How to Make Tie Scarves

This woman's understated gray scarf ties the matching hat into her costume.

Soft scarves make a lovely fashion accessory. You can easily make your own tie scarves at little or no cost other than your time. Some fabrics do not even require sewing to make them into an elegant accent for a favorite dress or suit. Supple silks, soft jerseys or fine wool make bold or subtle accents for your wardrobe. Suit the fabric to the season for accessories that help keep you warm or even cool you off.

Things You'll Need

• Fabric
• Scissors
• Needle
• Thread

Instructions

1. Select your fabric. Loosely woven cottons or soft silks are good for summer accessories. Jerseys, wool or knit make good accents for a winter ensemble. Cotton, silk and wool need to be hemmed. Jersey, due to its lock-stitch construction, does not.

2. Decide on the scarf style. Small square scarves can be rolled, placed around the wearer's neck, and the ends pulled through a ring or knotted to work like a short necktie. Rectangular scarves can be knotted around the neck, draped around the back or the front of the neck or coaxed into subtle folds.

   A large, square scarf pulls around the shoulders like a shawl or when folded into a triangle can be tied over the head peasant style. Cut out a square or rectangle of fabric that will suit your intended purpose.

3. Make a rolled hem in all fabrics except jersey. Thread a fine sewing needle with thread that matches the fabric. Moisten your fingertips as if you were going to turn a page, and gently roll in enough of the fabric to turn the cut edge under. Sew the hem in place using a slip stitch.

4. Tie a knot in one end of the thread on your needle to begin making a slip stitch. Let the other end of the thread remain free. Starting at one corner, pick up a thread from the flat part of your scarf, and a thread from the edge of the roll and pull the sewing thread through to the knot. Continue to roll the edge, and make small slip stitches all the way around the scarf.

Tips & Warnings

• Dress up your scarf by adding fringe, small bangles, beads or other subtle pieces of glitz.

References

• Beauty and Bedlam; How Do I Tie a Scarf?; 2011
• Patterns That Fit You: How to Make Your Own Scarves
• The Purl Bee: Rolled Hem Handkerchiefs