Season No 1. Free Sewing Tutorial - 3 Scarves

Next in our Gifts, Decorations and Craft Fairs series are these 3 scarves.
Who doesn't love a new handmade scarf at Christmas?

These scarves are simple to make. What's more they are all made in a similar way but achieve totally different looks by use of fabric. So simple, they don't need step by step photos but we've included sizes and guide for each. Not only do they make great gifts, they look really effective on craft stalls and so quick to make.

Flannel/Voile Scarf


Inspired by the Anna-Maria Horner baby blanket which feels super soft and luxurious. This scarf doubles for everyday or going out. Also if you haven't worked with flannel or voile before it is a perfect introduction due to its ease. You can put both flannel and voile in the wash together to pre wash. You could run up half a dozen of these in an hour!

We used Anna Maria Horner Flannels and Voiles available here:

Blog readers get a 10% discount on these fabrics for purchases before 31st October.
Enter this code on checkout: Scarfblog

To make:
You need ½ meter of both Voile and Flannel fabric the full width (so each 50cm x 110cm):

1.In both Voile and Flannel, cut 2 strips across the width 110cm long by 22cm wide. See step 4 about choosing your final scarf size;
2.Attach the 2 long Flannel strips together by sewing the short ends together to create 1 long strip. Then press seam;
3.Repeat step 2 with the Voile;
4.At this point pin your Flannel strip closed in a circle and try it on to get your desired length. We trimmed our pieces so the strip measured 190cm but you can shorten or use the full 220cm if you prefer. For us 190cm allowed the scarf to wrap around 3 times as shown in the photo above. Or you can wear it wrapped twice like in the photo below;
5.Pin right sides together and sew along both of the long sides to create a tube. Press seams;
6.Turn the right way and press;
7.Fold one end of the tube inwards 1cm and press;
8.Put the other end of the tube inside the pressed end and sew your scarf closed;
9.Wear, give, sell!


Jersey/Knit Circle Scarf

The circle scarf is a hot item at the moment. It can be warn in so many ways: draped as a single scarf or doubled up chunky to keep out the cold; a shawl, with or without hood; and even a dress!

This funky scarf is made using the new Michael Miller Knit fabrics. Stretchy, jersey fabric usually used for t-shirts and dresses. Lovely and warm for Winter day walks. We were warned that Knits can shrink up to 15% so pre-washing is essential. Ours shrunk by a couple of inches, nothing major (just in case you were expecting to put a meter piece in the wash and get out enough material to make Barbie a scarf).

There are 2 versions of the Circle scarf. You can make it in exactly the same way we made the Flannel/Voile scarf. If doing it that way you can add a different print to the inside or, as we did, use the same print. If you make it this way you can wear it as a scarf or shawl but not a dress. If you want to make it that way then follow the instructions above for the Flannel/Voile scarf. You will need 1m x 110cm of Knit fabric (or 50cm x 110cm of each of 2 Knit prints if using different prints).

Alternatively you can make this second version. This is a simple tube scarf 1m long. This allows you to wear it as a dress as well. You can still fold it in on itself to wear it as a scarf and shawl like we did.

We used Michael Miller Knits available here:

Blog readers get a 10% discount on these fabrics for purchases before 31st October.
Enter this code on checkout: Scarfblog

To make:
You need 1 meter of Knit/Jersey fabric:

1.Pre wash;
2.With WRONG sides together, stitch the fabric together down the selvage;
3.Still with wrong sides together and with the right sides facing outwards, press the seam open;
4.Turn inside out;
5.Create a French Seam by sewing along the seam you have already created. You need to sew your second seam so it encases the first so make it slightly larger;
6.Press your seam to the side;
7.Turn the right way and it's ready!

Crinkle Cotton Scarf

Lovely to wear for a night out or for giving to more glamorous friend! You can really go to town and embellish it with luxurious breads, ribbons and trimmings. The only difference in sewing this scarf is it is left open rather than closing it in a loop. So easy and no ironing!

We used Pat Bravo cottons from her Paradise collection available here:

Blog readers get a 10% discount on these fabrics for purchases before 31st October.
Enter this code on checkout: Scarfblog

To make:
You need 2 meters of light weight cotton fabric:

1.If you want to add embellishments like ribbons and beads do so now;
2.With right sides together fold the fabric in half length ways;
3.Sew the 3 open sides shut, leaving a 10cm opening for turning;
4.Turn the right way and sew the opening shut;
5.Tie one end of your scarf to a draw or door and twist the other end. Continue twisting until the fabric twists over itself to create a small twisted ball of fabric. Tie the two ends together to encase the twisted fabric;
6.Wet the fabric and hang to dry;
7.When dry the scarf has a crinkled effect and is ready to go out on the town!