Build Your Wardrobe Inexpensively With This Adaptable Accessory!
The scarf can be the most stylish and adaptable accessory you own! Scarves can help you build a fashionable wardrobe without demolishing your budget. Creatively used, the scarf can provide many changes of look for your wardrobe and can even be used to flatter your figure or draw attention away from any figure faults you may have.
When fashioning your own scarves you must first decide on the size. Medium to large squares are the most versatile and are suitable as suit and blouse fillers, can substitute for a blouse, and are ideal for coats. Small squares are accent pieces only. Small squares measure less than 24 inches. Medium squares are from 24 to 27 inches. Large squares are 30 inches or more.
Oblong scarves are usually considered an accent item with the exception of wool scarves which are usually designed for warmth. The oblong scarf is an ideal accessory for suits, dresses, blouses and sweaters. For oblong scarves, a medium size would be approximately 11 by 54 inches. The sizes of oblong scarves may vary considerably.
Normally you would use silk for your dressy scarves, wool for warm scarves and the economical cotton mainly for head or neck covering, but you can use your imagination to come up with your own styles.
Some helpful hints when selecting your materials are to select patterns and textures which are compatible with the patterns and textures already in your wardrobe; wear or bring along a sample of the garment you will wear with your scarf; keep versatility in mind; experiment with color and select good quality material. Also, if you give yourself plenty of time when selecting your material, you will be generally happier with your decisions.
Now that you have decided on the size and material for your scarf, you need to decide on whether you want a fringe or a finished edge. If you decide on a fringe, remember to leave 2 to 3 extra inches of material on each side of your square. Sew your seam 2 to 3 inches from the edge of each side of your square and then unravel the edges.
You may want to tie off your fringe in small amounts all the way around your scarf for better staying power. If you decide on a finished edge, it should be rolled and well topstitched approximately 1/8” from the edge. To give your scarf that good quality look the edges should parallel exactly when the scarf is folded in half from any direction.
Handle your scarves with gentle care. Follow the fabric manufacturer’s instructions when washing or cleaning your scarves or follow these guidelines. Acrylic materials should be hand washed. Polyester scarves can be hand or machine-washed. Silks should always be dry-cleaned. Wool should be dry-cleaned or hand washed. Always clean your scarves before they become too soiled, as this will extend the life of your scarves. Also, it may be a good idea to wash your material before cutting and sewing it in case of shrinkage, with the exception of silks, which should only be dry-cleaned.
Now that your scarf is finished, the next important step is learning how to fashion the scarf into one of numerous creative shapes and folds, which will add a touch of class to any outfit!
This information is an excerpt from the popular book “How To Make Scarves and 101 Ways To Tie Them”