A hooded scarf is a tube of fabric with a hood sewn into one end

A hooded scarf is a single piece of fabric folded and sewn so that one end forms a hood you can pull over your head, and the rest drapes around your shoulders like a regular scarf. You make it by cutting two rectangles of fabric, sewing them together inside-out, turning them right-side-out, then folding and stitching one end to create the hood opening. The whole project takes about two to three hours if you have a sewing machine and basic sewing experience.

The finished scarf is warmer than a regular scarf because the hood traps heat around your head and neck, and it stays in place without tying. You can make one from fleece, jersey knit, cotton, or wool depending on the season and how much warmth you want.

Key Takeaways

  • You need two rectangles of fabric cut to the same size, typically 24 to 30 inches wide and 50 to 60 inches long, depending on how much drape you want.
  • The hood is created by folding one short end of the finished tube in half and stitching it closed, leaving a gap for your head to fit through.
  • A sewing machine makes the work faster, but you can hand-sew the seams if you use a backstitch and take small, even stitches.
  • Fleece and jersey knit are the easiest fabrics to work with because they do not fray and stretch slightly, making them forgiving for beginners.
  • You will need thread that matches your fabric, scissors, pins, a measuring tape, and either a sewing machine or needle and thread.

Measure and cut your fabric rectangles

Lay your fabric flat on a clean, large surface. Measure out two rectangles that are identical in size. A standard hooded scarf uses rectangles that are 24 to 30 inches wide and 50 to 60 inches long. The width determines how much fabric wraps around your shoulders, and the length determines how far the scarf hangs down your back. If you want a shorter, cozier scarf, go with 24 inches wide and 50 inches long. If you want more drape, use 30 inches wide and 60 inches long.

Mark your measurements with a fabric pencil or tailor's chalk so the lines are visible but will wash out later. Use a ruler or measuring tape to keep your lines straight. Cut both rectangles carefully with sharp fabric scissors, cutting through both layers at once if your fabric allows, or cutting one at a time. Make sure both pieces are exactly the same size—any difference will show when you sew them together.

Pin and sew the long sides together

Place your two rectangles on top of each other with the right sides facing each other (the pretty side of the fabric touching the pretty side). This is important because you will turn the whole thing inside-out later, which flips the seams to the inside where they belong. Pin along both long edges, spacing pins about 4 inches apart so the fabric does not shift while you sew.

Sew along both long sides using a straight stitch and a half-inch seam allowance (the distance from the edge of the fabric to your stitch line). If you are using a sewing machine, set it to a medium stitch length and sew slowly so your line stays straight. If you are hand-sewing, use a backstitch, which is stronger than a running stitch and will hold up to wear. Backstitch by pushing your needle through the fabric from back to front, then pushing it back through the fabric one stitch-length behind where it came out, then forward again two stitch-lengths ahead. Repeat this pattern along the entire seam.

When you reach the end of each long side, backstitch a few times to lock the thread, then trim the thread. You now have a long tube of fabric with the seams on the inside.

Sew the short ends together, leaving a gap for turning

Lay your tube flat so the seams run down the sides. Pin one short end closed, but leave a 4-inch gap in the middle of that seam. This gap is how you will turn the whole tube right-side-out later. Sew along that short end with a half-inch seam allowance, stopping and starting at the gap. Backstitch at the beginning and end to lock your stitches.

Now sew the other short end completely closed with no gap. This end will become the bottom of your scarf. When you are done, you have a closed tube with one short seam that has a 4-inch opening in the middle.

Turn the tube right-side-out through the gap

Reach through the 4-inch gap and grab the fabric on the opposite side of the tube. Pull gently and steadily until the entire tube flips inside-out. The right sides of the fabric are now on the outside, and the seams are hidden on the inside. This takes a little patience—go slowly so you do not tear the fabric.

Once the tube is turned, use a blunt tool like a chopstick or the handle of a wooden spoon to gently push out the corners so they are crisp and square. Then close the 4-inch gap by hand using a ladder stitch (also called an invisible stitch). Thread a needle with thread that matches your fabric, tie a knot at the end, and push the needle through the fold of fabric on one side of the gap so the knot stays hidden inside. Bring the needle out, then push it straight across into the fold on the opposite side. Slide the needle along inside the fold for about half an inch, then bring it back out. Repeat this back-and-forth motion along the entire gap. When you reach the end, tie off the thread inside the fold so the knot is hidden.

Fold and stitch one end to create the hood

Lay your finished tube flat. Pick one short end—this will be the hood end. Fold that end in half so the two short edges meet, creating a smaller rectangle. Pin around the folded edge. You are about to sew this folded end closed, but you need to leave a gap for your head to fit through.

The head opening should be about 8 to 10 inches wide. To figure out where to leave the gap, fold the end in half again to find the center point. From that center point, measure out 4 to 5 inches in each direction. That is where your gap will be. Pin the folded edge closed on both sides of the gap, leaving the middle unpinned.

Sew along the folded edge with a half-inch seam allowance, stopping and starting at the gap. Use a backstitch if you are hand-sewing, or a straight stitch on the machine. When you finish, the hood is complete—the folded end is now a closed pocket with an opening for your head.

Try on your hooded scarf and adjust if needed

Pull the hood over your head to see how it fits. The opening should be large enough to slip over your head comfortably but not so large that it slides off. If the opening is too small, you can carefully cut it a bit larger. If it is too large, you can sew the opening smaller by stitching a new seam closer to the center.

Check that the scarf drapes evenly on both sides of your body. If one side is longer than the other, you may have cut the rectangles unevenly. You can trim the longer side to match, or you can leave it as is if the difference is small. Once you are happy with the fit, you are done. Wash your scarf in cool water and lay it flat to dry, or follow the care instructions for your fabric.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make a hooded scarf without a sewing machine?

Yes. Hand-sewing takes longer—expect three to four hours instead of two—but the process is identical. Use a backstitch for all seams and take small, even stitches about one-eighth inch apart. A backstitch is much stronger than a running stitch and will hold up to regular wear and washing.

What fabric is best for a beginner?

Fleece and jersey knit are the easiest because they do not fray at the edges and have a little stretch, which makes them forgiving if your seams are not perfectly straight. Cotton and wool work too but require more care to keep seams neat. Avoid slippery fabrics like satin or silk until you have more experience.

How do I make the hood bigger or smaller?

The hood size is determined by how wide you cut your original rectangles. Wider rectangles create a bigger hood. If your finished hood is too small, you can cut the head opening larger. If it is too big, sew a new seam closer to the center to make the opening smaller.

Can I add a lining to make it warmer?

Yes. Cut two more rectangles the same size as your outer fabric, sew them together the same way, then slide the lining tube inside the outer tube before closing the gap. Sew them together around the head opening so they stay in place. This adds warmth and hides the seams on the inside.

What thread should I use?

Use all-purpose polyester thread that matches your fabric color. If your fabric is a solid color, match the thread as closely as possible. If your fabric is a print, choose a thread color that blends with the dominant color. All-purpose thread works on both sewing machines and hand-sewing needles.