Welcome to our Employee Fleece-tival! To celebrate a substrate perfect for snuggly season, employees chose one of the blog’s Polartec® Fleece project tutorials to follow using designs of their choice. From snuffle mats to pullovers, tie blankets and more, these cozy makes show that this fabric is a favorite for both humans and pets alike. Keep scrolling to see their selected projects and prints, hear their intentions for their finished items and learn more about working with this versatile substrate.  

Four women are wearing fleece pullovers in different Spoonflower designs and standing in front of a white background. They are smiling and looking at the camera.
Featured collection

Apparel

Project: Loungewear Pants 

Sydney, Merchandising 
Design: My Hobby: Plants & Cats by whimsical_brush 

A woman stands in front a white background wearing pink loungepants with a repeating design featuring black cats and green plants in a white planter. Her hands are on her hips and she is smiling at the camera.
Featured design: My Hobby: Plants & Cats by whimsical_brush
A close up of pink loungepants with a repeating design featuring black cats and green plants in a white planter.

Why did you choose this design? When I was looking at the designs on our website, I came across this design and it caught my attention. This design is called “My Hobby: Plants & Cats” and I thought to myself “me too!,” when I saw it and knew it would be perfect! 

Did you make any modifications to the tutorial? I did not make any modification to these pants. I just used a pair of PJs that fit well to make the pattern. 

What is your intention for your finished project? I can’t wait to wear these while lounging on my couch watching TV, reading a book or playing video games! I’m sure my cat will also enjoy snuggling in my lap when I’m wearing them. 

Jen, Product Management 
Design: Elephant March by endemic 

A woman sits on a mint-colored chair against a white floor and background. She is smiling at the camera and wearing a turquoise shirt and lounge pants featuring a design with jewel-toned elephants in blue, yellow, orange, red and more, on a white background.
Featured design: Elephant March by endemic
A woman is standing on a white floor and against a white background and is turning around to look at the camera. She is smiling and wearing a turquoise shirt and lounge pants featuring a design with jewel-toned elephants in blue, yellow, orange, red and more, on a white background.

Why did you choose this design? I’ve seen it on the website for a while and just love the adorable, colorful elephants! 

Did you make any modifications to the tutorial? I did not, but I wish I had… I didn’t think about the fact that pants with an elastic waistband need to be cut so that the fabric is wider than the waist will end up. As a result, the pants are kind of snug on my belly, but still cute! 

What is your intention for your finished project? These loungewear pants are going to be SO CUTE on camping trips! 

Project: Seamwork’s Amari Jacket 

Emily, Marketing 
Designs: Farmhouse Leaves Dark Fabric by thestorysmith and Solid Charcoal Grey With Subtle Texture by misentangledvision 

A woman wears a pullover that is textured gray. The pullover’s yoke and sleeves are a slightly darker gray and small cream and orange flowers and green leaves float through the design. She is smiling at the camera, sitting down and in front of a white background.
Featured designs: Farmhouse Leaves Dark Fabric by thestorysmith and Solid Charcoal Grey With Subtle Texture by misentangledvision
A woman is shown from the side wearing a pullover is a textured gray. The yoke and sleeves are a slightly darker gray and small cream and orange flowers and green leaves float through the design. She is wearing black pants and standing in front of a white background.

Why did you choose these designs? We love a moody floral and the vibe of this gorgeous design, with its soft texture and color, was exactly what I was hoping to find. I paired it with a subtle textured charcoal grey that coordinated perfectly. 

Did you make any modifications to the tutorial? I added a kangaroo pocket to keep my hands cozy. I also thrifted some snap tape from an old garment for the closure since I don’t always like the feel of a zipper against my neck. 

What is your intention for your finished project? I definitely will use this for my morning walks. And it’s just in time, because it’s getting chilly! 

Theresa, Marketing 
Design: Endangered Birds Around the World by dasbrooklyn 

A woman wearing a pullover featuring a number of endangered birds and dark yellow pants stands in front of a white background. She is smiling at the camera and a small fake white dove is perched in her hair.
Featured design: Endangered Birds Around the World by dasbrooklyn
A woman wearing a pullover featuring a number of endangered birds and dark yellow pants stands in front of a white background. She is holding up a pair of binoculars to her eyes and a small fake white dove is perched in her hair.

Why did you choose this design? I wanted to raise awareness for endangered birds! 

