Monday, December 12, 2011

Tutorial: No-Sew Braided Edge Double Layer Fleece Scarf


After making the fleece blankets a couple weeks ago, I wanted to try the braided edge on a scarf.  And it works!!

It ends up being a little thick since it's double layered.  That's great if you want it really warm.  If you're looking for something lighter, though, you might be better off with a single layer scarf with just the ends fringed.

Here's how I did it...



I layered my two kinds of fleece and cut out a piece.  For my first scarf I used the whole width of the fabric (fleece usually comes 60 inches wide) and cut a strip about 8 inches wide.  (Next time I would actually cut it a little more like 6-7 inches wide, since the scarf is so thick.

Your kids may want to dance around it. :)

Trim off the salvages (the sides of the fabric that usually have things printed on them or are lumpy.)

Measure for your fringe.  I used fringe that was 1 1/2 inches wide and marked it with blue painters masking tape.  The tape isn't necessary, it is an easy way to mark it and the tape helps the scissors naturally stop where it needs to.  This time I used scissors, but I've also used a rotary cutter at times.

I cut the fringe 1 inch wide and just laid my quilting ruler down as a guide.  (I made a second one and was in a hurry and didn't measure them as exactly and that one turned out well too.)

Cut a slit near the end of each piece of fringe.  I cut through both layers at once.  You want to be careful not to do it too close to the end though.

It should look like this.

Make sure you remove the tape AFTER you've cut all the slits because the fringe won't be lined up as well.
Now you're ready to start the "braiding."  I think this is actually a modified crochet stitch.  I used a paper clip since I don't have a large crochet hook, but you can use a crochet hook too (and it might even work better.)  Take your paper clip and put it through the slit of the first piece of fringe.  I found it easiest to work from right to left, since I'm right handed.
Next, place the paper clip through the first piece of fringe from bottom layer of fleece, hooking it.

Pull it through the top fringe.
Your paper clip now have let go of the first piece of fringe you started with, but still be through the bottom fringe.
Slide your paper clip through the next fringe from your top layer of fleece and hook it and pull it through.
Now you just repeat for the whole length of the scarf.
Before you know it you'll be at the end and have one piece of fringe hanging out.
Cut that piece of fringe in half.
Pull one of those pieces through your braid.

And tie both pieces together in a tight double knot.
Now you'll be ready to "braid" the second side.  You'll need to start at the same end that you started with the first time, so that your end knots should be on the same end of the scarf.  I found it easiest to work from the same position and work right to left.
Once you've finished both "braids," you'll find that your two layers of fleece are just slightly offset, so that there will be about 1/4-1/2 inch of hangover.
Just trim it even.
And you're done!

This is destined for the lovely lady who stands out in 20 degree weather to help Firecracker cross the street.  Check back tomorrow for a cute way to gift these!  Sorry for the suspense...but I've got to go put the kids down for naps. :)

Click here to see how to put together this Scarf Roll with goodies inside as a gift.

If you're interested in how this braiding works for a Double Layer Fleece Blanket, click here.

Or for the single layer version, click here.

I'll be linking to:
A Mommy AdventuresShow and Tell GreenMaking The Girl Creative  Keeping It Simple abc button PhotobucketTip Junkie handmade projectsPhotobucket giveaways make it wear it   Katie's Nesting Spot  Photobucket Join us Saturdays at tatertotsandjello.com for the weekend wrap up party! abc buttonShibley Smiles abc button

7 comments:

  1. I love this idea! I love how your ideas are simple enough that I could try it but challenging (for me !)

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  2. Hi, I just saw your link on At Home with K's linky party. I love the scarf. I made a single layer fleece blanket with a braided edge but I absolutely love what you did with 2 different patterns/colors of fleece on that scarf. Good job!

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  3. Great tutorial! I'd love for you to come link up at DIY Thrifty Thursday @ www.thrifty101.blogspot.com

    Michelle @ Thrifty 101

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  4. Hi everyone! I do have a tip that makes this easier...use a crochet hook instead of the paper clip. It works up very quickly.

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  5. I love this idea! Just what I was looking for to make for our high school playoff football game tonight! I'm going to us a solid color and a logo print that will be the envy of other moms! Thank you, thank you, thank you!

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  6. Love the scarf idea but I found doing it width wise with 1 yard made it just perfect for a child but too short for an adult. So I would recommend 2 yards lengthwise for a adult.

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