How to Make
Your Own Scarves
The scarf can be the most stylish
and adaptable accessory you own! Scarves can help you build a fashionable
wardrobe without demolishing your budget. Creatively used, the scarf can
provide many changes of look for your wardrobe and can even be used to
flatter your figure or draw attention away from any figure faults you may
have.
When fashioning your own scarves you
must first decide on the size. Medium to large squares are the most
versatile and are suitable as suit and blouse fillers, can substitute for
a blouse, and are ideal for coats. Small squares are accent pieces only.
Small squares measure less than 24 inches. Medium squares are from 24 to
27 inches. Large squares are 30 inches or more.
Oblong scarves are usually
considered an accent item with the exception of wool scarves which are
usually designed for warmth. The oblong scarf is an ideal accessory for
suits, dresses, blouses and sweaters. For oblong scarves, a medium size
would be approximately 11 by 54 inches. The sizes of oblong scarves may
vary considerably.
Normally you would use silk for your
dressy scarves, wool for warm scarves and the economical cotton mainly for
head or neck covering, but you can use your imagination to come up with
your own styles.
Some helpful hints when selecting
your materials are to select patterns and textures which are compatible
with the patterns and textures already in your wardrobe; wear or bring
along a sample of the garment you will wear with your scarf; keep
versatility in mind; experiment with color and select good quality
material. Also, if you give yourself plenty of time when selecting your
material, you will be generally happier with your decisions.
Now that you have decided on the
size and material for your scarf, you need to decide on whether you want a
fringe or a finished edge. If you decide on a fringe, remember to leave 2
to 3 extra inches of material on each side of your square. Sew your seam 2
to 3 inches from the edge of each side of your square and then unravel the
edges.
You may want to tie off your fringe
in small amounts all the way around your scarf for better staying power.
If you decide on a finished edge, it should be rolled and well topstitched
approximately 1/8” from the edge. To give your scarf that good quality
look the edges should parallel exactly when the scarf is folded in half
from any direction.
Handle your scarves with gentle
care. Follow the fabric manufacturer’s instructions when washing or
cleaning your scarves or follow these guidelines. Acrylic materials should
be hand washed. Polyester scarves can be hand or machine-washed. Silks
should always be dry-cleaned. Wool should be dry-cleaned or hand washed.
Always clean your scarves before they become too soiled, as this will
extend the life of your scarves. Also, it may be a good idea to wash your
material before cutting and sewing it in case of shrinkage, with the
exception of silks, which should only be dry-cleaned.
Now that your scarf is finished, the
next important step is learning how to fashion the scarf into one of
numerous creative shapes and folds, which will add a touch of class to any
outfit!
This lesson is an excerpt from the
popular book "How to Make Scarves, Plus 101 Ways to Tie Them". Click
to learn more or use the button below to immediately download your copy.
101SCARF - "How
to Make Scarves, Plus 101 Ways to Tie Them" - $9.95
|
