It is accessible to infinitely more people (you dont have to have a baby, OR a dress to start out with). And it is really simple. there are only 4 lines of stitching total.
5 weeks ago I saw this scarf on pinterest. it was pinned by a VERY popular pinner that I follow under her DIY board. I knew I had to make one for myself. but when I followed this "DIY" link, it actually led to a german store where the scarf was 35 Euros ($60 shipped!). No DIY tutorial = no thanks and bum out!
LOVE these colors. must make a yellow and gray one for me. source
The more I thought about it, the more I wanted this, and wanted it CHEAP. I said out loud in our living room, "I am GOING to figure out how to make this for myself."
Then I got busy. the hardest part was figuring out the knot/braid, but Jesse jumped down and took charge like a freaking Eagle Scout. He actually got really handsy and sort of bullied me out of the way. My hackles were up, but no matter! He had figured it out.
High on our success and planning the tutorial that would certainly be "my big break," I tweeted the following:
And then naturally I got sidetracked with sewing orders and running and sleeping and life and never followed through on sharing this with anyone. I never even finished sewing one for myself.
So imagine my surprise when I saw that same pinner (with her tens of thousands of followers) linking to a tutorial for this style of scarf last night! I was SO bummed. my laziness had gotten me beaten to the punch.
Granted, it's not THAT hard to figure out and there is nothing new under the sun, but I had so wanted to be the first on the scene with the DIY how to (character flaw? yes!). I resignedly went over and looked at the tutorial of my idea-twin. But, hey, as it turns out, the way I did mine was pretty different.
The scarf is essentially two big color blocked tubes of fabric "braided" together using square knots. But I noticed the other tutorial attaches the different ends of each tube together by sewing straight across all the layers, thereby closing the tube and forcing it to be flat in the place where the two colors meet up, so you cant twist or rearrange it (imagine a paper towel roll that's been stapled in the middle).
The other (now massively popular and pinned, woe is me!) tutorial is very easy and fast and works great if you don't mind the flat section, but I wanted to keep my scarf tubular all the way around so it would be soft and breezy and not squished. My method to accomplish this a little more tricksy, but I personally like the result much more.
Here's how!
What you need:
-2 long rectangles of fabric. I use cotton and poly/cotton blend jersey knits which are more soft, but almost any fabric you would want around your neck should work
-thread that is the same color as one of your fabrics
-hand-sewing needle (don't be scared!)
My rectangles are about 60"x18" each which will create a long scarf looped once but also enables doubling. simply adjust the length if you'd prefer a shorter/longer scarf and adjust the width of this rectangle if you prefer a chunkier/thinner scarf. Just compare the look you want to my finished product on me (i am 5'7, FYI).
FABRIC OPTIONS:
1. Upcycling/Recycling: You can pull this project off for FREE by using a big t-shirt to create each rectangle (you're probably going to need a XL or larger. Of course: you can always take a few shirts' fabric and piece them together to get the dimensions we need.
cutting along the red dotted lines at the indicated measurements will create a 2-ply (front and back of the shirt) circley-loop that is 15" high and close to 60" around. you will cut one of the sides (if there was a side seam on the shirt, cut there to eliminate it) to get an open rectangle of fabric.
2. Buying Yardage
Another option for fabric is to just use yardage from a fabric store. Jersey knits off of a bolt are typically 58" wide. this means that your rectangle's long edge is accomplished by the width of the fabric straight from the bolt, so you only need to order/have cut around 18" of each color. Fabric.com has an awesome selection of jersey knits AND they have free returns, if you're like me and need to feel your fabric before committing!
I try to stick with cotton or poly/cotton blend jersey, and this Robert Kaufman Laguna collection is excellent and comes in tons of colors, and works out to less than $10 per scarf.
I try to stick with cotton or poly/cotton blend jersey, and this Robert Kaufman Laguna collection is excellent and comes in tons of colors, and works out to less than $10 per scarf.
I like the feel of the interlock fabric off the bolt better than t-shirts, but it's totally up to you! Several readers have sent me pictures of scarves they made from their old t-shirts and they totally rock. it's your world....have it your way.
Fabric PSA complete. We now we return to your regularly scheduled tutorial.
So whatever you did to acquire/create/procure/piece together your approx 60x18" rectangles, you now have your two long rectangles (folded width-wise here because i'm dumb like that)
STEP 1: fold each rectangle lengthwise (aka not like above), matching up the raw longest edge and keeping right sides together if you have a fabric that has a non-patterned side. Sew with a zig-zag stitch or serge along the long side, backstitching at each end to anchor if sewing:
STEP 2: reach your arm inside each rectangle and turn rightside-out. Don't press these seams because we are going for tubular not squashed, remember. Gotta love a step that forbids ironing!
The resultant two long tubes of fabric.
STEP 3: make your braid. it can be difficult to explain so I have attached pictures of the process and a really quick video of me doing the knots (in which I show what a HUGE nerd i am at the end and Jesse patronizes me silently while taping)
a: make two loops by folding in the middle of each tube- overlap them on on top of the other. b: reach your arm under the crook of the bottom (blue) loop and grab the ends of the top (purple) loop. c: pull the ends of the top loop back through the crook of the bottom and lay them on top of the bottom crook. d: cinch and straighten making sure the knot is in the middle. e: spread the ends of the top loop out and away from each other. f: reach between the top ends and under the bottom crook to grab the tails of the top ends. g: pull the top ends back through the bottom loop. h: pull through to lay them over the bottom loop. i: pull all four ends to cinch the knots tighter j: squnch and shift to make your knots compact. k: twist and adjust and do what you need to to make the knots uniform and pretty. l: admire!
and watch it live (with special price is right hands at the end!):
You're so welcome, world.
NOTE: you can repeat the steps as many times as you like if you want your knot/braid to be longer. these steps make a braid with 3 sets of V's (just like the inspiration scarf), but you could make as many as you like. just keep in mind that every additional V makes your total length a bit shorter.
*IF YOU WANT TO MAKE A DOUBLE BRAIDED SCARF STOP HERE. you can pick up with the steps for that tutorial here.