Did you make any modifications to the tutorial? No. It was my first time making this project so I followed the instructions verbatim. 

What is your intention for your finished project? To wear it to an Audubon chapter meeting or out birding! 

Sharon, Marketing 
Design: Forest Moth – Gothic Style Floral by mokkatree 

A woman is smiling at the camera and wearing a dark blue pullover with dark purple and lavender moths flying around a small sliver of a golden half moon. She is wearing jeans and standing on a white surface and in front of a white background. Her left hip is on her hip.
Featured design: Forest Moth – Gothic Style Floral by mokkatree
A woman is turned around to look at the camera and wearing a dark blue pullover with dark purple and lavender moths flying around a small sliver of a golden half moon. She is wearing jeans and standing on a white surface and in front of a white background. Her left hip is on her hip.

Why did you choose this design? I desired a design that would be different than anything found in stores. I also wanted the color to look good with jeans, since that’s typically what I wear with fleece tops. I have so many black and grey fleece tops, I really wanted a different color scheme for once.  

Did you make any modifications to the tutorial? I like to wear my fleece tops with the quarter zip opened. Since Spoonflower’s designs are printed on only one side of the fabric, I knew the color that would peek out next to the zipper would be white. I wanted it to match the beautiful blue purple of the design instead. So I cut additional front yoke pieces and sewed it on the inside with the design facing out, so when I wear my fleece with the zipper open, it will show the pretty design on the inside.  

What is your intention for your finished project? I wear fleece tops nearly every day in the fall and winter time, so I’ll be wearing it at home, to the office, out shopping, at the movies, at the board game café, etc. 

Katie, Marketing 
Designs: Flora Check (Tangerine), Floral Stripe (Navy), Criss Cross (Tangerine), all by hollyreesedesign 

A woman wears a pullover and jeans, each hand is holding onto one side of the pullover’s collar. The fabric designs on the pullover are a peach-and-white gingham, a peach with small white x’s and a navy design with small white flowers. She is smiling at the camera and standing on a white surface and is in front of a white background.
Featured designs: Flora Check (Tangerine), Floral Stripe (Navy), Criss Cross (Tangerine), all by hollyreesedesign
A close up of the top of a pullover and the bottom third of a smiling face. The fabric designs on the pullover are a peach-and-white gingham, a peach with small white x’s and a navy design with small white flowers.

Why did you choose these designs? I knew I wanted to create something that’s more bright and fun than the rest of my neutral-favored wardrobe. I found the floral plaid design, Flora Check (Tangerine), first and fell in love with it! Then I discovered that the artist, Holly Reese, created an entire collection of Scandi florals with the same color scheme that inspired me to do a color-block pullover. 

Did you make any modifications to the tutorial? Yes, I did. I wanted to put my skills to the test and try my hand at buttons. This was my first time using my machine to sew both buttons and buttonholes. I watched a couple of tutorials online before starting, but then I just went for it. I cut out two 3″ x 10″ panels to replace where each side of the zipper would go to create a placket. It took some experimenting, but it turned out pretty well for a first-timer! 
 
I also sized up on my measurements when cutting out the pattern, but it was a bit too oversized for me when finished. I ended up bringing in the sides and shortening the sleeves by a few inches for the right fit for me. 

What is your intention for your finished project? I can’t wait to wear my pullover for cozy bonfire nights in our backyard! Polartec® Fleece is also light enough that I feel like I can wear it year-round if I need an extra lightweight layer for coziness. You bet I’ll be repping my new pullover around the office too! 

Sarah, Marketing 
Designs: Large Scale Desert Vibes ~ Night | Colorful Arizona Landscape by jenwebbcreates and Wavy Checker Mustard 8×8 by kristinarousseau 

A woman wears a pullover featuring a turquoise, light blue and purple Arizona landscape design. She is smiling at the camera and standing in front of a white background.
Featured designs: Large Scale Desert Vibes ~ Night | Colorful Arizona Landscape by jenwebbcreates and Wavy Checker Mustard 8×8 by kristinarousseau
A woman is wearing a jeans and a pullover featuring a turquoise, light blue and purple Arizona landscape design. She is turned around and smiling at the camera and standing on a white surface and against a white background.

Why did you choose these designs? I love the groovy desert vibes in this design! I tend to go for blues and other cool tones, but I love how the purple in here cozies it up a bit. I added a wavy checkerboard print to the inner collar and pockets for a bit of fun contrast! 

