Kite & String: Infinity Scarf Tutorial

A scarf is an easy way to brighten cold-weather outfits as spring approaches. If you can sew a straight line, you can sew one of these infinity scarves in 15-20 minutes. You might want to make 10 in an afternoon to mix and match with your wardrobe.

Choosing a Fabric
...the best part, right? Typically, for spring/summer scarves jersey knit, cotton lawn, voile, chiffon, challis (almost any lightweight polyester), and even medium weight quilting cotton will work. For fall/winter jersey knits and sweater knits you buy off the bolt work well too. You can really use anything that has a nice drape, soft hand, and colors you like. The fabric I used for this tutorial was a light weight cotton double gauze.

If you're not sure where to look for scarf fabrics, Fabric.com has a $1.95 section that sometimes has decent lightweight sweater knits, jersey knits, and polyesters that would be perfect for making an infinity scarf. I found this poly knit fabric at WalMart for $1/yard.

These are basic measurements. You can take either your cloth measuring tape or the uncut fabric and wrap it around your neck a couple of times to see exactly what length you want. Draped only once around your neck, the bottom of the scarf should reach a couple of inches below your belly button. Again, these are basic measurements. If you want to triple up a scarf add about 10 more inches. Another style is a single tight scarf.

Generally, it's easiest to use a fabric that is between 54"- 60" wide. That way you only need to purchase about half a yard to make one scarf. Or, you can purchase two yards, cut down the length of the fabric, and make a few extras as gifts.

If your fabric is striped like this one is, you should match the stripes up as you sew, especially if your stripes are large/wide. Mine are so small that I didn't bother.