Now we are going to sew the tubes together for our completed scarf. we want to keep the tubes open on the interior so the layers aren't all squashed together. we are going to sew in the manner you may have used if you have made a reversible garment before. we have to sort of sew our way out of the fabric. here's how--
STEP 4: lay out your finished knot into an X shape. match up the top tails of the X (one from each side/color), bringing the raw circular ends together. you can add in a few twists on each individual tube before matching the ends up to give your finished scarf that twisty swirly look rather than just a straight loop (i didnt twist mine so you can compare that look to the yellow and gray one which was twisted...i will twist next time!).
STEP 5: find the seams from when you created your tubes in STEP 1 and align them side by side:
nice bandaid...hey, guys rotary cutters are mother flipping sharp. fiskars don't play.
*DOUBLE BRAIDERS PICK BACK UP HERE
So here are your two raw edges that you have matched up. for reference, I am going to call each layer of this little pita pocket by a number:
STEP 6: pinch the two inner layers together (keeping that long seam aligned...see how mine are both at the bottom?)
STEP 7: Take your pinched together 2 and 3 layer and put them under your presser foot. start sewing, taking care to keep layers 1 and 4 away from the needle and out of the way:
Now since these are tubes, we are dealing with circles, so as you go, what was your 1 and 4 layers, start to come around to the middle and become your 2 and 3 layers that you are sewing. That's okay, keep going:
You can see on the left below where I started stitching. it is coming back around and I am starting to run out of room. What we have done here is essentially sew a small portion of the ends of these tails inside out. You wont be able to complete the circle of stitching because the back door has to remain open for the rest of the scarf to go out of:
STEP 8: you will start really running out of room running up against the long tail of the rest of your scarf. Just go as far as you can WITHOUT stretching the fabric and then backstitch at your stopping point:
When you snip your threads and remove from your machine, this is what you will have: a little almost-circle stitched around the ends and turned inside out around the remaining material. A tortellini of fabric spewing scarfy goodness:
STEP 9: flip the end right side out:
REPEAT STEPS 4-9 with the other two raw ends of your scarf
Tta-da: you have successfully sewed 90% of your tube circumference with an awesome invisible seam:
But there's the 10% you couldn't quite reach (see how my blue has more length at the hole than my purple...it's because i got greedy and did a no-no and stretched my fabric back on step 8. this is why you shouldnt do that...sadface):
STEP 10: We hand sew the little openings closed. grab some coordinating thread and a need and blind stitch that puppy closed.
Mine is wonky on the blue because my open ends weren't even-- due to my truancy in step 8 Yours will be more perfect:
That's it! you're done
Much more difficult for me than this tutorial was trying to get acceptable shots of me wearing the scarf. ugh. jesse almost lost his head because i was so self-conscious and picky. i HATE having my picture taken by myself. why, you ask?
Jesse took his ball and went home so I had to take the un-looped scarf pic by myself.
I got a lot of free turquoise jersey...that's why it's in all 3 of my last projects...like the camera strap.
Game over!
And here are tons more cute ones i have made since first posting:
the possibilities are endless!!! getcha some!
and if/WHEN you make one of these beauties for yourself (or if you plan to sell them using my tutorial), would you PLEASE send me a pic? that would just make my life. you can email it (and any questions about the steps or anything else) to putapuredukes (at) gmail (dot) com.
*since a bunch of you asked, I am also now selling these in the colors of your choice in my etsy shop if you're unable or unwilling (no shame in that game!) to make one yourself.
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Very pretty Keight! I'm adding this to my to-do list...and my pinterest :)
ReplyDeleteThis makes me wish in the worst way that I had a sewing machine other than my little sister's janky one that NEVER works right that she got for Christmas because even I could do this no problem. I am going to Idaho in a few weeks and it'll be fallish and awesome (compared to my 80+ California weather) and I would be so awesome if I had a scarf like this that I made.
ReplyDeleteSpend a little & get your sister's machine repaired. I just did and my 30+ year old machine sews like new, I'd forgotten hw wel it used to sew.
DeleteWHOA love them! me and the roomie are going to try these tongiht for REAL. I will report back with a photo tomorrow. wish me luck. first time sewing. EVER.
ReplyDeleteKeight! I'm speechless at how awesome and beautiful these are! GREAT tutorial. I apparently started following your blog on JUST the RIGHT day :) I'm only giving hand-made gifts to friends and family (except for my kids) this Christmas and this one will be perfect for my 4 sisters and sister-in-law. Thank you so much for sharing, and by the way I think all of your silly faces are fabulous! Don't be so critical of yourself :)
ReplyDeleteStop! Love this so much. Going out to buy some jersey knit today!
ReplyDeleteI love your tutorial. I have been thinking about how to knot this and keep it tubey for days now and you answered all my questions. And don't worry, I promise to re-pin!
ReplyDeleteConsider it pinned! You may not gain notoriety with your onion goggles (perhaps a little too awkward in mixed company?) but I think you have a winner-winner-chicken-dinner here. ALSO- I backtracked the video just to watch your Price is Right hands and the awesome look on your face at the end... And I showed Grant.
ReplyDelete@lacey: hahaha my face is THE goobieriest. WHY am i so excited and seeking jesse's approval-ish? the pause/backtrack at the end was what i was most afraid of.
ReplyDeleteI am so impressed that you did this! Your tutorial makes me tired just looking through it, and you pulled it off like a champ. Looks great, btw.
ReplyDeleteOK, I didn't get any of the tutorial, and couldn't make this if my life depended on it, but I want one for Christmas, birthday and Mother's Day (include the video, please and thank you!) You're awesome!!!! (so's the scarf!!!!) Love the Game Over pic--who snapped it? Absolute keeper...yeah I see your Old Navy jacket that you snarfed up. Way to display.
ReplyDeleteLove this! Might just go get my fancy sewing machine outta the garage & figure it out!? Maybe you should fly up here, hold the dimple boy & show me? And, I totally love the hands... I, like lacey watched again & showed nate.it's because we love you :)
ReplyDeletePs: love when your mom-in-law comments... she seems lovely!
ReplyDeleteAmazing! Thanks for DIYing it and sharing :)
ReplyDeleteNice work. Thanks for the very clear steps!
ReplyDeleteoh girl. i saw this post & jumped up and down because i was so excited for it!! way to go for making such a cool (and EASY) tutorial.
ReplyDeleteoh, and BTW, you're pretty. like, really pretty. i thought you should know.
