15-Minute Easy Lace Scarf

I’m just going to fess up right now and tell you that I’ve never been much of a scarf fan.  I see other people wearing scarves and I think they look so great, but whenever I put one on, I just feel…a little overwhelmed by the scarf.  I think it’s because I’m petite.  Also, I live in California and we don’t have much need for scarves the way colder climate wearers do.  When we went to Paris a few weeks ago, though, I took along a furry little scarf and ended up wearing it almost every single day – that extra warmth around my neck was so awesome!  I might be converting into a scarf wearer after all.

Today I’m going to show you how to make a scarf that is more appropriate for aesthetic appeal rather than warmth.  It’s a 15-minute easy lace scarf that is just so beautiful – you can give it to your bestie or keep it for yourself!!  A little ruching around the center of the scarf gives it some lift around the neck and the gorgeous lace falls down so delicately. Let’s get started!

The supplies you need are minimal – just 1/3 yard of a gorgeous drapey lace and your basic sewing supplies (thread, scissors, sewing machine).  I found this pewter lace in the apparel section at Jo-Ann Fabric, and although it was pricey, I only needed 1/3 yard.  A couple coupons later, and I can sew this scarf for less than $10!  If you’re making more than one, cut your fabric section 12″ wide (if you’re only making one, just have the nice ladies at the cut counter cut your perfect 1/3 yard for you!)  When you’re choosing a lace for this project, note the selvage ends of the fabric – choose one with a pretty, scalloped or decorative edge.  This way, you won’t have to do anything with the selvage edges – you can simply use the cut of fabric as is.  Also, you do not want a stiff lace for this scarf – look for one that has a good drape and flex to it.

Open up your fabric so that you have one piece that is 12″ wide by 60″ or so long (selvage to selvage).  Fold it in half along its length, right sides together, matching raw edges.  Sew along the length to form a long tube.

Press the seams flat and to the center of the scarf.

Turn the scarf right side out through the open ends.  Position the seam along the center back of the scarf; add a few pins to hold the seam centered in place.  Sew a long, loose stitch all the way down the center of the scarf.  Pull the bobbin threads to lightly gather the scarf and then wiggle the gathers to the center third only of the scarf.

 You want the ruching around the neck, but the tails of the scarf to hang down straight.  Try the scarf on and adjust the gathers until you have the look you want.  Sew using a regular stitch just over the gathered section of scarf to secure the ruching.  Remove your basting stitches and voila!  You’re done!  Now how easy was that?

So pretty, right?  If you make one of these scarves, I’d love to see it!  What else are you working on this holiday season?

**This tutorial was originally published at Skip to My Lou.**