I admit to being a bit scarf obsessed, and I certainly don’t need to add another to my collection. But when I came across this scrap of vintage polka dot fabric I couldn’t resist making another. This fabric has a history. When we were living in our last house, I went hunting for cloth with a fun pattern to dress up the windows in our 1920s kitchen. The kitchen was a light yellow and white with original cabinets and a new red linoleum floor. I loved it, and the white polka dots on red were the perfect touch…especially when paired with a valance made from vintage dish towels with a cheery floral pattern. I found both of these lovely bits of fabric at Grand Remnants, a store in St. Paul that carried vintage fabrics of all sorts. Alas, it no longer exists, and I miss it! Anyway, this scrap went unused, except for the few times I tied back my hair with it, raw edges and all.
The scarf stash…See what I mean? I wasn’t kidding around when I said I had way too many scarves.
A month or so ago, I unearthed it when I was sorting through my scarf stash. It was wrinkled and shoved in the back corner of the armoire, but still cheery, so I decided to put it to good use. Inspired by the scarves I see all over the place these days that are embellished with small tassels, fringe, or tiny bobbles, I went on a mission to find the perfect edging to make this scrap a cherished scarf (thank you JoAnn Fabrics!). It was so easy to make and I’m super happy with how it turned out! Seriously, think Mother’s Day, in a “Happy Mother’s Day to Me!” kind of a way (Sorry, Mom!) One hour, maybe an hour and a half, and you have a cute, handmade gift. Here’s how.
You will need
favorite fabric
trim, in yardage to completely edge fabric
thread to match fabric
iron-on adhesive bond tape
1. Cut fabric to the size you’d like. My finished scarf measures 34 inches long by 13 1/2 inches wide, but be sure to add a half inch on each edge to allow for the hem.
2. Iron fabric, folding over each edge by a quarter inch twice to form hem. Press to hold.
3. Use a sewing machine to sew hem along each edge.
4. Measure trim against each edge of the scarf and cut trim to size.
5. Cut bonding tape to match size of trim pieces. My tape (5/8 inch) was too wide for the trim, so I cut the tape in half lengthwise to make more narrow strips.
6. Following the directions on the bonding tape package, adhere sticky side of tape to back side of trim with a hot iron. When cool, peel paper from tape.
7. With wrong side of the scarf face up on the ironing board, align the sticky side of the trim face down, taking care to match the edges.
8. Use the iron to press the trim on to the edges of the scarf.
And that’s really all there is to it. I had so much fun making this scarf (and wearing it today), that I have fabric and trim for another ready to go. If you decide to make a scarf using fabric scraps you have on hand, please share photos! I’d love to see what you’re up to.
The next scarf, to be made with another set of old curtains. Love this dangly trim!
Kari Cornell 