Icy Cool Neck Wrap

the Icy Cool Neck Wrap is a scrap friendly, recycling friendly, discount store friendly project. That means it's cheap to make. And it'll only take about an hour.

The concept is nothing new — again, I take no credit for having much originality here — but there must be a reason why I've never made or purchased one of these things before. Other neck cooler DIYs that I've seen use expanding water crystals. Perhaps it's just me, but I don't like the potential problem of trying to keep such an item clean and germ-free, nor do I appreciate the way they have to be soaked in water to be activated and then worn wet.

This project uses discount store reusable "ice cubes" that are then permanently encased in a fabric tube. After freezing, the tube is inserted into the neck wrap, which can then be worn to keep the wearer cool and refreshed. Make two or more tubes and you can keep the cooling effect going by switching them out as needed.

About the scrap and recycling friendly aspect — use material from old t-shirts for the interior casing and from old leggings for the exterior. Add a zipper and a hair tie and (aside from the reusable ice cubes which can be purchased for two or three bucks at a discount or dollar store) this can be made for next to nothing.

Supplies Required

For each inner casing: 3.75" x 14" (9.5cm x 35cm) strip of jersey fabric, 9 small reusable ice cubes

For each outer sleeve: 4.5" x (minimum) 28" to 32" (11.5cm x 71cm to 81cm) strip of (preferably) synthetic knit fabric (or you can use cotton), 1 hair tie, 9" zipper (or strips of hook and loop tape)