The Basic Steps to Sew a Scarf

Sewing a scarf means cutting fabric to size, pinning two pieces together with the right sides facing, stitching three sides closed, turning it right-side out, and closing the opening by hand or machine. The whole process takes two to four hours for a beginner, depending on the scarf length and whether you use a sewing machine or hand-stitch it.

A scarf is one of the easiest sewing projects because it has no curves, no closures, and no shaping. You are essentially sewing a rectangle. The only real decision is whether to make it a long rectangular scarf (about 60 inches by 10 inches), a square scarf (about 36 inches by 36 inches), or something in between.

Key Takeaways

  • Cut two pieces of fabric to the same size, pin them together with right sides facing inward, and stitch three sides using a sewing machine or needle and thread.
  • Leave one short end open, turn the scarf right-side out through that opening, and press it flat with an iron.
  • Close the opening by hand using a ladder stitch, which is invisible from the outside, or by machine using a straight stitch.
  • A basic rectangular scarf needs about one yard of fabric and takes two to four hours to complete.
  • Lightweight cotton, linen, and rayon are the easiest fabrics for a first scarf; avoid stretchy or slippery materials until you have more experience.

Choosing Your Fabric and Cutting the Pieces

Pick a fabric that does not stretch and is not slippery. Cotton quilting fabric, linen, and rayon are all good choices. Avoid knits, jersey, and satin if this is your first scarf. You will need two pieces of fabric cut to exactly the same size. For a long rectangular scarf, cut two pieces 60 inches by 10 inches. For a square scarf, cut two pieces 36 inches by 36 inches.

Use a rotary cutter and a ruler to cut straight edges, or mark your lines with tailor's chalk and cut with scissors. Measure twice before you cut. Lay one piece on top of the other and trim them both at once so they match exactly. If the edges are uneven, your scarf will look crooked when you turn it right-side out.

Pinning and Stitching the Three Sides

Place the two fabric pieces on top of each other with the right sides facing inward — the pretty sides should touch each other, and the back sides should face outward. This is the most common mistake beginners make. Pin around all four sides, placing pins about every two inches.

Stitch three complete sides using a straight stitch and a half-inch seam allowance. Start at one corner and stitch along the first long side, then the first short side, then the second long side. Stop at the second short side — do not stitch it. This open end is where you will turn the scarf right-side out. If you are hand-stitching, use a running stitch or backstitch and make your stitches as even as possible, about one-eighth inch apart.

Backstitch at the beginning and end of each seam to lock the thread. If you are using a sewing machine, backstitch by pressing the reverse button for three or four stitches, then stitch forward, then backstitch again at the end.

Turning the Scarf Right-Side Out and Pressing

Reach through the open end and grab the fabric at the opposite corner. Pull gently until the scarf starts to turn inside out. Keep pulling until the entire scarf is right-side out and the seams are on the inside. The corners should be sharp and square, not rounded.

If a corner is rounded, use a blunt tool like a chopstick or a seam turner to push it out from the inside. Poke gently so you do not tear the fabric. Once all four corners are sharp, lay the scarf flat on an ironing board and press it with a hot iron. Press the seams flat, especially the three sides you stitched. This makes the scarf look finished and makes the final seam easier to close.

Closing the Open End by Hand

The ladder stitch closes the opening so neatly that the seam is almost invisible. Thread a needle with thread that matches your fabric. Tie a knot at the end. Bring the needle up through the fold of fabric on one side of the opening, so the knot stays hidden inside the fold.

Slide the needle along inside the fold for about half an inch, then bring it back out. Cross over to the opposite side of the opening and slide the needle into the fold there. Slide it along for half an inch and bring it back out. Go back and forth this way, always staying inside the fold, until you have closed the entire opening. Every few stitches, gently pull the thread to close the gap. When you reach the end, tie off the thread inside the fold and trim it.

If the ladder stitch feels too fiddly, you can close the opening by machine instead. Fold the raw edges inward by half an inch on both sides of the opening, press them flat, pin them together, and stitch them closed with a straight stitch. This seam will be visible on the outside, but it is fast and sturdy.

Finishing Touches and Fabric Care

Once the opening is closed, press the entire scarf again with an iron. If the edges look frayed or rough, you can finish them with a zigzag stitch on a sewing machine, or you can leave them as they are — many scarves look fine with raw edges. Some people add a decorative stitch along the outside edges, like a topstitch in a contrasting thread color, but this is optional.

Before you wear the scarf, check the care label on your fabric. If you used cotton or linen, you can usually wash it in warm water and dry it on low heat. If you used rayon or a blend, hand-wash it in cool water and lay it flat to dry. Press it again if needed after washing.

Frequently Asked Questions

What size should my scarf be?

A long rectangular scarf is usually 60 inches by 10 inches. A square scarf is usually 36 inches by 36 inches. You can make yours any size you want — just remember that you need two pieces of fabric cut to the same size, so measure carefully before you cut.

Can I use a sewing machine or do I have to hand-stitch?

A sewing machine is faster and makes stronger seams, but hand-stitching works just as well. If you hand-stitch, use a backstitch or running stitch and keep your stitches even and close together. The seam will be just as durable as a machine stitch.

What do I do if I stitched the opening closed by mistake?

Use a seam ripper to carefully cut and remove the stitches along one short end. Pull out all the thread pieces with tweezers. Then turn the scarf right-side out through the opening you just made, press it, and close that opening with a ladder stitch or machine stitch.

Do I need to finish the raw edges inside the scarf?

No. Because the raw edges are sewn inside the scarf and hidden, they do not need to be finished. They will not fray or unravel. If you want a more polished look, you can zigzag the raw edges before you pin and stitch, but it is not necessary.

How much fabric do I need to buy?

For a long rectangular scarf, you need one yard of 45-inch-wide fabric. For a square scarf, you also need one yard. Always buy a little extra in case you make a cutting mistake — ask for 1.25 yards to be safe.