Awesome tutorial! I want to make one now
ReplyDeleteChristine @ http://projectsaroundthehouse.blogspot.com/
Thank you so so so much!!! I was in in love with this scarf from the moment I saw it!! Now I can make it !! Thank you, especially for the video on the braiding part!! You saved me hours of frustration!
ReplyDeleteYou made me laugh and gave me inspiration. I heart you!
ReplyDeleteOk seriously I want so BADLY to make this...and I have read this over and over..and Im still feeling like I missed the bus cause I was too cool for school for today. Perhaps my marine husband who wears a suit and tie to work can make this for me..yes he sews..I dont. Im the plan hatcher he is the "going to make it happen" happener. !!!
ReplyDelete@~melissa~ which part do you feel like you missed the bus on? i would love to help you out or explain a step better! and what a catch for a hubby: a suit-wearing, sewing marine! this is one of those things that is actually easier to sew than it is to explain. please email me if you need clarification on anything! putapuredukes (at) gmail (dot) com.
ReplyDeleteI'm totally pinning this. Although I'm dork enough that I totally got confused by the sewing loop steps at the end. But I'm ready to run to Yardage Town right now to get me some jersey!
ReplyDeleteThis is awesome. I'm glad you posted the tutorial even if you got scooped a little bit. I saw yours on Pinterest and I'll pin it again so yours will win. :)
ReplyDeleteBtw, you are hilarious. "Fiskars don't play." I'll be saying that every time I use my rotary cutter now.
Thanks for this, I also saw it on piterest and thought that it was a DIY, I had the idea in my head how to do it. So Thank you for showing us and sharing.
ReplyDeleteYes! I have this scarf pinned and the fabric. I was quite happy to see your tutorial pinned on Pinterest just now. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteI just saw this on a completely unrelated person's pin on pinterest! I'm like... wait a second! Glad I saw it here first. Good for you!
ReplyDeleteI found you via pinterest... I will try this - thank you! I love your blog... you and your family seem so sweet.
ReplyDeleteis there any way to put another braidy loop type thing over the other seam? if it is possible, i will never ever figure it out.
ReplyDelete@brandy. i think there is a way. let me think and experiment and photograph it if it works. great idea!
ReplyDeleteTotally saw this pinned by my SIL. Thought that was cool! Good job on the tutorial!
ReplyDeleteMade it! It is super cute and your tutorial was so easy to follow. Clever woman you are. Good work. I'm gonna post my scarf on my blog and link it back to your tutorial.
ReplyDeleteYess! I love you. Now can you tell me how to make this?? http://pinterest.com/pin/213694396/
ReplyDeleteThanks!
So my sister & I tried this last night. I apparently was never meant to sew or follow directions because it took me longer than I care to admit to successfully make one! But that is no fault of yours :) We're finishing a few more up this weekend for gifts & I'll send you some pics once they're all done!
ReplyDeleteBtw, before my mom knew we were making these she had pinned a link to your tutorial on her Pinterest (and I hadn't even pinned you yet!) The interwebs are a crazy place.
@amanda but you did it, right? that is so cool that your mom is on pinterest!!! cant wait to see your handiwork. model it, chica!
ReplyDeleteHAHA... I love that you did this! I was at home last week when I saw the original "PIN" that took you to a German website!!! so I went home and started playing around with my fabrics and I ended up figuring it out.. but I am so happy that I can look at yours and follow it step by step.. because it way easier than trying to tie those knots again!! Thanks agian
ReplyDeleteLove it! Honestly took me 30 minutes and I'm a beginner. Fabulous
ReplyDeleteSo, I have literally not sewn ANYTHING since high school home ec. class and I just made this scarf! I am so excited! Thanks for the awesome tutorial!
ReplyDeleteThat's pretty cool!! Love the colour combination (I'm a blue person)!
ReplyDeletethis is SO cute!! can't wait to make one! and i haven't looked at the other tutorial, but i'm sure yours is way better! ;)
ReplyDeleteThanx for sharing, love it!
ReplyDeleteBut what I like the most is that you are sooo funny!!!!!!!!!!! I can see that you write like you talk and I love that!!!! The pictures mad me laugh "smooth" LOL you are so funny, thanks!!!
Thank you so much for this tutorial! I've never sewed anything in my life and I was able to make this with your helpful directions!!! Love it! :-)
ReplyDeleteYou should sell these I would buy it !
ReplyDeleteseems like a kinda easy project, except i don't have a sewing machine!!! i was hoping this would be more hand sewn. too bad you dont see them, cause i would just buy it from you! :)
ReplyDeleteYou're very cute, and I love this project. Can't wait to try it out!
ReplyDeleteLove the scarf. Thanks for the tutorial. I found you at Pinterest. I am a new follower. Hope you can visit my blog and invite you to follow along too.
ReplyDeleteOh this is my favorite of all the "turn an old t-shirt into a scarf" projects I've seen. It still looks soft and fun but a bit more polished than the others. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteI saw the same scarf on pinterest and was equally disappointed when it was on a German website with no instructions. So excited that you put up a tutorial!
ReplyDeleteYou are freaking hilarious! I love your tutorial!!! I want to make one of these for my mom! Thanks for the help! I like to use exclamation points!
ReplyDeleteVery Cool, I love your sence of humor in your posts!!
ReplyDeleteLove. The scarf and your sense of humor. I just got some cute purple heather jersey, so maybe I'll find a nice complimentary color and whip up a few of these as holiday gifts. Thanks for the tut.
ReplyDeleteI freakin LOVE IT!
ReplyDeleteOkay, I just made a "monchromatic" version of the scarf because I only had one color jersey. It's cute! (not as cute as two colors, but it'll do) I'll post pics on my blog.
ReplyDeletehi, i don't know whether to be happy about finding this tutorial (which is wonderful) or whether to be shocked about how you run down this german shop. it's one thing to make oneself a cheaper version of some designer stuff that costs thousands of dollars but to rant about a product that sells for 32 € and is produced in germany is tough shit. seriously. i can see that this seller is making a living by sewing things and it takes a lot of time choosing and buying good quality fabric, sewing the item, taking a good picture and making up a good text. i think the price is totally ok for that amount of work. i'm a german seller as well and get sick when i see underpriced products when i know exactly how much effort it takes to make them (and putting them online). i'm sorry if i understood you wrong and if ranting about this german shop wasn't your intention. it's just how i feel about this whole post. of course you can always sew anything for a cheaper price. but please be fair. xo, lou
ReplyDelete@happy serendipity. i think you are understanding me wrong. i definitely wasnt speaking negatively about the german shop whatsoever. it wasnt a rant at all. the only thing i even said about the original was that it was gorgeous and so cool, but the price was too expensive for me to afford it. i LOVE the original scarf. i just felt that $55 to buy and ship this scarf was too expensive for my budget when i could make one myself.
