Favorite Scarves to Sew Part One
Sew a Scarf in an evening or less! Long or short—square or rectangle—scarves are fashion statements that are as enjoyable to create, as they are to wear. Best of all, they can be created in a variety of fabrics and a minimal investment of time.
Throughout the seasons of Sewing With Nancy, you’ve seen me demonstrate an array of scarf options. During this new two-part series, Favorite Scarves to Sew, I’ve selected some of my favorite episodes that feature my favorite scarf techniques.
The first scarf feature is—hands down—my most favored scarf technique—the spiral scarf. Donna Fenske, one of the Sewing With Nancy designers joins me during this first episode. We’ll begin with a long strip, make an important fold, and then sew. Magically the scarf turns from a long rectangle into a bias tube. I like to use rayon batiks for this technique; the fabric gracefully drapes around the neckline. The sewing description may seem contrary to logic, but with a little sewing savvy a crosswise length of fabric easily turns into a bias scarf.
Knits are the fabrics of choice when creating a continuous looped scarf. Like infinity rings or bracelets, the design cleverly includes one twist to give the scarf great shape and style. During this segment from the past, learn the secret to turning a tube into an infinite continuous loop. You’ll also lean how to create a two-toned version, as featured, or a one-color option—it will be easy to stitch-up a wardrobe of scarves.
The next scarf featured is the Chenille Scarf—I first showcased this in 2005, but it is as important of a style today as it was when initially introduced. Select a little over a yard of fabric, creatively cut into strips, stack the layers, stitch rows down the center, and then cut. After washing and drying, the fabric blooms and the boutique-style scarf is ready to wear.
The last scarf project of this episode features the ever-popular polyester fleece. Donna Fenske again joins me to show you how a fleece scarf is something you can make for the kids’ in your life or a project that you can sew in tandem with them. The scarf is functional while sporting a unique pocket shape that showcases felting accents. You’ll soon see that the felting step is a perfect how-to project for children. It’s another one of my favorite scarf projects that is a palette for creativity.
With instructions for over 40 different scarf variations, find the design that is perfect for your wardrobe. Fleece, rayon batiks, interlock knits, jersey, and homespun—these fabrics plus many more are candidates for your next scarf creation. Scarves can be created with a minimum of time and monetary investment. The best part is turning a rectangle of fabric into a fashionable accessory!
Here’s a sample of what you’ll find in the Favorite Scarves to Sew book:
- Infinity Scarf
- Cowl Infinity Scarf
- Fleece Scarf
- Chenille Scarf
- Ribbon Scarf
- Big Pocket Scarf
- Shirred Scarf
- Bejeweled Scarf
- Pendant Scarf
- Embroidered Scarf
- Spiral Scarf
- Lettuce-Edge S-Curve Scarf
- Two-Toned Scarf
- Ruffled Scarf
- Fringed Scarf
Watch Favorite Scarves to Sew on Sewing With Nancy online and tune in next week for part two!
For a chance to win a copy of the book, Sewing With Nancy’s Favorite Scarves to Sew from Nancy’s Notions, let us know what scarf you’re planning to sew to freshen up your fall wardrobe.
Bye for now,
Barbara
The spiral scarf is coming my way and to my sewing room!
Leslie
I am going to make the fleece scarves for my grandkids!
Janice Stewart
I love the Infinity Scarf, there was an instance were I had a 12-18 inch by 60 inch strip left over from one of my outfit patterns/project and I ran with it…… or sewed it. LOL!
Now I know what to do with wide strips.
Nanette Edmonds
I love the infinity scarf….I have a couple of them in my wardrobe, but would really love to have a couple more and would like to make them myself. Thank you for your teaching videos, TV shows and books!!
Anne Rhodes
I would love to try a Chenille scarf!
Glynn Martin
I have made several of the infinity scarves and love them. I think I would like to try the Chenille Scarf and have several ideas in mind that it would work with.
Thanks for the opportunity for winning the book!
Debbie W.
I’d like to make the Infinity scarf and fleece scarf for Christmas gifts.
Thank you for the opportunity to win your book.
Melody
I would just love to make these for all the ladies in the family for Christmas. Would also love to have the book, I have alot of Sewing with Nancy’s book’s and DVD and would love to add it to my library.
PJ
I’m a newbie to serging – the scarves are a perfect early project!
Barbara Tait
I am fascinated by the spiral scarf. That is the first one to try.
Cindy Schultz
Wow, how can you pick just one? I love them all. I would love to try the spiral scarf with some cool rayon batiks. The infinity scarf would also be fun to try. I have never done any chenille projects so I think it would be fun to try on a scarf. I would love to try the felted mittens on polar fleece for my cute little grandson. Thanks for sharing these scarves with us.
Susan
I’d like to make a few infinity scarves for gifts. I have several granddaughters that wear these scarves.
Duane Wiley
I need some infinity scarves! I have about a dozen others but sure would love some infinities. Thanks!
Ellen Weber
So many choices! I would start with a batik infinity scarf!
Sheila
I like the chenille scarf which would make a great gift to give during the holiday season.