Did you make any modifications to the tutorial? I cut this pattern in a size 14 and graded to a 16 at the hips. I added a snap placket to echo the look of ready-to-wear fleece outerwear, instead of installing a zipper. I also added pockets into the side seams and elastic to the sleeve cuffs. 

What is your intention for your finished project? I’ve been wearing it everywhere! The office, outside errands, going for walks—anywhere I need a dose of color and cozy! 

Project: Tennis Skirt 

Betsy, Marketing 
Design: Folk Birds by jenflorentine 

A woman wears a miniskirt in fabric with a folk art design featuring pink and yellow birds on a white background amidst dark blue, turquoise, red and yellow flowers. She is wearing a black shirt, pink tights and a blue and pink shawl. She is smiling at the camera with her hands extended from her sides and stands in front of a white background.
Featured design: Folk Birds by jenflorentine
A closeup of a miniskirt with a folk art design featuring pink and yellow birds on a white background amidst dark blue, turquoise, red and yellow flowers. The person's lower torso and upper legs are shown, they are wearing a black long-sleeved shirt and pink tights. Their left hand is holding out the hem of the skirt to show the fabric's stretch.

Why did you choose this design? I love designs that pair big bold jewel tones with flora and fauna. I wanted to make a cozy skirt in a print that would make me smile during the sometimes dreary winter months and this fit the bill!

Did you make any modifications to the tutorial? I modified it a bit based on a skirt I often wear. Since this was going to be a miniskirt I didn’t do the false front panel the post called for. I also didn’t cut out a separate panel for the waist, instead, I just extended the waist section 2″ to accommodate for the 2″ elastic I had on hand and sewed the elastic band to the top of the skirt.

What is your intention for your finished project? This skirt is super cozy and the stretch of the fleece means I can comfortably wear it on all sorts of adventures! While it’s extra comfy wearing around the house, I’m especially looking forward to pairing it with some tights and boots and roadtesting it on hikes. I’m planning to make more of these and want to try extending the sides a bit so it’s slightly more A-line and experimenting with making a reversible version for double the warmth. 

Pet Projects 

Project: Snuffle Mat 

Leslie, Marketing 
Designs: Cats on Balls by boadala and Wavy Black and White Checkerboard Optical Pattern by camilaprints 

A woman wearing a green long-sleeved shirt and tan pants sits on a mint stool and is looking at a small red, white and black snuffle mat that she made for her cat. She is sitting in front of a white background.
Featured designs: Cats on Balls by boadala and Wavy Black and White Checkerboard Optical Pattern by camilaprints
A close up of a small red, white and black snuffle mat held up against a white background.

Why did you choose these designs? I chose Cats on Balls by boadala because it has adorable black cats! I knew it was perfect for my snuffle mat since I’m making it for my black cat. Wavy Black and White Checkerboard Optical Pattern by camilaprints also had good contrast with the red from boadala’s design. 

Did you make any modifications to the tutorial? No, I didn’t make any modifications. I followed the tutorial step by step! 

What is your intention for your finished project? I used my snuffle mat right away, it’s just another cozy spot for my cat! 

Alyssa, eCommerce 
Designs: VERDANT GINGER RAINBOW by holli_zollinger and Pho Real – Ramen Noodle by heatherdutton  

A black-and-white dog is wearing a blue hoodie and sitting on green grass. A snuffle mat made of a striped golden rainbow print and a design featuring bowls of pho, lays on the grass before him.
Featured designs: VERDANT GINGER RAINBOW by holli_zollinger and Pho Real – Ramen Noodle by heatherdutton
A black-and-white dog a blue hoodie and sitting on green grass is looking for treats hidden inside a snuffle mat made of a striped golden rainbow print and a design featuring bowls of pho, lays on the grass before him.

Why did you choose these designs? I wanted to have some noodle-themed designs since I made my project for my dog, Noodle. 

Did you make any modifications to the tutorial? Nope. 

What is your intention for your finished project? Noodle loves food and this snuffle mat will be a fun and challenging way for him to eat his food and treats. 