ReplyDeletejust like the people out there who are inspired by designers and stores like anthroplogie, but who cant afford their products, i came up with my own method for making a similar item for much less.
no rants, no running anyone down. no judging the price. just using my own time to sew, photograph, and write out a tutorial so that anyone can feel empowered to create their own scarf no matter the budget!
and if they dont want/know how to sew? well then hooray for capitalism, wherein they can choose from the many scarves of all nations and prices where to spend their money.
hello keight, ok, so i'm sorry for misinterpreting your post. i didn't want to attack you whatsoever. keep up the nice work here on your blog. it's really a nice one.
ReplyDelete@happyserendipity no problem at all, i understood where you were coming from and why it would upset you if you thought i was disparaging this german store. i definitely dont want to step on any toes or hurt anyone's business. hopefully there are enough cold necks out there that all of our scarf options can be utilized :) thanks for being so kind.
ReplyDeleteI made one last night. I didn't take any pictures wearing it yet; it was way past my bedtime! I did post it on my blog. http://takenpatiently.blogspot.com/ I'm going to try it again with two solid colors, but I really like how the one I made looks doubled. Thanks for all of your hard work with the tutorial!
ReplyDeleteAwesomeness!
ReplyDeleteGaileee
I've been following your blog and your funny but very honest take on life. And then today I saw your scarf featured in a DIY scarf article in Babble. Did you know that they spotlighted your cute scarf? How exciting!!!
ReplyDeleteGuuuuurrrl, this is awesome, and my friday diy project. Someone will be missing two tee shirts tonight!
ReplyDeleteAdorable! I'm featuring you as my DIY blog of the week on my Facebook boutique page!https://www.facebook.com/Petalsnsuchboutique
ReplyDeleteThanks!
Thank you!
ReplyDeleteI read this, looked at my fabric shelf, and now I have one on my neck! Fast and wonderfull! I love it! Tomorrow I will make a foto, now there is no light, it´s nearly midnight...
Susuko.
thank you so much for the tutorial!!! i've now planned out all of my christmas gifts!!!!!
ReplyDeleteok so im am so hoping to get a slr camera for christmas and have already been thinking of finding a cute strap for it. so when i saw this pin and your camera strap i was like YES! so do you have a tutorial or a link to one on how to make a cute camera strap? thanks!! love the scarf too! :)
ReplyDelete@ashleyRN, YES! it's my friend, raechel's tutorial (well, mine is a combon of 2 of her tutorials). find them here: http://raechelmyers.com/tutorials-4/
ReplyDeleteThanks so much!!! Will def have to make one when I get my camera! :)
ReplyDeleteJust wanted to say thank you for the great tutorial -- I just finished making my first of these scarves (I plan on making more for gifts). Love it!
ReplyDeleteI told my husband I'm glad there are strangers in the world that make me giggle reading a scarf tutorial. We could be friends... I tried this scarf using another tutorial and my tubes weren't long enough (it's the worst when your tubes aren't long enough!!) So, I think my t-shirt was too small... I'll give it another shot with your instructions
ReplyDeleteI love the look on your face at the end of that video, haha, brilliant! I'm going to be making these at Christmas :) thanks for the tips!!
ReplyDeletethanks for the awesome tutorial! i made one this weekend and i love the way it turned out. very easy to follow :)
ReplyDeletehttp://pickinpeaches.blogspot.com/2011/11/holiday-braided-scarf-diy.html
I needhelp.... Made it but it came untied.... How to fix it?
ReplyDeleteDo you have a tutorial on the camera strap
ReplyDeleteyour tutorial ROCKED! And, I love your personality. I tried the tutorial over at Live.Love.Craft by Making Lemonade and it was ridiculously hard to follow. I thought there had to be a better way and searched on Google for Braided Scarf t-shirt and found YOU. Awesomeness. So glad to have my nice *new* scarf!
ReplyDeleteloved loved your spirit .
ReplyDeletethanks for the wanderfull post.
@anonymous...it is at raechelmyers.com its a GREAT camera strap tutorial
ReplyDelete@doralyn...THANK YOU! you might be the first person to have tried both...besides me. i am so glad to know that i am not crazy or egomaniacal thinking mine was a little easier to read!
ReplyDelete@anonymous. i am not sure what you mean by "it came untied" can you email me with pictures? was it before or after to sewed it shut. the knot may still be in there, but just unrecognizable until you de-tangle and puzzle it out.
ReplyDelete@katieJ short tubes are the worst! i was totally snickering at that line before i saw your parenthetical comment. we'd totally be friend IRL.
ReplyDeleteLove love love how detailed (and entertaining) your tutorial is! Thanks for figuring out how to make this scarf: That Pinterest pic link bummed me out too, but clearly I'm not a go-getter-suzie-homemaker like you! : ) Kudos!
ReplyDeleteThank you...Thank you...Thank you!!! I just made this awesome scarf. Your step by step directions were GREAT! :)
ReplyDeleteI am not that good a sewing person and don't really know what a blind stitch it, but this turned out pretty well I think!
ReplyDeleteMy scarf:
http://img.makeupalley.com/0/3/4/3/2120320.JPG
I like your scarf Alsion! Like your colors..
DeleteThis looks amazing!
ReplyDeleteThis is great! Thanks so much! Had a bit of confusion after sewing the tubes shut (tied tubes?) as the knot was twisted, but once I figured it out I was very happy :) Made it in all one eggplant colour as a birthday gift for a friend. Fantastic tutorial!!
ReplyDeleteI, too, have been eyeing that exact german scarf!! I wondered and wondered how to make the braid!! THANK YOU, THANK YOU!!! I am going to make this scarf right now!