Ellen Weber
So many choices! I would start with a batik infinity scarf and then try a fleece scarf for my grand daughter.
Pat Prange
I love the idea of the infinity scarf. They are so much fun to wear and look fantastic!
Mary Nasvik
I want to make some scarves for my granddaughters. They both love wearing them! I particularly want to make the infinity scarf!!
lillian k
I will be making a chenille scarf for fall. It really looks cozy and warm.
Pat
Like Nancy, my favorite is the spiral scarf. I will be following her advice and choosing a rayon batik to maximum soft drape. Thanks for the chance to win the book.
Kim H
I really want to try the first scarf with the bias twist. It looks like a great drape.
Laurel Lee Pedersen
The infinity scarf is my choice to make out of some fabric I’ve had for years!
Mary Krall
I am just beginning to wear scarves. I would like to try the spiral scarf and the infinity scarf. The process is intriguing!
Starla
I want to try the chenille scarf — very intriguing directions!
Florence Dupuis
I would like to make the lettuce edge or the chenille. May be even try some of the others for my granddaughters.
Judy D
Love infinity scarves and would start with that style. Also want to try the long fringed scarf! What a great way to dress up a plain shirt :-). Thanks for the chance to win this book!
Kathy Renz
If Nancy’s favorite is the spiral, then that’s the one I would like to try first. Thank you.
Susan
I’d like to try the infinity scarf – possibly the 2-toned one.
Barb S
I would like to try the spiral scarf, it looks feminine, light and very stylish. Now that I am a woman, of that certain age, I prefer wearing scarfs!
Betty Box
There are so many to choose from it is hard for me to choose just one. I do choose the infinity scarf for my first one and then on to all the others. Would love to win the prize to add to my library of crafts. Thank you.
Jeanne Evans
The infinity is my favorite. Just need the time,and of course the book.
Diane Cockman
I would like to make the infinity scarf and then all the rest. I think they all would be wonderful.
Bonnye
They are all so nice. However, I would first make the infinity scarf.
Linda M
I would love to try the chenille scarf. It looks fun.
Toni Arnold
The infinity scarf intrigues me.
Karen P
You have made so many cute scarves over the years, I am going to make a Cowl Infinity Scarf and a Spiral Scarf.
Sunni
I can see making the continuous loop scarf in a snuggy fabric and in dressier fabrics as well to revitalize my wardrobe. The softness of the design will help with my angular body lines. Since I can’t wear anything overpowering or large, being able to design and control fabric amounts is beneficial.
Sunni
To revitalize my fall/winter wardrobe I’d like to make the continuous loop scarves in a snuggly fabric and dressier fabrics. The scarf will soften my angular body. Being able to design and control fabric amounts is a definite bonus. Even the simplest scarf can change your ,or the garments look.
Sunni
I apologize for the two posts. The first one “disappeared”. When I submitted the redo they both came through. Yikes.
Donna Wilson
I would make the chenille scarf because it looks soft and warm.
Karen Payton
I really like the spiral Scarf, it looks like a nice one to dress up any outfit
Michelle Hall
making the chenille scarf is intriguing to me
Adelijne
I think that the infinity scarf is the best invention yet. It is a fashion accessory, cannot fall off, or get lost or tangle up with your outfits and coats. So, that is my choice for sure!
Janice Hobbs
I would start with the infinity scarf since it appears everyone in the world has one except me! Then I would go on to make other styles for all on my Christmas gift list!
Anne Z.
I love the Bejeweled Scarf. It is such a novel idea!!! Thanks for all the inspiration.
Ilana
I really want to make a chenille scarf. It looks like a fun technique.
LoAnn Trowbridge
Infinity scarf—for a friend!
Barbara R.
I would make the spiral scarf.
Ellen
I have some fabric in my stash, perfect or an infinity style scarf…can hardly wait to try it!
Helen
I love the infinity scarf and it is still popular today as it was when it first appeared. Many others on my list to try as well.
Deborah White
I like the cowl infinity scarf so that I can change the shape of some shirts to look better with a jackets.
Renea Yarolim
I really like the infinity scarves. Thanks for the great giveaway.
L Watson
I have two pieces of fabric bought for scarves already. I like the look of the infinity scarf, but I believe I would try the spiral scarf. It looks like it would be magically fun to try with the interesting technique needed to make it! What fun! Perfect gift ideas for Christmas also.
Karen
I think I will do one with felted accents for a Christmas gift.
Carolynne
Anxious to make about a half dozen infinity scarves to change up my winter wardrobe.
Carolynne
Anxious to make half a dozen infinity acarves to spice up my wardrobe.
Karen Hootman
I want to make some infinity scarves.
Karen Hootman
I would like to make several different kind of scarves including the infinity and fleece for Christmas gifts.
Margaret Borneman
I would like to purchase the scarf books. I am having trouble finding books on your site. The books are such a wonderful reference tool and I have bought many of Nancy Zieman books before. I hope many will be republished for new generations to come. Nancy is the only sewing teacher that made learning fun and easy. I loved her and sewing with Nancy tv show. She is greatly missed. Thank you Margaret Borneman