Nancy Zieman’s Favorite Scarves to Sew
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 Nancy demonstrate an array of scarf options. During this new two-part series, Favorite Scarves to Sew, Nancy Zieman Productions, LLC selected a few favorite episodes that feature Nancy’s favorite scarf techniques.
The first scarf feature was—hands down—Nancy’s most favored scarf technique—the spiral scarf. Donna Fenske, one of the Sewing With Nancy designers, joins Nancy during this first episode. They begin with a long strip, make an important fold, and then sew. Magically the scarf turns from a long rectangle into a bias tube. 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 learn 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—first showcased 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 Nancy to share how a fleece scarf is something you can make for the kids in your life or a project that you can sew in tandem. 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 any age. It’s another 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 (Part One and Part Two) on Sewing With Nancy online.
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 winter wardrobe.
The randomly selected winner of a copy of The Best Sweatshirt Makeovers book, is Jennifer Mead.
Her comment is: The denim do-over is my absolute favorite project, although I love them all.
Happy Sewing,
Team Nancy Zieman
Nancy Zieman Productions. LLC.
Lorna
I would see a polar fleece scarf first.
Anne Z.
I would make the Spiral Scarf. Nancy always had a way of creating and teaching projects which were easy to do, but have such visual interest. I think the Spiral Scarf is an example of this.
Ennis A Weeks
I’m sure I would try most of them. I love scarves!! What a collection! Thanks.
Tammy W
I would love to make the continuous looped scarf.
Sharon
I don’t have a particular scarf planned–but should be a warm one for this weather.
Andrea Letourneau
I’m planning to sew an infinity scarf (and I’ll add a hidden zipper pocket so that it can function as a secret add-on pocket).
Janet
i love love love the spiral scarf. one of my favorite videos that nancy did was to teach us the many ways we could make our own very trendy scarves. i hope i am lucky enough to win this book. thanks for the chance. janet [email protected]
Rosemary
I love the look of the Cowl Infinity Scarf. You don’t have to worry about it coming undone.
Louise M Haddon
I don’t have one planned but I really like the green one on the cover.
Martha Hood
Love all the looks. Found a “Twist and Shout” that is one would love to have. There are so many to choose from. Thanks for all the ideas and suggestions.
Elizabeth Lewis
Would love to make that spiral scarf!
Kathleen Waite
I will start with the infinity scarf but have several favorites. They make great gifts for old or young alike and are easy on the budget. Can’t wait to get started!
Lee Ann Wagner
I absolutely love scarves! Such a great way to dress up an outfit and add some color and style. I am planning to make a fleece scarf with some of my fleece stash.
Delois Campbell
A scarf will update any outfit. I enjoy them!!
Peggy Bibb
Scarves are a great way to dress up any outfit. The spiral scarf is the one that I would like to try!
Donna Fecteau
I don’t have the book but I have made the spiral scarf by watching and re-watching the video and making notes and then watching just once more time to make sure I was doing it right. I loved that scarf but sadly lost it in the airport on a recent trip. So I guess its time to make another one!
Candice C.
I’ve decided this is the year of getting my sewing gifts done and delivered! The infinity and spiral scarves are the first two on the list. I’m also working on fleece ones for our local foodbank – many people come in needing all kinds of things besides food. They help the best they can. I know I’ve purchased at least one of Nancy’s scarf books – great ideas.
Bonnye
Brrr, it’s really cold outside. I would like to make a warm scarf perhaps the cowl infinity scarf.
Clovis
I like scarves. Any scarf would do to keep my neck warm.
BevM
I would like to sew Nancy’s favorite, the Spiral Scarf.
Susan T
The fleece neck wraps in chapter 3 would be perfect for warmth and style.
Linda B
I would love a book on scarfs, I don’t have any, and am unsure how to wear them, but want to.
Rosie
I would make the spiral scarf, and then the infinity scarf. I like the drape of both of these scarfs.
Janet johnson
I need to make the infinity scarf in greys, dark and light grey. I have several tops it would dress up. The book would be fun to look through.
Sandy
In Oct. I fell and broke my neck. I want to see scarves to cover my scar and keep my neck warm. I made some of Nancy’s scarves watching her program on PPS.
Dena M
I would like to make the spiral scarf, after I find the right fabric in my stash for it.
Hannah W
The spiral scarf looks great, I’d start there:)
L Watson
What s fantastic collection of ideas! I would probably want to start with the infinity scarf. I wear scarves quit a bit though, I would like to try several different kinds! I have material already waiting to make scarves with, let the fun begin!
Noreen
I like the square scarf – it’s so versatile. There are a lot of great scarf ideas in the book, and I would like to try several of them.
Denise Withrow
I would love to make a ribbon scarf.
Linda
The spiral scarf is really beautiful and looks harder than it is. I love how scarves can change the look of an outfit without costing a lot of money.
Linda C
I love scarves and they are expensive. It would be nice to have this book to make my own. I would like to try the pendant scarf.
Susan
The spiral scarf would my choice as it can add instant spark to an outfit!
Lorraine Alves
My favorite scarf is the Chenille Scarf. I have already purchased the channel cutter to release the fabric so that it will bloom when washed. I anticipate making a chenille scarf for both my sister and my sister-in-law.
Bonnie
The spiral scarf is my favorite, because it is so versatile and easy to wear. Scarves give a finished look to any outfit. I would love to make a variety of the scarves from this fantastic collection. Thanks for the great giveaway!
Jean
The spiral scarf!
But I’m sure I wouldn’t stop there, as I wear scarves frequently.
Linda Ashley
Scarfs are so nice to keep your neck warm with short hair. I would love the book to make some of my favorite scarfs and use some of my beautiful stash to make gifts for my girl friends.
Sandra C
The spiral scarf looks like it would be quick and fun to make. Scarves are a valuable part of my wardrobe for school since our dress code requires that tops reach collar bone height. I’d love to see directions for making a chemo head scarf.
Karen Tu-Na Quilts
I have a couple of knits ready to become infinity scarves. Nancy made everything look easy.
Cecilia
The infinity scarf, would like to make for myself and for gift giving.
Sue Camino
I have always loved the Pendant scarf. Last year I purchased some great looking pendants for when I do make these scarfs. This would look great on a plain dress or knit top.
Suzy C.
I have always loved the Pendant scarfs. I have actually purchased some great looking pendants for when I do make them. These scarfs would dress up a plain looking dress or knit top.
E Watson
I would love to sew and wear any kind of cowl!
Pam
I plan to sew the loop one. So funny, I just watched all three scarf videos on PBS today. They are all so attractive!
Pam
I plan to sew the loop scarf, even have the fabric chosen. So funny, I just watched all three scarf videos on PBS today. They are all so attractive!