Make a sample one first and test it out to make sure you used the right amount of watering crystals (some products vary). And that it fits comfortably around the neck.

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. *Make sure it’s something that will feel good against the skin. I used a 300 thread count cotton sheet I found at Wal-Mart for around $5.00. I was able to make 24 ties from one twin sheet. 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.

First, wash in hot water to remove sizing. Then for each tie - cut fabric 45" x 5".

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. You can also sew a 1/2 inch seam on one of the short edges as well.... some people prefer this way. I think they're easier to turn and press by leaving both ends open until the tie is finished.

Turn fabric right side out

Press fabric with seam line 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). If you sewed one of the short ends closed already, then press the seam to one side.

Mark fabric at midpoint and then from that point mark 8 inches on each side.. This will give you 1 - 16" pocket or 4 pockets that are 4 inches long. Stitch across the tie to make the bottom of the first pocket.

NOTE: If making 2 pockets - 8 inches each fill the first pocket with 3/4 tsp of SHULTZ watering crystals (sold in Wal-Mart garden dept.) - sew that pocket closed and then fill the remaining pocket with 3/4 tsp shultz watering crystals and sew last pocket closed. Turn the end seams under and top stitch for a neat/clean finish.

If making 4 pockets at 4 inches each - fill each pocket with 3/8 tsp of SHULTZ watering crystals.

***IF USING WATERSORB CRYSTALS - use just 1/8 tsp in each 4 inch pocket.

Please enclose the following with each tie:

Dear Military Person - - -

We appreciate you for your service to your country and so we want you
to have this "HUG" from home. When you place it around your neck,
please remember that there is someone who made this by hand and who
wishes that they could actually give you a real hug. "A 'HUG' From Home"
http://www.OperationHelpingHand-AmericanAngels.com
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/American_Angels

*Soak in water for 15-20 minutes. Only soak 7-10 to use as headband.
*Remove from water and pat dry so the polymer spreads out equally
along the tube. Please remember, never squeeze tightly, the polymer
can "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).