ReplyDeleteLOVE this scarf! Thanks for posting the tutorial. I planned to make several of these as Christmas gifts, but the adult large t-shirts I purchased at michael's did not make 60 inch tubes. They were about 12 inches too short. Since all of them were going to be different color schemes, I could only piece one together. It turned out well though once I moved past that small hiccup! Now to figure out what to do with a bunch of t-shirt tubes and no sewing machine access...
ReplyDeleteI had the same issue as Melanie. The giant tshirts I got at the thrift store were not long enough. So it will not double over. But it is still cute! I'd say that the point in the beginning about buying the t-shirt fabric at a sewing shop is the best bet.
ReplyDeleteMelanie and Lindsay- thank yall so much for your feedback. i totally understand the issue. i have only made these with yardage (which i totally think is the easiest/best/fastest/cheapest/high quality option). i just got out some of my husband's t-shirts (larges) and i am coming up short as well. i am going to update the tutorial to indicate that you would need a XXL or higher shirt...and to indicate a different cutting/piecing method. i am so sorry for the trouble/hiccup!
ReplyDeleteThanks for this cute tutorial. I saw it today on Scatter Girls Link up and I've now pinned it to my "Cool Stuff to do with T-shirts" board. I also think your blog is super cute and have pinned it to my cool blogs board. So you have been pinned twice today!
ReplyDeleteHi from New Zealand!
ReplyDeleteCame across your blog via Karley Etherington's pin of her braided scarf and knew it was the perfect gift for my mum. I sourced the fabric from a thrift shop, and made sure they were super cozy, as she lives in Scotland, brrrr!
Your tutorial was really well done with clear photos as well as the videos. Thank you for helping to make my mum's 60th birthday present!
not sure how to share a picture of my finished scarf???
Thanks a million
Miriam
When I saw this, I thought, "I have to have one!" So that meant that it would make a wonderful gift. Just finished my first with many others to come. It was so easy and turned out great! Thank so you much.
ReplyDeleteJessica
LOVE IT! You crack me up by the way. I am going to get to work on my braided scarf tomorrow!
ReplyDeleteJust discovered your pin on Pinterest. I smiled all the way through this post. Your is the next item on my fun to do list. Thanks
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad I discovered this tutorial! It was really well done- all of the instructions were easy to follow and I'm delighted with the way my scarves turned out. I just made three of them tonight! My only regret is that I didn't find this tutorial a couple of weeks ago before I had all of my Christmas presents made. But I still plan on making a small mountain of them to hand out as gifts throughout the year. Thanks so much for posting this!
ReplyDeleteI made my first scarf last night!!! Thank you for the tutorial! I will say it is a little difficult when connecting the tubes together at the end. Not perfect yet, but it's getting there. Especially since I've never used a seeing machine before!!
ReplyDeleteI made 3 scarves using your tutorial! I love your blog and just became a follower. I wrote about your tutorial on my blog and linked back to you!
ReplyDeletewww.true-pure-lovely.blogspot.com
I'm just wondering how long it takes to make them? I want to make a couple for gifts, but I'm already strapped for time. :(
ReplyDeleteI'm a fairly good sewer, and will probably end up using shirts.
P.S. Thanks for the tutorial! It looks easy enough to follow!
if youre a good, fast sewer, and you understand the principles involved here, you can make one of these in a half an hour, easily. if youre piecing together t-shirts as your materials it might take a bit longer, just because of the piecing involved there to get you to your starting rectangles. good luck!
ReplyDeleteFantastic tutorial! Here's my version:
ReplyDeletehttp://stephcupoftea.blogspot.com/2011/12/new-tea-thermos-new-scarf.html
To further confuse things, this is Jesse commenting from K8's profile that the last comment was K8 commenting from my profile. I could not make one of these in half an anything.
ReplyDeleteOk, I may be a dunce, but I'm confused about step 4. HELP!
ReplyDelete@corrine. no i can see how that is confusing since i dont have a great pic for it. you lay the scarf out with the knot going sideways and each set of tails going away from the knot and each other in a V shape. then you take the upper tail from each side (one of each color( and bring the raw ends of your tubes together above the knot. then you do the same with the two remaining ends, below the knot. so its like you are making a figure 8 with the knot in the center. i will try to take a picture of this the next time i make one and add it, because its really easy to understand if you see what i am talking about
ReplyDeleteI finally learned how to sew (yesterday), and it was b/c of this scarf! Lo-lo-loooove it! Thank you!
ReplyDeleteLove this. Making one for my daughter in VA Tech colors for Christmas.
ReplyDeleteFound you on Pinterest. Just made this for my friend for Christmas. Turquoise and brown knit--- soooo cute! Thanks for the tutorial!
ReplyDeletethese scarves are absolutely adorable! Also your tutorial on how to make them is so easy to fallow! Thank you so much for sharing!! :)
ReplyDeleteThanks for the tutorial (and the video-nice TPIR hands by the way!) I did the same thing- saw the grey/yellow, linked and saw the price, 'yiked' and said 'no way'! So as far as I'm concerned, your post was first! Great job! I'm such a 'scarf junkie' I can't wait to make one myself!
ReplyDeleteJust a PS from me- I hit the thrift store today and found a yellow and a white long-sleeve T-shirt for a buck each! Off to craft! Thanks again!
ReplyDeleteKeight, your blog is a hoot.
ReplyDeleteOf course, I know you emulate e.e.cummings with your lower case "i." But as your former English teacher, seeing it does give me pause. (What does Lee think of it?) Ha!
I copied this scarf url for my daughter. She has returned to her pre-college, pre-art degree crafty side (it disappeared in interior design classes), and she will love the braided part of it. I am giving her a big hint for a gift for me.
Happy New Year, girl.
This is a really good tutorial! I made this using your pattern but a different fabric! Check it out here! http://thequeen2bee.blogspot.com/2012/01/braided-scarf.html
ReplyDeleteI saw this weeks ago and couldn't get it out of my mind. Had to search for it. My first re-pin! Can't wait to try it. And I love the Fiskars don't play band-aid!
ReplyDeleteGreat post Keight! I can't wait to try it. BUT more importantly, I need to know about your camera strap! Too cute and looks totally comfy!! I have poked around your site trying to find info on it and I'm not finding it. Could you share how you did it or the link to the post? Thanks so much!
ReplyDelete@oberheu and everyone who loves my camera strap. if you want to make one yourself, like i did, use this tutorial that my friend raechel made. the tutorial is AWESOME and i just added fusible fleece to my main fabric to make it padded.
