DIY Ravens Headband and Ear Flap Hats for Winter Games Down Under
Waking up at 4am on a Sunday arvo to catch a Baltimore Ravens game is a ritual for plenty of Aussie fans, and it usually means sitting through the match with a cuppa in one hand and frozen ears in the other. By the time the fourth quarter rolls around in cities like Melbourne or Hobart, the temperature has dropped sharply, and any self-respecting supporter needs proper kit to survive a winter game day. Handmade headbands and ear flap hats solve the problem without costing a fortune, and they let you fly your purple and black colours while you're at it.
Sewing your own fan gear also taps into that classic Aussie maker spirit, the same impulse that sends half the country to Bunnings on a Saturday morning for craft supplies and a sausage sizzle. Whether you're a seasoned stitcher or someone who has never touched a sewing machine, there's a project here that suits your skill level. Below you'll find several approaches, from no-sew versions you can pull together before kickoff to fleece creations that handle a proper Canberra frost.
Materials you can grab at Bunnings or Kmart
The beauty of making your own Ravens winter wear is that most supplies are easy to track down locally. Head to your nearest Kmart or Target Australia for felt sheets in purple, black, and metallic gold, which work brilliantly for appliqué letters and team logos. Spotlight is another great option if you want a wider range of fleece colours, particularly the deeper shades that match the Ravens' away kits.
For ear flap hats, a metre of polar fleece from any major haberdashery is enough for two adult-sized hats, and it's warm enough to handle a Ballarat morning. You'll also want a hot glue gun, fabric scissors, and some polyester fibre fill if you want padded flaps. Elastic, ribbon, and iron-on vinyl for logos can all be sourced cheaply, which keeps the whole project under thirty Aussie dollars even with current exchange rates factored in. If you're after tips on pulling together a full kit, the about us page at BMore Chix has plenty of background on the community's craft swaps and group buys.
The classic fleece headband tutorial
A simple fleece headband is the easiest entry point and takes roughly half an hour from cutting to finishing. Start by measuring around your head just above the ears, then cut a strip of fleece about 12 centimetres wide and the measured length plus five centimetres for overlap. Stretch the fleece gently as you work; this fabric has natural give and will relax into a comfortable fit after the first wear.
Layer a smaller strip of contrasting purple fleece on top, then stitch the Ravens' wordmark across the front using a basic running stitch or, if you've got one, an embroidery machine. The metallic gold thread sold at most Australian sewing shops gives the lettering a nice sheen without looking cheap. Fold the band in half with right sides together, stitch the short ends closed, turn it right side out, and you've got a toasty bit of kit that fits neatly under a beanie or pairs with sunnies on a milder Brisbane afternoon.
Sewing ear flap hats for the real cold
When the mercury drops into single digits in Hobart or the NSW ski fields, a proper ear flap hat is the only serious option. Cut two oval ear flap pieces from fleece, plus a curved crown pattern that covers the top of the head and tucks behind the ears. Stitch the darts in the crown first so it sits smoothly, then attach the ear flaps at the bottom corners with a reinforced zigzag stitch that won't unravel after a season of washes.
Lining the hat with a second layer of fleece doubles the warmth and gives you a chance to hide a contrasting colour on the inside. Once the main shape is assembled, add a strip of black ribbon or crocheted chain along the bottom edge for a polished finish. A small purple pom-pom on top, made from leftover yarn, finishes off the look. If you're hosting a game-day gathering and want inspiration for the rest of your outfit, Purple Friday outfit ideas covers everything from jerseys to jewellery.
| Style | Warmth | Skill level | Time needed | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fleece headband | Moderate | Beginner | 30 minutes | Mild games, under a beanie |
| Sewn ear flap hat | High | Intermediate | 2 hours | Cold Hobart or Canberra mornings |
| No-sew beanie wrap | Light | Absolute beginner | 10 minutes | Last-minute Monday games |
| Double-lined fleece hat | Very high | Advanced | 3 hours | Outdoor viewing in alpine regions |
| Ear warmer with brim | Moderate | Beginner | 45 minutes | Sunny but breezy coastal afternoons |
No-sew alternatives for last-minute games
Sometimes the match kicks off before you've had time to fire up the sewing machine, particularly those late-night Monday games that air at 1am AEDT. Bond a strip of purple fleece around an existing black beanie using fabric glue or iron-on hem tape, and you've got a passable Ravens lid in under ten minutes. The trick is to press the seam firmly with a hot iron protected by a tea towel; this activates the adhesive and holds up far better in the wash than glue alone.
For ear flaps without any stitching, cut two teardrop shapes from fleece, slip them under the beanie's band, and secure with a few well-placed stitches hidden under the fold. If you can't find your sewing kit at all, a couple of safety pins work in a pinch, though most serious crafters would wince at the suggestion. Slap a printed logo patch on the front, and you're set to cheer from the couch without frostbite setting in.
Styling your Ravens gear at the pub or at home
The best part of homemade fan gear is showing it off, and Aussie game-day culture has plenty of venues that welcome jersey-clad crowds. Pubs around the country that show NFL coverage tend to have a relaxed dress code, so pairing your new fleece headband with a casual scarf and jeans works perfectly for a Sunday morning session. In Melbourne, venues like the Cherry Bar in the city and the Local Taphouse in St Kilda often have early-morning NFL coverage on big screens, and a hand-crafted headband is a great conversation starter with the American expats who tend to gather there.
For game days at home, match your handmade pieces with team-themed snacks and drinks to round out the experience. Slow-cooked lamb shanks with mint sauce play surprisingly well as a tailgate substitute when you can't grill outside in July, and serving them on Ravens-coloured purple plates pulls the whole spread together. If cocktails are more your style, Ravens-themed cocktails offers recipes that pair nicely with a chilly evening on the couch.
Grab a few mates, organise a craft arvo with cheap pizza and some Coldplay on the speakers, and you can churn out enough headbands and hats to keep your entire fantasy league warm through August. Drop into the BMore Chix chat to swap patterns, post photos of your finished gear, and find out who's hosting the next group buy on Ravens-branded fabric straight out of Baltimore.