Blankets

Project: Fleece Tie Blanket 

Jennifer, Customer Service 
Design: Magical Christmas – Unicorn Fairy and Rainbow Small by revista 

A woman is holding out a pink blanket to her side featuring Christmas trees, unicorns and fairies. She is smiling at the camera and standing in front of a white background.
Featured design: Magical Christmas – Unicorn Fairy and Rainbow Small by revista
A woman is holding a small pink piece of fabric cut into a rectangle to give her daughter to use as a doll’s blanket. The fabric design features Christmas trees, unicorns and fairies.

Why did you choose these designs? My four-year-old daughter is obsessed with unicorns, rainbows, fairies and all things holiday! This designs combines all of her loves onto a pink background, which is her favorite color. 

Did you make any modifications to the tutorial? No modifications, but I had some excess fabric leftover and created a mini blanket for my daughter’s dolls. 

What is your intention for your finished project? We have family movie night every Friday evening. I’m looking forward to snuggling up with my daughter under this blanket. 

Elizabeth, Marketing 
Designs: Muted Wall by cf_bright_designs_ and Little Bouquet Medium Scale by claudias_design 

A woman is wrapped up in a blanket featuring a cream background and small-scale pink flower bouquets with green stems. She is smiling at the camera and wearing a blue skirt, black leggings and standing in front of a white background.
Featured designs: Muted Wall by cf_bright_designs_ and Little Bouquet Medium Scale by claudias_design
A woman is holding out a blanket to her side that features a cream background and small-scale pink flower bouquets with green stems and looking down at it. She is wearing a blue skirt and black leggings and standing in front of a white background.

Why did you choose these designs? I picked neutral evergreen colors that would look good all year draped on chairs or the sofa! 

Did you make any modifications to the tutorial? Yes, I tied the sides in regular knots for a more tassel-like look. 

How do you look forward to using your finished project? My cat, Darwin, kept falling asleep on the fabric, so now that it’s officially a blanket I’m sure he’ll love it even more for cozy days! 

Renee, Customer Service 
Designs: OneBuffalo Red Blue and The Bills Make Me Want to Shout! Seamless, both by positively585creations 

A woman stands in front of a white background and is about to wrap a blanket around her shoulders. She is wearing a long black-and-red vest, black shirt and and black leggings. The designs on the blanket are purple, orange and white.
Featured designs: OneBuffalo Red Blue and The Bills Make Me Want to Shout! Seamless, both by positively585creations 
A woman stands in front of a white background and is holding a purple, orange and white blanket in front of her. She is wearing a long black-and-red vest, black shirt and and black leggings.

Why did you choose these designs? I’m originally from Buffalo, New York, and all my family and friends back home are HUGE Buffalo Bills fans. As a Christmas gift for someone back home, I was planning on making a ‘Buffalo’ themed blanket. I came across this artist after assisting a customer who had ordered a similar Buffalo-themed design and then learned this artist is also from the Western New York area! 

Did you make any modifications to the tutorial? Not really, I just made my fringe an inch longer than what the tutorial said. 

What is your intention for your finished project? This blanket is a gift for someone who lives in the Buffalo area so I can’t wait for them to open it and snuggle up with it! 

Holiday Decor  

Project: No-Sew Fleece Trees 

Alexa, Marketing 
Designs: Tiny Gingham – Rustic Christmas Red Green by carabaradesigns, Celstial Solstice Stars by b_hershey_studios and Boughs by helloalilove 

A woman wearing dark blue jeans and a dark yellow long-sleeved top holds a tray with three trees made by layering small pieces of fabric. One tree has a green design with dark green fir boughs, one tree has a white design with red, white, blue and yellow stars and one tree has a tiny red and dark green gingham design.
Featured designs: Tiny Gingham – Rustic Christmas Red Green by carabaradesigns, Celstial Solstice Stars by b_hershey_studios and Boughs by helloalilove
A woman wearing dark blue jeans and a dark yellow long-sleeved top sits on a white floor styling a tray with three trees made by layering small pieces of fabric. One tree has a green design with dark green fir boughs, one tree has a white design with red, white, blue and yellow stars and one tree has a tiny red and dark green gingham design.

Why did you choose these designs? I chose all three of my designs from several holiday-themed collections from Spoonflower’s Curated Themes page. I selected designs that I knew would fit well with our existing decor, as I plan to display these trees during the holiday season. 

Did you make any modifications to the tutorial? I did! The printable template was wonderfully helpful to have but I didn’t love how spiky the triangular template was, so I rounded the tips of that shape for one of my trees. I also didn’t have poster board on hand so I rolled up some pieces of cardstock for my tree bases.  

