How to Make a Velvet Shawl

Velvet adds a level of elegance to almost any outfit.

A velvet shawl is a soft and elegant addition to any outfit, whether its the day or evening. Shawls are a quick way to take the chill out of a cool summer night or protect bare arms from a cold room. A shawl can be made out of almost any fabric, but velvet serves double duty as being both warm and stylish.

Things You'll Need

• Velvet fabric
• Pins
• Thread
• Ribbon

Instructions

1. Choose the color and thickness of velvet material that you like. Consider the heft of the fabric and how it will feel on either side when you wear it.

2. Cut two pieces of the fabric, each about 18-to-24-inches long -- or whatever width you prefer for your shawl -- and about 1-to-1.5-yards long.

3. Pin the two pieces together with the right sides facing each other. Sew a line of stitches along one short end and trim it to 1/8-inch wide. Press the seam on both sides and then repeat on the other short end.

4. Turn the shawl so that the right sides are now facing out. Sew the seams on the long side using a rolled hem stitch on your machine, or sew a binding ribbon on the edges.

5. Embellish your shawl further by stitching beads on it, adding fringe, making designs using fabric paint or adding other decorations.

References

• The Spotlight Inspiration Room: Evening Shawl
• Sewing.org: Sparkling Evening Shawl
• Threads; Make a Quick Summer Wrap; Kenneth King