Are you a fan of silk scarves? This beautiful accessory is a stylish addition to any outfit, though the price tag isn't quite as beautiful. No worries—it's super easy to make your own silk scarf at home with just a few supplies and a little sewing know-how. We've walked you through everything you need to know, so you can strut your stuff with your fashionable new accessory!

2

Get the right size.

  1. Silk is commonly sold in 36", 45" and 60" widths. So, if you want a square scarf you would ask the salesperson to cut the same length as the width: 36" x 36", 45" x 45", 60" x 60". Your finished size would be 35 1/2" by 35 1/2", etc.[1]
    • If you want a rectangular scarf, you have more choice. Some people think a 72" length looks best when you wear a suit. Left loose, that length of scarf starts at one hem of a jacket, follows the neckline, and then falls to the other hem of the jacket. For variety, tie a long scarf into a big floppy bow or give it a loose, low knot and wear a simple, single color blouse underneath. You can try various lengths, using a measuring tape, to find the one that suits you best or select the scarves you love best and take the measure from them.
    • You have more choice in the width of a scarf, because you can crumple or fold the fabric or even wash the fabric in very hot water to take some of the body out of the fabric so that it hangs gracefully. You can make two rectangular scarves when you purchase a 72" length of 36" or 45". One scarf to keep and one to give to a friend or family member.
4

Iron the hems.

  1. Turn the fabric under once at a 14 or 13 in (0.64 or 0.85 cm) width and iron it. Then, turn the fabric under again and iron the hem once more. If you water wash your scarves you can spray the fabric with distilled water and use steam when you iron the hems. Some people fear water spotting but water spotting was probably more common with inferior dyes in the last century.
    • Iron the hems all around the scarf before sewing them. Some people are good at hand-rolling a hem as they sew. Others prefer to iron them flat and then sew the two or four sides (if the fabric has a good design for it, you may choose not to hem the selvage sides on a square scarf).[2]

Community Q&A

  • Question
    What measurements should the lining be on the scarf?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    It depends on you. Personally, Do 1/4 of an inch if you only have a sewing machine. It has to be delicate, to fit the feel of the silk. The thinner, the better. You could do a rolled hem with your serger (switch to R and put your needle the farthest at the right), too.
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Things You'll Need

  • Fabric,
  • iron,
  • hand sewing needles or sewing machine,
  • complementary or matching thread.

About This Article

Mia Danilowicz
Co-authored by:
Master Tailor
This article was co-authored by Mia Danilowicz. Mia Danilowicz is a Master Tailor who works onset and on the red carpet in Los Angeles, California. With over a decade of experience, Mia specializes in bridal and gown couturier fittings, garment reconstruction, and custom design. Mia has worked at the Oscars, Grammys, SAG Awards, and Golden Globes. Her clients include a long list of entertainment and fashion industry headliners, major fashion magazines, luxury consumer brands, and popular media. Mia was trained at the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising and received her AA in Fashion Design and BS in Business Management. This article has been viewed 193,507 times.
1 votes - 100%
Co-authors: 19
Updated: February 27, 2023
Views: 193,507
Categories: Scarves
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