
Sew One of Nancy’s Favorite Scarves
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 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 wardrobe.
The randomly selected winner of the book and DVD, The Absolute Easiest Way to Sew from Nancy’s Notions is Julie Kill.
Her comment is: Any tip on easier sewing for zippers is more than welcome! Zippers have always been the toughest portion of sewing for me! Thank you for offering much-needed help with these issues! Your methods make everything look wonderful, and they make it easy, so anyone can sew!
Happy Sewing,
Team Nancy Zieman
Nancy Zieman Productions, LLC.
Anne Z
I love the continuous looped scarf. I think it looks great in many colorways.
Susan T
The technique for the chenille scarf is brilliant. How beautiful in fall colors.
Rose D.
The continuous loop scarf is now my favorite, introduced to me years ago by my daughter when she was in college. They became staples in her wardrobe. That book opens up a new world of scarves, though, so I’m sure trying out different styles would be fun for us. Thanks for letting us know about the book!
Susan
The continous loop scarf adds an eye-catching accessory to one’s wardrobe. It is neat looking and makes a statement.
Chris
SEWWWWWWW many choices for scarf ideas!!! I didn’t know there were so many! I’d love to try the lettuce-Edge-S-Curve scarf–it sounds intriguing. Having watched Sewing With Nancy for years and how often she wore a scarf, I can almost ‘see her’ wearing any one of those pictured. How sweet!
Carol
The cowl infinity scarf is flattering so I would sew this one first. However, there are many other designs that I like too. So, I would keep on sewing the scarves…maybe a scarf marathon!
Bonnye
The infinity scarf would be perfect for my new dress.
Clovis
A two toned scarf would be nice to go with any fabric. Thanks for the chance to win.
Suzan Z
Oh, I’m not sure where to start. I have a lot of older, silky squares but find I’d like more long rectangles so that’s my only criteria. This book from Nancy would help me get started.
Beverly
Scarves are such a wonderful way to accessorize. I live in a cold winter climate, so I believe I would love the softness of a chenille scarf first, then tackle a ruffled scarf.
Candice
I love the Spiral Scarf and the Loop and Tuck Scarf. I’m now inspired to get to work on the scarves I’ve got lined up (yes, I have fabric for 6 of them that are in limbo!) I love re-watching her programs. Thank you sew much for keeping them available.
Ann Marie Oblas
I’d like to make continuous loop scarves for Christmas gifts!
Margaret Scott
Would love to make the infinity scarf out of gauze to match a top I made.
Noreen
I like Nancy’s favorite: the spiral scarf. That is a lot of scarves – who knew there are so many kinds!
Janet johnson
I have seen the show on how to make the continuous looped scarf but as of yet have not made one. Maybe this is the year.
These would be great gifts.
Donna Fecteau
I had forgotten about the Chenille scarf, I think I would like to make one of those for me and who knows maybe a few others on my gift list!
Kathryn Smotryski
I’d make the infinity ring scarf. So pretty.
Cyndi Duffin
I want to embroider on a scarf for my Mom who lives in the mid-west where they have very cold winters and a scarf is a neccesity !!
Thank you for the give away.
Rosie
The spiral scarf would be my first, of many I’m sure.
nina
You should consider writing, in bold, on the outside of your pattern envelopes: Easy step-by-step instructions! Your pattern instructions are the best I have seen, and I have sewn for a long long time! I recommend them highly.
Doreen
Infinity scarf 2 colors would be my choice.
De Campbell
I’ve worn scarves since high school. I could always update an outfit with one. For this fall, I plan to make a two-toned infinity scarf.
Bonnie Rynders
Infinity and spiral are my two favorites.
Bonnie Rynders
Infinity and spiral scarf would be so cool with new fall colors.
Linda Wilbanks
Since it never gets very cold out here in Arizona, the scarf I would like to make is the spiral scarf. I think it would be perfect for a holiday function I need to attend.
Diane L. Putzer
The continuous loop scarf would be a nice addition to my wardrobe.
Kathryn Englebretsen
I love the spiral scarf and would love to make one.
Linda
Love them all, but going to make the spiral scarf. Good luck to all Thanks Team Nancy
Jan Nelson
I am planning a fall infinity scarf in the orange and rust pattern.
Love to have your book and thanks so much.
I can’t wait to get started.
Esther
I’d love to make either a chenille scarf, or an infinity scarf with 2 fabrics. Although it rarely gets cold in metro Phoenix, we do go skiing and snowboarding in northern Arizona. So, these will be used!
Jane Peterson
I always admired Nancy’s graceful scarves. I would love to make several that I watched her create. Especially the infinity scarf. So many possibilities!
L Watson
I like the continuous loop scarf, fun to make and to wear!
Bonnie
I love the continuous looped scarf. It is a classic design and would look great with many outfits. Thanks for the great giveaway!
BRENDA JORDAN
I wear a uniform to work every day. The chenille scarf would dress it up and would not look like every one else.
Lee Ann Wagner
I would love to try the chenille scarf. It would be something really unique!
Kathy knowlton
I would love to buy the book of favorite scarves to sew by Nancy zieman.