The Curvy Elle: DIY: Jaunty Summer Scarf

DIY: Jaunty Summer Scarf

The idea for this scarf came from the fact that I like to be able to wear a scarf during the summer, but most scarves that are sold at stores are made from synthetic fiber like polyester–which don’t breath. They can be hot and stick to you when you sweat = NO FUN TO WEAR IN THE SUMMER!!!

This DIY is very simple and takes only sewing a basic straight stitch along the hem of the scarf. It will end up being a perfect square measuring about 22″ X 22″. Please note: measurements do not have to be exact! Feel free to play with any of the measurements I give you!

SUPPLIES:

1 Piece of Cotton Woven Fabric Minimum 24″ X 24″
(This can be a scrap or if you want, purchase around 3/4 yard of fabric.)
Ruler
Pencil
Scissors
Iron
Ironing Board
Straight Pins
Sewing Machine
(Threaded with whatever color thread you wish to use.)

STEPS:

1. First things first, iron your piece of Cotton Fabric. This makes it easier to make and mark the measurements for your scarf.

2. Lay your fabric flat on a table or other flat surface. You are going to measure horizontally and vertically 23 inches. Make a notch mark with your pencil on your fabric where each of these measurements are.

3. Get your scissors and make a snip (a LITTLE cut about 1/2″ long) where the first pencil notch/mark is.

4. Grab each of the sides of the fabric on both sides of the snip and pull. Keep pulling until the excess fabric is torn from your square.

5. Repeat the above for the other measurement/penciled notch. When you are done, you will have a perfect square measured about 23″ X 23″.

6. Once again, iron your square of fabric. This makes it easier to work with for the next step.

7. Turn your fabric to the “wrong” side of the fabric. You are now going to start to hem your square. It will be 1/4 inch turn back. This means you will measure and press (with the iron) a 1/4 inch turn back around all 4 sides of the fabric. Then you will go back and turn it and press it a second time 1/4 inch. As pictured below:

Measure 1/4 inch for first turn back.

Start pressing with the iron and turning the edge. Continue for all 4 sides.

This is what the first turn back will look like.

Now, for the second 1/4 inch turn back. (You are welcome to pin as you go during this step to hold the turn back in place.) Turn and press around all 4 edges, until the whole square has a clean finish.

When you are done, it will look like this:

8. Now it’s time to sew! Thread your sewing machine with the color thread you want to sew with. You will want to sew with the wrong side up. Sew as close to the folded edge as possible.

When you reach a CORNER, stop. Make sure the needle is down in the fabric and lift up the presser foot. Pivot (turn) the fabric so that you can now sew down the next side.