ReplyDeletehttp://raechelmyers.com/2011/06/camera-strap-tutorial-part-1/
and if you dont sew and want to purchase one, i sell these in my etsy shop in custom colors and fabrics.
http://www.etsy.com/listing/88350522/padded-ruffled-camera-strap-cover-with
Thanks Keight! I just finished my camera strap and love it!! Now on to the scarf:)
ReplyDeleteJudy
TOTALLY going to do! Thanks so much!
ReplyDeleteOh my WORD! Not only was this informative, but friggin hilarious! I think I could read tutorials by you just for shear entertainment! LOL! Thanks for the step by step! Cannot WAIT to make it!
ReplyDeleteI just made one of these and it took literally 15 minutes! So cute & thanks for the tutorial, it would have taken a lot longer if I had to figure out how to make it!
ReplyDeleteThank you for the easy to understand tutorial WITH pictures! I can't wait to try this.
ReplyDeleteI want it! Now I just have to get my hands on some money and coupons! Great tutorial. :)
ReplyDeleteThanks for that video! So much easier! http://pinterest.com/pin/42713896435709090/
ReplyDeleteMe and my friends made these last night!! they are so cute! thanks so much for the tutorial!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the great tutorial, plan to make these with some teen's at my library
ReplyDeletesuccess! made a dark gray and yellow one, super cute! awesome tutorial and blog. thanks so much!
ReplyDeleteso cute! awesome tutorial! my only problem is finding the colors i want. i want to make some for our high school booster club. any clues on where to get a variety of colors in this material? thanks!!!
ReplyDeleteLove this!! I am a very new sewer and got pretty confused by last part of sewing the loops together:( It would be cool if you could post a vid for us beginners;) Either cute super scarf and great tutorial!!!
ReplyDeleteThanks
wtg girl, you rock
ReplyDeleteAwesome tutorial and great looking scarf....Ive just been to get material from my fabric shop and they made me buy half a metre:( slightly annoyed they wouldnt cut me 15" guess thats the difference between us and uk !!
ReplyDeleteThis is sooo cute. I'm going to make one in my son school colors to wear to his soccer games. Thanks so much for your time and effort!!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the video....I needed to see it actually being done...not just the instructions....I luv it.
ReplyDeleteThank you for this tutorial!!! I love this skarf! I'm pretty sure that I'll make it soon! :-)
ReplyDeleteOk, I'm working on one now out of clover green and aqua blue t-shirts. Wish me luck because since I don't have a sewing machine, I am using fabric glue. So far so good!
ReplyDeleteThis is amazing... it's definitely on my list of things to try!
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing!
xO Kristen
http://thereviewstudio.blogspot.com
Love, love love this!!! Thanks soooooo much for the awesome & very clear tutorial. Definitely going on my list of things 2 do and my pinterest! U're so awesome & unselfish
ReplyDeleteI've been looking for a tutorial for a scarf like this for a while now. Thank you pinterest for leading me to your blog!!! I'm definitely going to have to try this out!! Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!
ReplyDeleteYou did a really great job tutoring. I will be trying it out. Thank you and keep up the great work !
ReplyDeletelove this! and thanks for the video. i have one heck of a time reading something and translating it into actual motions sometimes!
ReplyDeleteCan't wait to try this - saw the "freebies" in All You magazine!
ReplyDeleteThis is one of the best tutorials I've found for making any scarf! And I haven't even watched the video yet!
ReplyDeleteGrandCarr
Hello, loved the scarves, will definately try to make something like this. But I don't have a sewing machine...I'll try to do it anyways..
ReplyDeletethanks! best regards from Brazil!
PatrÃcia.
I understand giving out a tutorial for how to make something that's expensive, but now you're selling it in your store for cheaper? You stole someone's design and now you're selling your own version of it. Lame.
ReplyDeletehahaha yeah i am so lame.
DeleteThat's your response? You should be ashamed. How would you feel if you spent time and effort designing something for your shop only to find someone copied your exact design and sold it for cheaper? In the handmade community this is really frowned upon. You obviously haven enough talent to deconstruct a design and turn it "into you own" so why not spend that same amount of time designing something original? You realize you're making money off someone else's design, right?
Deleteyup. thats my response. this comment is so ludicrous and off the wall, that i was willing to laugh it off rather than taking the time to spell out the inane logic of your insult, oh anonymous internet troll. but since you care enough to come back and attempt to shame me, i will give you more attention, though you are not being respectful.
Deleteif someone can make one of my designs for cheaper, i would say GO FOR IT!100%! thats the point, silly head. i use cheaper materials and possibly have streamlined the process so that i can make these more efficiently and therefore cheaper than the original seller. perhaps they just pay themselves a higher wage than poor humble me. maybe the original seller is marketing to a more wealthy clientele who appreciates really expensive fabric. not me. i think everyone should be able to rock this look and i figured out a way to make that happen and to make money on it (one way being by people clicking and visiting here, so THANK YOU!)
take a look at my etsy shop. feel FREE to take any design you see and do it better and more efficiently. i promise i wont care. if any of my designs are engineer-able by someone truly determined to recreate them, that's fine.
i dont understand why you dont have a problem with me giving out the tutorial? its the exact same thing if we are talking about intellectual property or stealing orders away from someone else.
i beg to differ about the handmade community. A: i GAVE CREDIT for the original idea. B: i LINKED TO THE ORIGINAL SELLER. i bet this seller has gotten tons of traffic and even sales from my reference. no frowns anywhere. i have a pretty strict code of integrity and i really cant find a trace of moral turpitude anywhere in this.
the handmade community if rife with anthroplogie, jcrew and all other kinds of DIY knockoffs. giving a tutorial and crediting the source is par for the course and is legit.
are you mad that walmart sells t-shirts even though they didnt come up the original idea for the garment? are you mad that mcdonalds sells their version for cheaper even though we all know chickfila clearly INVENTED in the chicken sandwich. o you buy generic drugs? or only name brand ones in the name of the sanctity of the original design? THERE IS NOTHING NEW UNDER THE SUN.
i would bet that 90% of capitalism is reinventing, improving, and streamlining the wheel.
do you attack every etsy seller who makes and sells cheaper versions of j crew necklaces? you must REALLY hate china as a whole.
i would never be this flippant or sassy to a real person, but since you are anonymous and dont care to back up your cutting remarks with your real name, i am getting a little annoyed.
one more note: i think what the hand-made community frowns upon is someone taking your tutorial (rather that figuring it our themselves) and makes and sells those items without permission or crediting the source. this has happened to me with this very tutorial. what can i do about it? nothing. lucky for me, my work is quality and people seem to like my version more than the derivatives.
