DIY Network

Nifty No-Knit Scarves It isn't always necessary to knit or crochet to make a scarf. From "Uncommon Threads" episode DUCT-229

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Using water-soluble interfacing, Erin Kosich demonstrates her technique for making a gorgeous, colorful machine-sewn scarf.

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Machine-Sewn Scarf

Machine-Sewn Scarf

Materials:

large flat work surface (a cutting table is ideal)
sewing machine
scissors
1 roll Sulky water-soluble interfacing or stabilizer
variety of novelty yarns, (fuzzy, shiny, ribbon, chenille)
sewing thread (shiny rayon)
sink, soap and hot water
sponge or small paintbrush

1 Unroll the interfacing to a 60" length and cut.

2. Cut novelty yarns into 80" lengths and set aside

3. Take a damp sponge or paintbrush and lightly brush lengthwise along one side of the scarf (figure A). This will make the surface of the interfacing sticky so the yarns will stick to it.

4. Select one of the novelty yarn strands and lay it lengthwise across the sticky surface of the interfacing, leaving 10" extra at each end (this will be the fringe). Select another yarn strand and lay it next to the first. Repeat this process, first lightly wetting the surface and then laying the yarns across the surface, until the scarf is the desired width (figure B).

Figure A

Figure B

Tip: You may also opt to lay the length of yarn across the interfacing and instead wetting the fabric directly, use a small paintbrush to slightly wet the area where you want the material to stick as you travel in a straight line down the length of the interfacing. Only wet a small area at a time and immediately stick the yarn to the spot to avoid having a wet, sticky mess.

5. Unroll and cut another 60" length of Sulky, lightly dampen one side of it and lay it damp side down on top of the first piece of interfacing (figure C), making a Sulky "sandwich."

6. Trim off the excess edges of interfacing from the sides of the sandwich. Let it dry overnight, before bringing it over to the sewing machine. Starting at the lower right-hand corner, sew horizontally across the width of the sandwich. Rotate the sandwich and sew 1⁄4" up; then sew a zigzag stitch across in the other direction. Repeat this process up the length of the scarf (figure D).

Figure C

Figure D

7. Take the completed sewn scarf over to the sink. Run it under hot water until the interfacing dissolves (about 30 minutes) or soak overnight, if needed, in hot, soapy water.

8. Lay the scarf flat to dry.

Note: This technique can be adapted to create a shawl instead of a scarf by using a wider piece of interfacing (also sold at crafts stores).

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