Things You'll Need
Fabric
Thread
Sewing machine
Measuring tape
Pins
Rotary cutter
Self-healing cutting mat
Trim (optional)
Embroidery needle and thread (optional)
Cross-stitching needle and floss (optional)
Embroidery hoop (optional)
Design pattern (optional)
Zipper foot (optional)
Iron
Ironing board
The first things that generally come to mind when considering bedroom decor are furniture, paint color and bedding. While each is important in forming a cohesive design, small touches throughout the room provide a finished, personal look. Small details, such as a handmade dresser scarf, are the perfect way to insert a creative element into the room. While dresser scarves traditionally involve embroidery and lace, you can customize your handmade dresser scarf to be as modern or traditional as you'd like.
Step 1
Select fabric for your dresser scarf. If you are going for a traditional, vintage look you may want to consider a simple white linen fabric since this is what has been traditionally used for dresser scarves. However, if you are looking for a modern look, select a fabric that coordinates with your bedding. If you're going for versatility, consider choosing two fabrics for a reversible dresser scarf.
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Step 2
Wash and dry the fabrics according to the manufacturer's instructions to pre-shrink them, and then iron out any wrinkles.
Step 3
Measure the length of your dresser. Determine whether you want your dresser scarf to hang off the sides of your dresser or to simply rest on top. Add 8 inches to that measurement if you plan to make a scarf that hangs off the sides. Subtract 1 inch if you plan to make a scarf that simply rests on top of the dresser.
Step 4
Measure the depth of your dresser and then subtract 1 inch from that measurement to determine the width of your dresser scarf fabric.
Step 5
Cut two pieces of fabric to size, using the measurements from Steps 3 and 4. If you are making a reversible dresser scarf, you will cut one piece from your main fabric and another from your coordinating fabric. If you are making a more traditional dresser scarf, both pieces can be cut from the same fabric.
Step 6
Determine whether you want to add embroidery or cross-stitching to the dresser scarf. If you do, place the fabric in the embroidery hoop and add any embroidery or cross-stitching following the design you have chosen. Remember to keep the design at least 1 inch from the edge of the fabric to allow room for seam allowances and topstitching.
Step 7
Add any desired trims to the fabric. Depending on the trim, you may need to hand stitch it onto the scarf fabric, or you can machine sew it on. If the trim is designed to be encased in the seam allowance, line the trim tape up along the fabric edge on the right side of the fabric, allowing for a 1/2-inch seam allowance. Baste in place.
Step 8
Place the right sides of the fabric pieces together and pin together. Stitch through the layers, using a 1/2-inch seam allowance and leaving a 4-inch wide hole for turning the piece right-side out. If you are encasing a bulky trim you may want to use your sewing machine's zipper foot for this process.
Step 9
Turn the dresser scarf right-side out. Pin the layers in place and topstitch 1/4 inch from the edge for a finished look.
Step 10
Blind stitch the opening closed. Place the completed scarf on your dresser.
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