How to Attach a Scarf to a Handbag

The right scarf can look smashing when you add it to a handbag.

When your ensemble needs an instant boost of color and texture, grab a scarf out of the back of your closet. Following the infamous Babe Paley’s fashion example, attach a scarf to a handbag for a fast and fierce way to inject style and pizzazz to your outfit. The final effect depends on the scarf you select -- keep it understated with a subdued scarf or make it a bold statement with a colorful scarf.

Things You'll Need

• Square or rectangular scarf
• Small handbag (with sturdy handles)

Instructions

Attach Scarf to Handles

1. Fold the scarf in half (lengthwise for a rectangular scarf) to make a narrow band.

2. Insert the scarf through one handle -- if you insert the scarf through both handles, you will make it difficult to open your purse. Pull the scarf through to the midway point.

3. Tie the scarf into a double knot to secure it on the handle. If you have enough length, you also could tie the scarf into a small bow.

Wrap Scarf Around Handbag

1. Place a square scarf flat on a work surface with the wrong side facing up. Position the handbag on the scarf along the top edge of the scarf with the handles of the handbag above the scarf.

2. Bring up the bottom two corners of the scarf to cover the handbag and insert them through the top handle of the handbag with one corner extending to the right of the handle and the other corner extending to the left of the handle.

3. Pull the corners around the top of the handbag to the opposite side and tie the corners together in a double knot. Don’t tie the scarf corners too tightly or you will not be able to open your handbag.

4. Repeat the same process with the two remaining corners of the scarf, bringing them up around the handbag, inserting them through the other handle and pulling the corners around to the opposite side of the handbag. Tie the corners into a double knot, again ensuring that you do not tie the corners so tightly that you cannot open your handbag. The scarf should now cover the handbag, secured by a knot on each top side edge of the bag.

References

• Wear More Cashmere; Jennifer Sanders
• Telegraph: Scarves: Why It’s Hip to Be Square