Did you know that September is National Sewing Month?
It is and I thought that it would be fun to post a quick and easy project for all my DIY readers in honor of the occasion! I've had this planned for several weeks, so I'm excited!
Now, keep in mind that this is my first tutorial E.V.E.R. so if anything is lacking, or doesn't make sense, let me know.
Okay, let's get started then!
Scrappy Patchy ScarfYou will need:
- 32 3 - 1/2 x 3 - 1/2" squares of fabric
{ little note here: you can make it longer if you'd like. 32 squares will make a scarf that is approx 41" in length when finished. The
Scrappy Pack has waaaay more than enough fabrics in it for this project and I may have a scarf kit available soon with pre-cut squares. }
- approx 1/4 yd backing fabric ~ I used soft cotton flannel, but fleece or chenille would work, too.
- Thread ~ I used white, but any color will do
Directions:
- Lay your fabric squares out and begin to arrange them in pairs of two the way you want them on the scarf. Remember, this is a scrappy scarf, so no need to be matchy unless you just absolutely HAVE to! ;)
2. Take each pair and sew them along one side, right sides together, using a 1/4" seam allowance. Press seam open.
{ until noted otherwise, all seams are 1/4" )
3. After you have all your pairs sewn together and pressed, begin building the scarf up by sewing each strip to another, right sides together and matching the center seam. Press seams open flat.
4. Now you should have a long strip of squares put together. Time for backing!
Lay your patchy strip on top of your backing fabric, right sides together, and cut the backing to match the scarf. To me this is the easiest and quickest way to get the backing the same size as the main scarf piece, but you could also just measure your scarf and then cut your backing to those dimensions. Doesn't matter.
Pin together and beginning at the bottom, start sewing, switching to a 5/8" seam here, up one long side, across one short side, back down the other long side and stop. You will have left the bottom short side open.
5. Trim your seams down to a scant 1/4" to reduce bulk.
6. Reaching through the open end, pull the scarf through to the right side.
7. Press well and make sure your corners are turned out nicely. If you have a point turner, this works beautifully, but something like a knitting needle works well, too. Just be sure not to poke a hole through!
8. Turn each end of fabric on the open bottom under 1/4" ( like a hem ), press down and pin together. The opening will be closed as you topstitch the scarf.
9. Beginning at the bottom corner, start topstitching 1/8" from the edge, working your way around the whole scarf. Don't forget to backstitch at the end! Trim your threads.
10. Give the scarf one last press, trim off any stray threads and Ta-Da, you are DONE!!!
Super simple and can be completed in about an hour or less I'd say, especially if your fabric squares are already cut. Great beginner project, too!
Now for the fun part...Want to win my sample?Here's how:
1) Leave a comment and tell me if this tutorial makes sense to you, even if you are not a seamstress/crafter. And be honest! Really.
2) Make any purchase from the
shop, and if you buy a
scrappy pack to make your own scarf, you get a double entry!
3) Link to this post, blog about it, tweet it, put it on facebook... whatever! Just leave me a comment to let me know that you did.
Contest ends on Friday night at midnight and a winner will be randomly picked on Saturday!
Have fun & good luck! :0)
PS ~ Check out the cool giveaway going on at
Little Bit Funky right now! I LOVE it and would so like to win... a Starbucks gift card + her super cute coffee cup would be awesome since I am there almost every day. Not kidding. Just doin' my part to help the economy...
I have to say though, the peppermint mocha is my very fav.
Yuuummmm!
