How to Make an Infinity Scarf:

I‘ve made easily more than 50 facemasks in the past few months. After finishing up my last round of fabric, I think I’ve finally reached my stopping point. But that just means I need a new sewing project, right?! Something as quick and easy to make as facemasks. Something practical. And, as the holidays are approaching, something gift-able. Enter the infinity scarf.

Activate unicorn mode!

How to Make an Infinity Scarf

To make an infinity scarf, all you need is:

• 2 yards of fabric (flannel is cozy; cotton should work as well; this amount of fabric will actually yield two scarves, but you need the length.)
• Thread (use a color that will blend in nicely to your fabric)
• Scissors
• Sewing Machine
• Pins (Optional, but probably a good idea!)

Step 1. Start by washing and drying your fabric so it’s pre-shrunk. Trim off any excess threads as well as the selvage edge. It would also be a good idea to iron it at this point.

Step 2. Cut your two yards of fabric in half, lengthwise. So you are left with two narrower rectangles that are each two yards long. Another tutorial I read recommended folding the fabric in half with the short ends together; folding it in half again the same way, and cutting down the middle. This worked very well.

Step 3. Fold the fabric in half lengthwise, with the reverse side facing in. Stitch along the length of the rectangle, leaving the short ends open. When finished, trim threads.

Joss LOVES sushi, so couldn’t resist this adorable sushi print! See better pic below 🙂

Step 4. Turn the fabric rectangle right-side-out. (It’s a good idea to iron the seam open first.)

Step 5. Fold one open end of the rectangle about 1 inch down into itself. Place the other open end of the rectangle inside the first open end. Stitch closed. (If you have sturdy enough pins, you may want to pin it in place, since it’s difficult to tell whether you’re catching all four layers of fabric. I had to re-do several of these seams because I missed a layer.)

One edge folded in on itself

The other edge tucked inside the first edge

Step 6. Turn your scarf so that the seam you just sewed is on the inside. You’re done!

To wear the infinity scarf, just put it around your neck, then twist and loop around another time. The two-yard length fit me very well. I am tempted to try using a slightly shorter length of fabric, just so it fits more snugly around my neck. I want maximum comfort!!

A note about fabric choice: I purchased some 50% off flannel from Joann Fabric. It was just $3.99 a yard, making this a fairly cheap gift idea. When making masks, I’ve purchased cotton fabric from broadwayfabrics.com. They have a lot of gorgeous choices if you want something hip and modern. And of course, there’s Owl & Drum, a local fabric store. They have an excellent selection as well! Your scarves will cost more if you purchase from the latter two options…but the fabric choices are so tempting!

Other Simple Scarf Tutorials

I haven’t tried any of these, but here are some other DIY scarfs I’d like to make someday:

• Up-cycled Sweater Scarf. Basically, cut across an old sweater just underneath the arms. If it starts to fray, hem your circle as needed. Otherwise….that’s it! You have a scarf! The tutorial I read recommended using sweaters with some buttons because you can place the button part over your shoulder, unbuttoned, for some extra cute style.
• Blanket Scarf. My favorite scarves ever are the ones so big you can wrap up in them like a blanket. This is a no-sew option for those of you without a machine. Essentially, you take 2.5-3 yards of flannel fabric and fray the edges.
• Easy Fluffy Fringe Scarf. Another no-sew option. All you have to do is cut and knot!
• Braided T-Shirt Scarf.  A wonderful way to recycle large T-shirts! Light sewing required.
• No-Sew Felt Scarf. I shared a tutorial for no-sew sleeping bags awhile back. You could use this same basic technique to make a scarf!

And of course, if you have a plain white scarf, you can always tie-dye or shibori dye it. Or just get some fabric paint and have fun painting your own pattern!

Have you made any scarves lately? Do you have a favorite pattern or style? Let me know in the comments!