Handmade Scarf: Look Fabulous for Less

Rebecca Zilis
Alpha Gamma Delta

Staying stylish during the winter months can get pricey when I'm trying to not only look fabulous, but stay warm on my way to class. After buying a down jacket and trendy boots, it's difficult for me to open my wallet when it comes to other winter essentials. The walk from my sorority house to the quad can get pretty chilly, making scarves and mittens a must. Over winter break I perused all of my favorite shops for warm accessories, only to come up short in the scarf department.

Being a lover of scarves and their magical power of looking great not only with my coat, but with any sweater underneath; I made it my goal to make the perfect scarf. I imagined this to be one of the most simple sewing projects, seeing as it doesn't get much easier than a rectangular strip of fabric, but leave it to me to make any project more tedious than it has to be. I decided I wanted a layered infinity scarf, meaning I would loop it around my neck.

As an avid crafter and a slightly knowledgeable sewer (and when I say slightly, I really do mean slightly), I searched various websites and finally found the perfect pattern. It was simple enough for my awkward sewing skills with just the right amount of difficulty to hide its “do-it-yourself” quality.

To make one yourself, all you'll need are two yards of fabric and a sewing machine. As the website below explains, this is double the original amount, to make a look involving more layers. My fabric came out to a total of $12, which is definitely not bad after seeing similar scarves at Urban Outfitters and American Apparel for more than forty dollars!

Here are the instructions, but for a more detailed description, you can go to yourstrulyg.wordpress.com/2011/12/21/diy-circle-scarf/.

Fold fabric in half lengthwise.

Sew along the long opening so the fabric makes a tube.

Take your tube and put one arm through it, grabbing onto the far end and pulling it through to match the end that started near your shoulder. The two openings should now match up, essentially folding your fabric in half.

Now that you have new tube, sew along the open edge, leaving a small gap a few inches long.

Use the gap to pull the scarf inside out so the seams are now hidden.

Use a needle and thread to hand sew the opening closed.

Loop your new scarf around your neck!

My first scarf took me less than an hour and the next was completed even faster. I started out with a heather gray jersey fabric because I decided if I ended up only making one, it had to match absolutely everything in my closet. I suggest starting with a solid or neutral color for your first scarf. Once you get the technique down, mix it up and try some bolder patterns. Look out for sales on floral fabric once spring approaches.

After my first experiment, I ended up wearing my new scarf for almost an entire week. It was more than enough fabric to keep me warm and ended up looking great with all of my winter coats. The best part about this simple pattern is that it leaves artistic leeway to add your own personality. Fun patterns and bright colors can brighten a dull coat, and don't forget, Greek lettered fabric can add a touch of pride.