The Scrap Scarf - a tutorial

Still need some last minute Christmas gifts for the special people on your list? I have just the solution! As much as I would love to be able to knit everyone on my list a handmade item, there just isn't enough time in my day. Sewing a scarf on the other hand,... that is definitely do-able!!

I have lots of scraps left over from my recent holiday crafting adventures and I hate to throw things away - especially fabric! So I decided to use some of it for a new project. I call it the Scrap Scarf.



It's a great way to use up leftover fabrics AND make a quick handmade gift. I enjoyed making these so much, I decided to write up a tutorial to share with you.

So here it is...


The Scrap Scarf
by Jody Scofield


Materials Needed:

- 1 yard of faux suede or fleece
- Scraps (3-4 different cotton fabrics)
- Cutting mat, ruler and rotary tool
- Sissors
- Seam Ripper
- Thread to match your main fabric
- Iron
- Sewing machine

1. Start by selecting your fabric

I used scraps for my first two, but then decided to dig into my stash for my latest one.



You will need a yard of a faux suede or light fleece for the body of the scarf, and some scraps or small amounts of cotton for the patchwork accents on the ends.

2. Cut your fabrics

You are only going to cut one piece of the body fabric at this time. (We will cut the second piece later.) Fold the main body fabric selvage to selvage, and using your rotary cutter, cut one long piece 6 inches wide (the size of most quilting rulers) by 36 inches long (one yard). I found that by folding the fabric in half, it is easier to manage the length.



Next cut your accent fabrics. Make sure each piece is 6 inches wide. The height is up to you. You can let the pattern on your fabric be your guide as I did here with this piece of Amy Butler fabric. I also cut some strips of the body fabric to use in the patchwork section to help blend it all together. You can cut the body fabric directly from the end of your 36 inch strip (because you won't need it all).



3. Plan your layout

Arrange the pieces you want to use for the ends. They don't have to be symmetrical - you can change your layouts slightly on each side for added interest.



4. Now it's time to sew!

Sew the pieces together (right sides are always together) using a quarter inch seam. Most sewing machines have a presser foot that is about a quarter inch that you can use as a giude.




5. Press

Once all the pieces are sewn together - go to the ironing board and press your seams. Pressing makes all the difference - it really makes the end result much more professional looking.



Try to get all the seams to lay flat - I usually press them all in the same direction.



6. Cut the last pieces of body fabric

Now that you know how long your patchwork ends are going to be, you can cut the second strip of body fabric. Cut two more 6 inch by 36 inch strips. Lay out your first piece of body fabric with your finished patchwork ends. Measure how long the combined piece is (patchwork and body fabric) and if needed, cut the first piece of body fabric so the entire piece (patchwork ends + body fabric) will measure 36 inches.




7. Sew the body and patchwork edges.

Sew the two 36 inch strips of body fabric together (right sides facing) to create one long piece (6 inches by 72 inches).

Next, sew the patchwork ends to the remaining strip of body fabric.



8. Join front and back

Now you will sew the two body pieces together using a quarter inch seam - right sides facing. Make sure to leave a gap at one end to turn the scarf right side out again.



9. Trim

After you have sewn all the way around, trim the corners and any excess fabric from around the edges. This will help reduce lumps when you turn the scarf right side out.





10. Turn your piece right side out





11. Press

Iron your scarf again after turning it right side out. It will make top stitching so much easier!



12. Top stitch

After it's pressed, fold the edges in where you turned the scarf rightside out and pin them in place.



Top stitch all the way around your scarf using an eight of an inch to a quarter inch seam being careful to close your gap as you sew.



One technique that helps you achieve neat corners is to stop sewing about a quarter inch from an end, keep the needle in the fabric and raise your presser foot. Rotate the fabric 90 degrees while the needle in still in the fabric. Put the presser foot back down and you have now turned a perfect right angle.



After top stitching around your scarf, iron again if desired and you're done!


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I hope you liked my little tutorial.

Please let me know if you try to make one - I'd love to see what you come up with!