What is your intention for your finished project? I can’t wait to display my trees in my home for the holiday season! My family has been slowly building up holiday decor for years and I’m excited to add this DIY touch this year. The Polartec® Fleece will invite some warmth into the space as well! 

Project: Christmas Stocking 

Arlette, Marketing 
Design: Gingerbread Houses and Sweets Candies by silvia_mangiacavallo 

Arlette smiles and holds up a Christmas stocking sewn with fabric in a design featuring an orange background and brown gingerbread houses with red accents. Heart, star and tree-shaped cookies, along with red and white sprinkles float throughout. A Christmas tree with red and white ornaments is behind her.
Featured design: Gingerbread Houses and Sweets Candies by silvia_mangiacavallo
A close up of a sewn Christmas stocking sewn with fabric in a design featuring an orange background and brown gingerbread houses with red accents. Heart, star and tree-shaped cookies, along with red and white sprinkles float throughout. A Christmas tree is behind the stocking.

Did you make any modifications to the tutorial? I chose this design because my Christmas decorations are gingerbread-themed. I LOVE this design as soon as I laid eyes on it before I knew what I’d do with it. 

Did you make any modifications to the tutorial? Nope. 

What is your intention for your finished project? I plan to use my finished product very soon. I’m decorating my home for Christmas and can’t wait to hang it up! 

Gina, Product Management 
Designs: Pink Sardine and Yellow Random Dots on Warm Red, both by gabi_toma 

Three small stockings lay on a white surface. The stocking cuffs are orange with small yellow dots and the rest of the stockings feature a design with pink sardines wrapped in colorful small holiday lights on a white background. Each stocking has two jewel-toned yarn pom poms at the top left.
Featured designs: Pink Sardine and Yellow Random Dots on Warm Red, both by gabi_toma 
A close up of one of three small stockings laying on a white surface. The stocking cuff is orange with small yellow dots and the rest of the stocking features a design with pink sardines wrapped in colorful small holiday lights on a white background. The letter "O" with gold glittery edges has been added to the front of the stocking.

Why did you choose these designs? I have had this festive fish design saved for years, just waiting for the right project—obviously, it was cat stockings! 

Did you make any modifications to the tutorial? No modifications aside from adding a monogram letter for each cat! 

What is your intention for your finished project? I’m excited to hang these stockings up in our living room in a few weeks—the pink and orange goes with our retro, eclectic vibes both year-round and at Christmas time. 

Sarah, Product Management 
Design: Cats Fair Isle by petfriendly 

A woman wearing a gray sweater and jeans holds up two small stockings, one in each hand. One stocking says Milo in gray at the top and the other says Mindy, also in gray. The bottom part of the stocking features a repeating Fair Isle design with small white cats, white snowflakes and white trees on a gray background.
Featured design: Cats Fair Isle by petfriendly
A close up of two small stockings. One says Milo in gray at the top and the other says Mindy, also in gray. The bottom part of the stocking features a repeating Fair Isle design with small white cats, white snowflakes and white trees on a gray background. A hand is seen holding up the stockings and the torso of a woman wearing a gray sweater is shown as well.

Why did you choose this design? For the main fabric of my stocking, I wanted to find something with cats (my favorite!) and loved how they are hidden unexpectedly in this traditional Fair Isle-style design. 
 
Did you make any modifications to the tutorial? For the cuff, I used unprinted Polartec® Fleece to show off my embellishments. I dressed up the cuff of my stocking with trim I purchased at a craft store and embroidered my name for a personalized touch.  
 
Prior to sewing together the cuff pieces, I machine embroidered the name onto one of the pieces. I then sewed them together and attached the trim to the bottom of the cuff by topstitching it in place. I proceeded to assemble the stocking following the tutorial instructions, being careful of the placement of the front of the cuff so the name would end up the correct direction.  
 
I had enough fabric to make more stockings, so I made two for my cats! To make theirs a bit smaller than mine, I printed out the pattern pieces at 70% scale and followed all other instructions as written. 

What is your intention for your finished project? I will be hanging my stockings on the fireplace mantle this Christmas. The rest of my family have each chosen their own favorite designs on Spoonflower so I can make them personalized stockings too! 

Want to See More Employee Projects and Picks?

Check out Spoonflower employee home tours, tips, loved designs and chosen projects in these posts!
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