Sewing for Beginners: 3 Ways to Sew Sleeves for Freezer Pops
It’s that time again… Warm weather – no school – time to break out the freezer pops! This American tradition is always greeted with big smiles and anticipation – until they hold them for a minute and their hands begin to freeze!
There’s a simple solution to freezer pop finger freeze: the sleeve or wrap.
I’m going to show you 2 ways to make sleeves for freezeer pops and also a wrap so you can decide which you like the best.
All 3 are easy to make and a great way to use your fabric scraps. In this tutorial I’m using my July Stars fabric that is part of the Monthly Placemat Program I designed for Riley Blake Designs.
1) Felt Freezer Pop Sleeves
If you are looking for a fast way to whip up freezer pop wraps for a party, school or church event and more, felt is the way to go.
SUPPLIES:
- Felt: You can make 4 wraps from one 9″ x 12″ piece of felt.
- Sewing Machine
- Thread
- Scissors or Rotary Cutter and Mat
Cut the felt into four 4.5″ x 6″ pieces.
Fold in half longwise so the folded felt now measures 2.25″ x 6″.
Sew down the long side and across one short side.
Voila! You’re done!
2) Fabric Freezer Pop Sleeves
Making freezer pop sleeves with fabric is a great way to use up some of those fabric scraps that have been taking over your space. Add scraps of batting, fusible fleece or Insul-Fleece by Pellon to make these popsicle sleeves keep the cold away from tiny hands even better.
SUPPLIES:
- 2 pieces of fabric
- batting or fleece
- Sewing Machine
- Thread
- Scissors or Rotary Cutter and Mat
Cut 2 fabrics & one piece of batting or fleece: 6.5″ x 5.75″
One fabric will be the outside and the other will be the lining.
Place the lining fabric on your workspace, face up.
Place the outside fabric on top of the lining, right-sides together.
Place the batting or fleece on top.
Sew down a 5.75″ side with 1/4″ seam allowance.
Open and press towards the lining.
Fold the in half lengthwise, matching the seam, sides and corners.
Pin or clip together.
Sew across the short end with the fleece and down the entire long side, leaving the lining end open.
Clip the corners.
Turn right side out.
Press.
Fold the raw edges under 1/4″. Press and stitch across to close.
Push the lining inside the outer fabric / fleece combo with the seam at the top of the open edge.
Press and it’s ready to hold a freezer pop!
3) Fabric Freezer Pop Wraps
My husband was very willing to test all of my options – as long as he was able to eat the samples. He wasn’t thrilled with the sleeves because he found it hard to push the freezer pop up from the bottom when it was in the sleeve. He quickly removed the popsicle and proceeded to drip grape liquid on the hardwood floor when he was a bit over-zealous in his squeezing. (Insert eye roll here.)
SUPPLIES:
- 2 pieces of fabric
- batting or fleece
- 1.5″ of hook & loop (Like Velcro®)
- Sewing Machine
- Thread
- Scissors or Rotary Cutter and Mat
Cut 2 fabrics & one piece of batting or fleece: 6″ x 3″
This wrap will be reversible so it doesn’t matter what order you layer the fabrics.
Layer the fabrics right sides together.
Put the batting or fleece on top.
Sew 3 of the 4 sides with a 1/4″ seam, leaving a small side open.
Clip the corners.
Turn right side out.
Press.
Fold the raw edges under 1/4″. Press and stitch across to close. For a more finished look you can sew all the way around the freezer pop wrap.
Place one half of the hook and loop on one end of the wrap, centered on the short end and with the long side parallel to the long sides of the wrap.
Sew in place.
Turn the wrap over and sew the other half of the hook and loop to the opposite side.
To use, wrap it around a freezer pop in the middle and attach the hook and loop so it holds the popsicle securely. Now you can eat from the top, squeeze the bottom and have some protection from cold fingers too.
🎯 SHORTCUTS TO SPECIFIC TOPICS:
00:00 introduction
00:44 Felt Freezer Pop Sleeve
01:27 Fabric Freezer Pop Sleeve
02:27 What to use for insulation
03:24 Fabric size for freezer pop sleeve
07:19 Fabric Freezer Pop Wrap
Whether you’re looking for a simple project or want to create something more durable, these three sewing methods have got you covered. Make them for the kids, a backyard barbecue or for any event where freezer pops are served.
Grab your sewing machine and let’s get started!
Tara Reed
