Make your Own Patchwork Scarf from Recycled
Garments
By: Sallye May
http://www.burdastyle.com/projects/make-your-own-patchwork-sca
This handcrafted patchwork scarf made from vintage garments will keep your neck toasty warm, and all the
while, youâ— ll be right in style. An easy, step-by-step pattern has been created just for you, complete with
pictures, simple-to- follow instructions and helpful tips on transforming recycled wool and sweater garments
into a unique scarf that you and everyone on your gift list will cherish. Please note, depending upon the types
of fabrics you choose, this could be made for any season.
Materials
Materials/Supplies Needed: Sewing machine Sharp fabric scissors Thread Needle Wool sweaters, suit
jackets, or other garments (3-4 different coordinating fabrics) 6 cover buttons 8 ½ x 11 notebook paper
Fabric to line scarf
Step 1 — Find Garments to Use
Find old wool sweaters, suit jackets or other vintage garments. You will want at least 3-4 different
patterns/colors to give you a variety for the patchwork effect. If you do not have any at home, you can go to
Second-hand, Good Will or Salvation Army stores to search. Try to find colors and patterns that coordinate
or go well together (create a color scheme).
Make your Own Patchwork Scarf from Recycled Garments
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Step 2 — Make Your Pattern Template
Make a template pattern for the triangle shape using an 8 ½◠x 11◠sheet of notebook paper. Cut off
1½◠from the long edge, making the paper 7◠x 11◠. Fold the bottom left corner to the right,
evening up the sides. Cut across the top of that and you will now have a 7â— square that has a diagonal
fold. Cut on the diagonal fold and you will end up with two triangle shapes. Cut about 4 of these patterns so
that you donâ— t have to continually pin and un-pin while cutting your fabrics.
Step 3 — Cut Your Fabrics
Choose one of your garments and cut a piece out of it. For instance, the front of this cashmere sweater has an
argyle pattern on it. Cut a large square to get as much of the pattern as possible. Lay the fabric on a counter
top and pin your triangles on, using as much of the piece as possible. Using straight pins, pin your triangles
to the fabric and cut out.
The back of the same sweater was a tan color. The same process was followed, cutting out more triangles.
Repeat this process with the other fabric (garments) that you have chosen. You will need 4 triangles each of 4
different colors/prints, for a total of 16 triangles.
Step 2 — Make Your Pattern Template
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Step 4 — Cut Fabric for Scarf End Pieces
Cut (2) 7â— x 5â— pieces of one of the sweaters. I used the cuffs of a sweater for this, so that one side of
the 7â— length was a finished edge on both pieces. These 2 pieces will be the ends of your scarf.
Step 5 — Lay Out Pieces
Lay your pieces out on a long counter top or the floor. You can now play around with the color and pattern
positions to your liking. Leave this as is, so that you can keep it in sequence while sewing.
Step 6 — Stitch Pieces Together
Start with the first set of triangles. Lay front sides together, stitch along long edge (1/4â— seam). Open out
into square. *Always stitch with right sides together so that when opened up, the seam will be on the back
side. Next, sew the end piece to your first square. Continue sewing the remaining 7 squares, then sew the
squares together, adding the other end piece when finished.
Step 7 — Steam Press
Step 4 — Cut Fabric for Scarf End Pieces
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Gently steam press after pieces are sewn together. At this point, you can also trim any little corners or pieces
that stick out along the long edge.
Step 8 — Cut Out & Sew Lining
Lay out your backing (liner) fabric, right side up. Place your scarf top side down on liner fabric and pin
together. Cut around edges.
Sew scarf to liner along the long edges (1/2â— seam), leaving the ends open. Through one of the ends, turn
right sides out and gently steam press.
Step 9 — Top Stitch Scarf
Top stitch 1/8â— from edge around entire scarf.
Step 10 — Make Your Buttons
Step 7 — Steam Press
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Make your buttons which will be the final touch on your scarf. Cover buttons are very simple to make and
can be found most anywhere that fabric and sewing supplies are sold. Follow the easy directions on the back
of the package. Use one of your coordinating fabrics to cover. *Lighter weight fabrics work better than the
bulky ones. Sew buttons to scarf ends.
Step 11 — ENJOY!!
You are finished!!
Make your Own Patchwork Scarf from Recycled Garments
Step 10 — Make Your Buttons
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