Neck Coolers

Cut a rectangle of preferably tight weave, cotton material, 35 x 4 1/2 inches. Mark the material at both 7 and 9 1/2 inches from the short ends. You can taper the short ends to a curved point for about 6 1/2 inches, so you end up with something looking like a surfboard, these ends are used as ties.

Finish the raw edges from one 9 1/2-inch mark around the point, to the other 9 1/2-inch mark, either with a overlocked/serged rolled hem or with bias binding. Fold the rectangle's wrong sides together and sew along the long sides, between the 7 inch marks, using a small stitch and a 1/4 inch seam allowance.

Turn right side out and sew a double row of small stitches across one end at the 7 inch mark. Place crystals (see NOTES) in and sew across the other end at the 7-inch mark, making sure there are no gaps.

NOTES: The crystals are "hydrogel" or polymer granules. They are also called "cool crystals," "magic crystals," etc. They are used in gardening soil for water retention. You can find them in any home and garden stores, such as Home Depot, Lowe's, etc.

Make sure you don't use more than 2 tablespoons per neck cooler or the gel will ooze out. Many people use only 1 1/2 teaspoons of crystals and are confident that this is the right amount to use.