Deleteyou'll notice that i DID invent my own design...the DOUBLE braided version. there was nothing anywhere on the internet when i first came up with that design, but there very well maybe now. if they engineered it on their own, what can i do?
i dont need to sell everyone scarves, just my own little market of customers.
a much more courteous (and not anonymous) commenter above had some similar concerns and i answered as follows:
"just like the people out there who are inspired by designers and stores like anthroplogie, but who cant afford their products, i came up with my own method for making a similar item for much less.
no rants, no running anyone down. no judging the price. just using my own time to sew, photograph, and write out a tutorial so that anyone can feel empowered to create their own scarf no matter the budget!
and if they dont want/know how to sew? well then hooray for capitalism, wherein they can choose from the many scarves of all nations and prices where to spend their money."
And, if you put as much effort into looking into the situation, as you did into being a troll then, you'd notice that the seller who makes these IN GERMANY, clearly states on the listing "Dieses einzigartige Produkt ist momentan leider nicht verfügbar."
DeleteWhich is German for, "Back off internet troll." Actually it says, "This product is currently unavailable."
That's right, Jesse!!
DeleteAs a friend of Keight's, I want to back her up and just add that in addition to everything she's written above, there are even more reasons why she's totally in the clear. If you had read the tutorial carefully, you would have noticed that while she took inspiration from the design, she actually changed and IMPROVED it, which is exactly what the handmade world is all about. Also, the original scarf was NOT sold as a handmade item, as far as I remember, and in addition to that, is sold in Germany and not the US. All reasons why she's good. (As if there was any question.)
ReplyDeleteI'm not the same anonymous troll from above... I just can't figure out how to log in from my iPhone. Anyway... When you buy something "handmade" you aren't paying for the idea. If the item is in front of the general public (ie online) then it is out there for the taking. What you are paying for is the time, energy, and talent of the maker. For example, I buy bread at Walmart because I don't have the time or energy to bake the dang loaves myself. Get it? People either spend money on a premade product or time creating their own. End of rant. - Mama Elle
ReplyDeleteI think this tutorial is awesome for all the DIY people looking to save money and bring out their creative side. Plus there is nothing better than being able to create something with your hands from scratch. So, THANK YOU for making this!!!! You are awesome and funny and I love reading your blog!
ReplyDeleteAnd to the little anonymous troll, quit picking on Keight because your jealous people stopped buying your scarf to make a better one themselves. You are just being silly, so get out of the lion's den and go home and be grumpy somewhere else!!
-E
I so love these scarfs. I can only sew with a needle and not that well. So I will be visiting the website and if there are some to buy I will. I love scarfs! I do think if I could sew it would be easy...
ReplyDeleteLove it. I wish I need how to sew.
ReplyDeleteIt's truly very complicated in this busy life to listen news on TV, thus I only use web for that purpose, and obtain the hottest news.
ReplyDeleteReview my web site ; click here dallas
Ok so I'm super noobie at sewing (never used a sewing machine and have only hand sewed a few times) but I'm having trouble on the first step LOL. Like I totally understand what to do...but I'm having difficulty getting the needle to sew straight on my fabric. I chose a knit fabric like you said to that's stretchy too and I like got the 15in width like u also mentioned since when its unfolded, its 58in. Im not sure if that's entirely important but when my mom was trying to help me.. she said that I shouldn't be sewing that direction (as in I should have otten it 60in width I think?) because it was against the fabric thread or whatever? Haha srry, if that doesn't really make sense. Anyways the main problem is (1) I can't sew straight down the fabric because it keeps sliding/wiggling (2) when my mom sewed it straight..she said it was still bad because if I wear the scarf, I will definitely be pulling on it/stretching it and when she stretched it..the thread/line she had just sewed snapped. Is there a certain setting I should set the needle/sewing machine to? Or is there a special thread I should be using? Sorry if this is a super amateur question.. like i said, I'm really new to this all haha D:
ReplyDeleteThis is really a great tutorial none the less so thanks for sharing it!! :) I hope I can figure out all the problems I'm having and make myself a scarf! D:
hmmmm, i am not sure. i am a dummy when it comes to fabric know-how like sewing with the grain por against it. throw in stretch and i am all kinds of ignorant! mine is barely stretchy (its a 60/40 poly cotton i believe) so i dont have any wiggle or slide. all i can think of (especially since your mom knows her stuff and it messed up for her too) is that its a fabric issue. sorry for the hassle!
DeleteIt does sound like it is a fabric issue. Stretch knits are best if you sew them with a zig zag stitch. A straight stitch will snap when pulled tight. The zig zag stitch is in a v shape so that when the fabric is stretched tight, it just widens the v and does not snap. The "not sewing in a straight line" issue sounds more like the fabric was not feeding through the machine right. This can usually be fixed by adjusting the machine feed and the fabric type. Experiment and you will probably be able to figure it out. A trick that I sometime use for fabrics that don't want to feed well is to put a sheet of paper underneath it and then sew. the paper feeds more easily than many fabrics since it does not catch, slide or pull. Then when you have finished stitching, just tear the paper off and you have a perfect seam. I use this method when I am sewing sequined, stretch lace into headbands for my daughters' softball teams and it saves a lot of time and frustration.
DeleteNice! Such a cute scarf! & you're the only tutorial I've seen for this :-) high-five.
ReplyDeleteGreat directions...I am a little nervous about the last steps, but I might actually try this! Too cute!!!
ReplyDeleteGracias!!
ReplyDeleteThis is fantastic! Thanks for sharing. :D Now to make one!
ReplyDeleteYour tutorial is fabulous. This inspires me to go and make one now. Really appreciate this and keep up the good work!
ReplyDeleteLove this tutorial. This inspires me to go out and make one now. Really appreciate the effort you put into this. Keep up the good work!
