALLY WENT THROUGH THE U.S.O.
LINDA
January 31, 2009 at 2:03 am
[...] well! You could add a few decorative buttons depends for him or for her. Here is a tutorial for sewing neck warmer, and I am sure you can google a lot of tutorials to help [...]
March 3, 2009 at 8:32 am
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April 15, 2009 at 11:55 am
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May 22, 2009 at 12:06 pm
I made 5 orange ones for the hunters in my family for practice. Then I made 55 from desert light camo. I looked for more of that material, but was unable to get it at the local Hancock or Walmarts. All web sites I was have what I condidered to be high cost. The local walmart had suitable colors for about $3.5 I am going to get another color from among the ones suggested. I want to try to make enough to have 100 for a local unit in Iraq.
October 6, 2009 at 8:03 am
I’m always looking for something to send the troops and you have given me a great idea. My grandson is in Afganistan and has written us telling us how cold it is. My sewing friends and I are making his unit gators this weekend. I am sure they are going to appreciate them. Thanks for a this wonderful idea and God bless you for everything you are doing for our young men and women.
Linda
October 25, 2009 at 10:23 pm
Please be advised… the military troops are not allowing polyester items such as this made from fleece. If they are exposed to fire, they melt to the skin and cause much more damage to the individual wearing it, than the fire itself!! Please search a 100% cotton fabric to use in place of fleece, even if you have to double the layers to get the desired warmth. Possibly t-shirt or sweatshirt fabric would be a suitable option. Well, good luck and happy sewing!
October 28, 2009 at 3:38 pm
We are about to send over 300 gators to Afghanistan. I’ve already talked to our son, and though they can’t wear them on base, the guys off base can. They are looking forward to getting them, it’s already cold over there. We’ve already sent a bunch to a special forces unit, and they’ve already got them and are wearing them. I’m not sure who Jackie talked to, but our guys/gals can still use them. If you don’t have an address, call the local VFW or USO. Some radio stations also have an “adopt a soldier” program. Our local VFW is helping with the shipping cost. You can get abuot 37-38 gators in the Post Office APO box for $11.95. Put the gators in white trash bags, use your vacuum to suck out all the air and flatten the gators, twistie tie shut. Tape the box well to keep it from eventually expanding. Stuff gators in any little crack open. thanks to everyone involved in this project.
November 3, 2009 at 7:13 am
Operation care package is not allowed to give out individual troop addresses but is always happy to except any gators or other items for the troops. And yes please do include a card or note of thanks with them.
We send approximately 150 packages per week throughout the year and for Christmas our goal is to reach 10,000 troops. We are an all volunteer non for profit so any and all support is always appreciated. Any gators can be mailed to:
Operation Care Package
611 Wilcox St.
Joliet, IL. 60435
Questions: proudarmysis4@sbcglobal.net
November 4, 2009 at 1:01 pm
Jackie is semi-correct….the Marines banned the wearing of any polyester clothing off base in Iraq back in 2002, and highly suggested they not wear it while on-base. To view their reasoning you can go to the following link…. http://www.defenselink.mil/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=15478 I also found evidence that the Army may be moving to that decision but it is not official. Testing is being done at Fort Polk on a new material.
While this article is in reference to Iraq and only the Marine Corp, I would assume due to the incidents they quote that Afghanistan & all Services should be the same. As our young men & women are in harms way daily, I would hope we do not want ot add to that danger and will use only 100% cotton or fire-resistant fabrics.
Sign me…
Wife of a soldier
November 28, 2009 at 7:23 pm
http://www.anysoldier.com is a great website to use to find units to send to. In fact one Marine unit specifically requested neck gators for his men in southern Afghanistan. I have made 27 so far and shipped them over.
January 13, 2010 at 9:47 am
I’ve made 150 or more at this point. I have two sons and three nephews in the military they have been deployed in Iraq and Afghanistan several times. So, with each deployment, I whipp a batch up for them and their buddies. One son told me “these are gold mom” The Gators are easy to make, the soldiers really love them, and it’s a great way to say THANK YOU. Thanks for starting this project and spreading the information.
Proud Army Mom
Sharon Knobeloch
January 29, 2010 at 10:13 am
Hi Mary! Thanks for having these directions for the Gators online still. I made a bunch of these about five years ago. My daughter has an 18 year old friend who is married to a soldier (deployed). She wanted to send him a care package with something “special” in it. I immediately thought of the neck warmers. It took me five minutes of searching but I found your site again! Yippee! We’re on a “mission”…not only is he going to get a neck warmer, so are his buddies! Thanks so much!