Here’s how to make Cool Neck Ties

A- For each tie - cut fabric 45" x 5". See note 1 for material ideas.

B- Fold in half lengthwise with right sides together (so it's really long and skinny) and sew a 1/2 inch seam all the way along the long edge (keep short edges open). You'll want a short stitch length (I set my machine at 2) so the crystals won't get out.

C- Turn fabric right side out. You can roll it like a tube sock. See note 2 for an idea on how to do this

D- Press (or iron) fabric with seam line centered and facing down on the back (like you would a dress tie...you don't want to see the seam.. plus it's easier to iron this way).

E- Mark fabric at midpoint.

F- Then from that point mark 10 inches on each side. This will give you 1 - 20" pocket.

G- Stitch across the tie to make the bottom of the pocket.

H- Fill with 2 tsp. watering crystals. See note 3 for how to get these crystals.

I- Sew the other end of the pocket.

J- Turn the open ends inside (like rolling a sock) and stitch for a neat/clean finish.

• Note 1 Use 100% cotton fabric (camo, tan, sand colored, etc – bright colors might attract gunfire) with a tight weave so the crystals won't ooze out. Patterns are okay but make sure it's something that your husband or son would want to wear...lol. *Make sure it’s something that will feel good against the skin. You can make 24 ties from one twin sheet - 31 from a full size. Even white sheets are easily tea dyed. 200 and 180 thread count works great as well. 150 works okay, I haven't had any gel ooze out of those (yet) but they won't last as long. Before using, wash in hot water to remove sizing.
• Note 2 A tip from the Hugs project: **With thanks to Kenneth Baker, one of our gentlemen sewing gurus** Even an 18" piece of 3/4" PVC will work. You will need to stitch closed one of the ends to use this method. You slip the tie over the pipe and then push it through with a 24" long piece of dowel rod.
• Note 3 Make a sample one first and test it out to make sure you used the right amount of watering crystals (some products vary). This insures that it fits comfortably around the neck. Two sources for polymer crystals. Online at http://www.watersorb.com/mainstore.html and Schultz watering crystals available at Wal Mart in the gardening section near rose food. Watersorb figures out to be a bit cheaper (including postage and they ship right to your door - quickly).

Directions for use

Soak in water for 15-20 minutes. Only soak 7-10 to use as headband. Warm water speeds hydration. Remove from water and pat dry so the polymer spreads out equally along the tube. Please remember, never squeeze tightly, the polymer will "ooze" out via the material if you do. Can be refrigerated. Hydrated polymer has the capacity to hold heat/cold 2.84 times longer than pure water. Tie "hug" around your neck (or head). When tie starts to dry out, soak in water again. When the tie warms up to body temp, submerge in cool water. Hand wash in mild dishwashing liquid then rinse clean. Let them soak overnight in a large bowl of clean water to let the polymer purge the impurities from it. You can keep the ties fresher if you put about one tablespoon of rubbing alcohol into the hydration water. (Do not store in Ziploc bag until completely dry or it will mildew).

Here is the label Karen uses on the "Hugs" she makes:

                  Dear Military Person - - -

  We appreciate you for your service to your country

& so we want you to have this "hug" from home.

When you place it around your neck, please remember

there is someone who made this by hand just for you

& who wishes they could actually give you a real hug.

We want you to know that we are praying for your safety.

   You have been hugged by Karen and Ray Stark

   XXXXXXXXXXX, XXXXXXX, OK  XXXXXXX