Learn to Sew: The Infinity Scarf

The perfect item to finish off an outfit or keep you warm when it's chilly outside, an infinity scarf is the must have accessory. You can make scarves to match any outfit, and think of the gift giving possibilities! 

Use flannel for a cozy scarf, or light and drapey lawn for an elegant summer scarf.

Materials:

You'll need:

• Two (2) metres of medium weight fabric such as quilting cotton, flannel, double gauze, or lawn
• Matching thread
• Pins
• Fabric scissors or rotary cutter

Instructions:

Note: Seam allowances are ½ inch unless otherwise indicated. "Right" and "Wrong" side are also referred to as the "outside" and "inside" of the fabric.

Cut off the selvedge edges of the fabric.

Fold the fabric in half lengthwise, with wrong sides together. Iron the fold. 

Square the ends of the folded fabric using a ruler, or anything with a 90 degree angle - even a large book - by lining one side of your straightedge with the fold of the fabric and using the other side to mark a straight line.  

Cut the ironed fabric in half lengthwise along the ironed crease. You now have a long narrow rectangle of fabric, half the width of the original and 2 metres long. 

Fold the fabric in half lengthwise again, with right sides together. 

Pin and sew the long side of the rectangle, using a 1/2 inch seam allowance. Remember to backstitch at the beginning and end of your stitching.

This next step will seem weird but trust the process.

Reach your hand through the length of the tube you've just sewn and pull one end through to meet the other until the raw edges meet. The "tube" will have a fold on one end of the tube and two layers of raw edges on the other. The wrong sides of the fabric will still be facing out.

Match the side seams on the open end and pin all around the raw edges of the tube (just two layers, not all four). You should still be able to push your hand through the centre of the tube.

Using the free arm on your sewing machine, sew all around the edges of the tube, leaving 3 to 5 inches unstitched. Remember to backstitch at the beginning and end of your stitching. Put two pins at both ends of the opening, to remind yourself when to stop sewing!

Reach through the hole that you left, grab a pinch of the right side of the fabric and pull the scarf right side out. It will work!

Hand or machine stitch the hole closed and wear (or gift) your new scarf with pride! Well done!