patchwork-scarf

VINTAGE RECYCLED PATCHWORK SCARF

Made from sweaters and other wool garments, these unique neck warmers are simple to make and cozy to wear.

DIRECTIONS

1. 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 don’t have any at home, you can go to any second-hand or Goodwill stores to search. Try to find colors and patterns that coordinate or go well together (create a color scheme).

2. 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 7” 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 don’t have to continually pin and un-pin while cutting your fabrics.

3. 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.

4. Cut (2) 7” x 5” pieces of one of the sweaters. I used the cuffs of a sweater for this, so that one side of the 7” length was a finished edge on both pieces. These 2 pieces will be the ends of your scarf.

5. 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.

6. Start with the first set of triangles. Lay front sides together, stitch along long edge (1/4” seam). Open out into square. *Always stitch with right sides together so that when opened up, the seam will be on the backside. Next, sew the end piece to your first square. Continue sewing the remaining 7 squares, sewing the squares together, adding the other end piece when finished.

7. 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.

8. Lay out your backing (liner) fabric, right side up. Place your scarf top side down on liner fabric and pin together. Cut around edges.

9. Sew scarf to liner along the long edges (1/2” seam), leaving the ends open. Through one of the ends, turn right sides out and gently steam press.

10. Top stitch 1/8” from edge around entire scarf.

11. The final touch on the scarf will be to make your buttons. 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.

12. Sew buttons to scarf ends.

What You’ll Need

• Sewing machine
• Sharp fabric scissors
• Thread
• Needle
• Wool sweaters, suit jackets, or other vintage garments (3-4 different coordinating fabrics)
• 6 cover buttons
• 8 ½” x 11” notebook paper
• Fabric to line scarf