ReplyDeleteI completely understand your tutorial without watching the video...but im going to watch the video anyways...just to see the price is right hands!
ReplyDeleteI completely understand your tutorial without watching the video, but im going to watch the video anyways, just to see your price is right hands! Thanks...im going to make this for a friend...IF i can find a good yellow and grey!!
ReplyDeleteI made it! And it's perfect!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the great tutorial :)
I came across this on pinterest- I love your scarf and tutorial- if only I had sewing capabilities! I gave you props in my most recent blog post: http://hellorainyday.blogspot.com/2012/10/the-big-fail.html
ReplyDeleteThanks for this your tutorial, I made it and it's not perfect but I still love how it came out! I will definitely be making it in more colors :)
ReplyDeleteDo you machine wash and dry this scarf, or would that mess with the braid?
ReplyDeleteDo you machine wash and dry this scarf, or would that mess with the braid?
ReplyDeleteyes you can. the braid will always be there; it is permanently sewn in. but that doesnt mean it cant get all cattywampus turned about and be quite confusing. i HIGHLY recommend washing these in a delicates bag. i might even put a rather loose rubber band around the braid just to make sure it stays put.
DeleteAlthough this post with tutorial is over a year old - my hats off to you. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteI just made one and I love it! Your tutorial is great and very easy to follow. I'm definitely making more for myself and contemplating shortening up the dimensions to make one for my 3-year-old.
ReplyDeleteThank you!
Thank you so much! I am anxious to try this and had no clue how to start. Your comments tickled me cause I tend to think out loud in very similar terms! It's a handmade Christmas this year due to TWO college students so this is something that I think they will actually like and that I can afford! I couldn't get the video to load so thanks again for the pics! They will have to be my guide!
ReplyDeleteCan't wait to try this. My friend and I decided to do a Pinterest Christmas this year. Since we pin so such stuff but never do anything with it, our gift this year is to make one thing we have pinned and give it to each other no matter if it ends up a pinterest fail which I am sure this won't be. Great tutorial
ReplyDeleteI am SO excited about finding your site! I was trying to find a DIY gift for my daughter's team to make for the graduating Seniors (Soccer Team) and these are perfect. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteAwesome site!! clear directs and really fashionable!! :)
ReplyDeleteI think it's sooooo dope that you not only figured it out but you posted a tutorial AND you encouraged us to make our own and send you picts. In my book that means your pretty damn awesome! Thanks!
ReplyDeleteOh my Lord this is wonderful... My daughter is a scarf freak, I really would like to make this and give it to her for Christmas. I'm unemployed so any Christmas is going to have to be hand made. All I have to do is find someone with A SEWING MACHINE!!! I've seen both tutorials, and I happen to agree, your remarks had me laughing out loud! Thank you for your wonderful tutorial! Debbi
ReplyDeleteThanks for this. I've tried making them with fleece and it works great. I just cut the strips 10 inches wide instead of 15 because fleece is bulkier. Thanks for the inspiration. I haven't taken pics yet, but I'll link back when I post them on my blog.
ReplyDeleteThank you! I just finished mine and I plan on giving it as a Christmas present
ReplyDeleteThis is such an awesome idea. Working on four of them for family and friends for the holidays. AMAZING
ReplyDeleteI am wondering if I did something wrong? I completed the scarf, but when I put it on without wrapping it twice the braid pops and it looks like a circle! Help!
ReplyDeleteI really love this tutorial! Not just because of the awesome scarf but because you are hilarious! I love a girl who isn't afraid to laugh at herself every once in a while :) And I totally feel you pain with the other tutorial getting more pins :( I'm pinning yours now! :)
ReplyDeletehttp://kraftiekatie19.blogspot.com/
Bought the yellow and grey knits last weekend so making it tomorrow
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for your tutorial!! I just finished making the scarf and it was a success! I was a bit disappointed that my scarf was not as long as yours to double up, but then I read the comments. I used an XL and an L t-shirt, but my scarf came out pretty cute :) I'm already thinking about making another one haha.
ReplyDeleteI made 2 of these scarves for my sisters for Christmas gifts. THEY TURNED OUT AMAZINGLY BEAUTIFUL! Your tutorial was very easy to follow and I loooove them! I am making a few today out of old tshirts! Thanks again!
ReplyDeleteOh, BTW, is there anyway you can show us how to do an invisible hand stitch at the very end of the whole scarf to show us how to do that? Mine isnt great...lol
ReplyDeleteNew to your blog and loving it! You crack me up! Also, I just made this scarf from two articles of old clothing i never wore and...it is seriously my favorite accessory now!! Thank you!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for your simple yet completely adequate tutorial! This was my first sewing project since highschool home ec class and it was a success!
ReplyDeleteSince it looks like you put a good amount of effort into this tutorial, I just wanted to let you know someone else seems to be using your pictures, video, etc... http://www.sachimemphis.com/?p=4894
ReplyDeleteSince it looks like you put a fair amount of time into this tutorial, I just wanted to let you know that it looks like someone else is using your pictures, video, etc...
ReplyDeletehttp://www.sachimemphis.com/?p=4894
I just completed mine...
ReplyDeletePosted to my blog with a connection to yours. LOVE it!!!
http://1craftnights.blogger.com
I really like this scarf and tutorial ! It is very clear. Thank you for sharing this ! I just did one with knit rectangles and I'm very please with the result.
ReplyDeleteI really like this scarf and this tutorial. It is very clear. Thank you for sharing this ! I just did one with knit rectangle and I'm really happy with the result.
ReplyDeletewhy is the braiding video private I am not able to view it I think it would be very helpful thank you for the instructions I love the scarf
ReplyDeletesomething was awry with my youtube account...all set now!
DeleteThe video is private again! Please make public, I want to make this so badly for a friend.
DeleteThe video is private again! Please make public, I'm dying to make some for friends!
DeleteAHHHH freaking youtube is so buggy. i think i fixed it. keep letting me know people!
DeleteSaw and pinned this scarf awhile ago. Finally took the time to make it today. Instructions were super easy to follow. I made a couple changes in how I sewed the ends together, but the end result is exactly the same. Love it!!! Have to make more.
ReplyDeleteThanks, cool tutorial. And I pinned it (twice) because after all that you deserve for it to go viral (if it didn't already - I came across from a link on Care2). :)
ReplyDelete