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Hello! I'm Suzannah, a serious DIYer and mom of two little ones. Follow along with my DIY fixer upper house renovations, sewing and crafty projects, real food recipes, and de-stressing goals.
I believe you can love your home just the way it is, AND have the power to design and make big changes to make it better.
I'm also the author of DIY Wardrobe Makeovers!

French seam infinity scarf tutorial--recycle a scarf!

I know, I know, it hardly counts as recycling when you turn a scarf into another kind of scarf.  But, I thought I'd throw together this tutorial for you anyway, to show you how I transformed an old fringed scarf into a more wearable, trendier infinity scarf.

I had this scarf from years ago--it was cheap when I bought it, and while I wore it relatively often in 2006 and 2007, I think, I haven't worn it in ages and it was on its way to the thrift store pile.  But I figured, why not see what happens if I make it into an infinity scarf?  And, to cover the raw edges without making a clear wrong side and right side, how about a French seam?


Here's the tutorial!

  • Start by cutting off the fringed ends.  Trim just at the edge.
  • Pin both ends wrong sides together.  My scarf was really slippery, so I pinned a lot.  And this scarf didn't have a clear right and wrong side, but you know what I mean--if yours does, you'd have the right side facing you right now, with the print or whatever facing up on the top layer.
  • With a narrow seam allowance (1/4" or 3/8" or so, very small), sew the pieces together.
  • Press your new seam to one side.
  • Take that seam allowance and sandwich it between both sides of the scarf--so now you're basically sewing right sides together.  Give this seam a larger seam allowance than you did the first seam, so you swallow the raw edges.  3/8"-1/2".
  • Give it a press.  Now you have a perfect seam with no raw edges showing!

Done!!

Wear it looped twice...

Or three times, if you wanna be extra cozy!

I know I'll get more use out of it this way than as a long, fringed scarf.  Super fast and easy, right?  A two-seam project!

25 comments

  1. That's a really good idea - so simple...why didn't I think of it!

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  2. Love it! Thanks! I will definitely take a second look at some of my old silk scarves!

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  3. Brilliant! I have a beautiful scarf but never wear it... I followed your tutorial and am wearing it right now, and think I will wear ot over and over again.. you made my day!

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  4. This is such a simple and easy idea! Really love it!
    Callie - www.coffeeandcardigans.com

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  5. Great post! In London, I bought a scarf that was a beautiful coral, but way too long...and I never wear it. This could be just the thing to solve that dilemma!

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  6. Such a great idea. My girlfriends and I get together and exchange scarves every season, and this adds another level to it!

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  7. Anonymous2/15/2012

    Why have I never thought of this?? I have TONNES of pashminas (most of which are way too long!) and I keep planning on buying an infinity scarf... I shall get my machine out instead! Thanks =)

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  8. This is a brilliant idea! I really love it! Bookmarking!

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  9. Thanks for the French Seam tutorial...I hate reading the technical definitions of sewing terms- this really made sense!

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    Replies
    1. So glad! I agree, pics are way easier to follow than descriptions in someone else's words.

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  10. Lisa I.2/15/2012

    I know this is far from your lovely French Seam Tutorial, and I do appreciate the tutorial. I noticed that you are living in a rainy climate. But to go along with the wonderful scarf, have you ever done a tutorial on rain jackets, coats or capes? Also I'm wondering what choice of fabric would you use. Thanks in advance

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    1. Thanks!
      I've never done tutorials on outerwear, but I have made several capes, a coat, a jacket... using traditional patterns (and following the instructions more than usual!). I've never made a nylon or waterproof cape or jacket, always wool. But there are some cool nylons out there, if you want to take the time to seal the seams and everything and make it as waterproof as a store-bought shell.

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    2. Anonymous2/18/2012

      Thanks for replying back so quickly! It would be more for an active outerwear jacket. I guess nylon would be the way to go for me! I'm allergic to most animal hair including wool. :(
      I look forward to your future posts!

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  11. Oh, hey! Thanks for solving a problem that I've been puzzling over. I almost folded the entire scarf in half to make it into an infinity scarf because I didn't want a raw seam to show. I wasn't totally happy with losing half the width though. I'll use this idea!

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    Replies
    1. That would work for a suuuper wide scarf, though!

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  12. I love this! I started sewing mostly for decor, but your blog makes me want to try clothes and accessories!

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  13. What a fabulous idea! I actually have several shawl/scarves that were headed for donation, because they're just not practical now that I have a toddler :-) Now I can re-use them!

    ~ Shannon

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  14. I showed my sister how to do this with a jersey scarf and now she uses it for a nursing cover up! Thanks for the tutorial.

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  15. I showed my sister how to do this on a jersey scarf! She uses it as a nursing cover up. Thanks for the tut!

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  16. I showed my sister how to do this with a jersey scarf and now she uses it for a nursing cover up! Thanks for the tutorial.

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  17. Anonymous10/04/2012

    Tried it and loved it! Doing the jeans mending tutorial next. Thank you!

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