How to Sew a Shawl

A shawl can serve a functional purpose as a warm and cozy wrap during chilly weather or a be a purely decorative fashion accessory. Make this lined, triangular shawl very warm by using two layers of soft, fuzzy fabric such as fleece. Make a delicate shawl for a wedding or other special event by using lace fabric lined with satin. The shawl is accented by fringe trim that is stitched around the outside edges of the shawl.

Things You'll Need

• Main fabric
• Lining fabric
• Tape measure
• Yardstick
• Tailor's chalk
• Pins
• Thread
• Sewing machine
• Pointed tool
• Sewing needle
• Fringe trim

Instructions

1. Buy 2 1/2 yards main fabric and 2 1/2 yards of lining fabric. Cut 28-by-88-inch rectangular pieces of fabric from the main fabric piece and the lining. On each piece, use tailor's chalk to make a small mark at the long, bottom edge of the fabric at 44 inches. With a yardstick, use tailor's chalk to draw a line from the center point to each top end. Cut along lines.

2. Place two pieces of fabric together, with right sides together and wrong sides showing. Pin. Stitch, using 1/2-inch seams along all three sides, leaving an 8-inch section on one diagonal side open for turning. Turn right side out.

3. Trim excess material from corners. Reach inside through the opening and use a pointed tool, such as a knitting needle or pencil, to push out corners. Be careful to not poke a hole through the fabric.

4. Fold under raw edges of opening 1/2 inch. Use a hand sewing needle and tiny stitches to sew the opening closed.

5. On the side of the shawl that will be the outside, lay a length of fringe trim along the top edge, allowing the edges of the fringe to hang down onto the shawl. Pin and sew in place. You will need 5 1/2 yards of fringe trim.

6. Lay lengths of trim along the diagonal edges, allowing the ends of the fringe to hang down off the fabric. Fold the ends of the trim under to hide raw edges. Pin and sew in place.