Sew a Scarf in an evening or less! Long or short—square or rectangle—scarves are fashion statements that are as enjoyable to create, as they are to wear. Best of all, they can be created in a variety of fabrics and a minimal investment of time.
Throughout the seasons of Sewing With Nancy, you’ve seen Nancy demonstrate an array of scarf options. During this new two-part series, Favorite Scarves to Sew, Nancy Zieman Productions, LLC selected a few favorite episodes that feature Nancy’s favorite scarf techniques.
The first scarf feature was—hands down—Nancy’s most favored scarf technique—the spiral scarf. Donna Fenske, one of the Sewing With Nancy designers, joins Nancy during this first episode. They begin with a long strip, make an important fold, and then sew. Magically the scarf turns from a long rectangle into a bias tube. Use rayon batiks for this technique; the fabric gracefully drapes around the neckline. The sewing description may seem contrary to logic, but with a little sewing savvy a crosswise length of fabric easily turns into a bias scarf.
Knits are the fabrics of choice when creating a continuous looped scarf. Like infinity rings or bracelets, the design cleverly includes one twist to give the scarf great shape and style. During this segment from the past, learn the secret to turning a tube into an infinite continuous loop. You’ll also learn how to create a two-toned version, as featured, or a one-color option—it will be easy to stitch-up a wardrobe of scarves.
The next scarf featured is the Chenille Scarf—first showcased in 2005, but it is as important of a style today as it was when initially introduced. Select a little over a yard of fabric, creatively cut into strips, stack the layers, stitch rows down the center, and then cut. After washing and drying, the fabric blooms and the boutique-style scarf is ready to wear.
The last scarf project of this episode features the ever-popular polyester fleece. Donna Fenske again joins Nancy to share how a fleece scarf is something you can make for the kids in your life or a project that you can sew in tandem. The scarf is functional while sporting a unique pocket shape that showcases felting accents. You’ll soon see that the felting step is a perfect how-to project for any age. It’s another favorite scarf projects that is a palette for creativity.
With instructions for over 40 different scarf variations, find the design that is perfect for your wardrobe. Fleece, rayon batiks, interlock knits, jersey, and homespun—these fabrics plus many more are candidates for your next scarf creation. Scarves can be created with a minimum of time and monetary investment. The best part is turning a rectangle of fabric into a fashionable accessory!
Here’s a sample of what you’ll find in the Favorite Scarves to Sew book:
- Infinity Scarf
- Cowl Infinity Scarf
- Fleece Scarf
- Chenille Scarf
- Ribbon Scarf
- Big Pocket Scarf
- Shirred Scarf
- Bejeweled Scarf
- Pendant Scarf
- Embroidered Scarf
- Spiral Scarf
- Lettuce-Edge S-Curve Scarf
- Two-Toned Scarf
- Ruffled Scarf
- Fringed Scarf
Watch Favorite Scarves to Sew (Part One and Part Two) on Sewing With Nancy online.
For a chance to win a copy of the book, Sewing With Nancy’s Favorite Scarves to Sew from Nancy’s Notions, let us know what scarf you’re planning to sew to freshen up your winter wardrobe.
You’re Invited
Celebrating Nancy Zieman Open House
9 a.m. to noon, Saturday, Dec. 16
Wisconsin Public Television studios
Wisconsin Public Television and Nancy Zieman Productions invite you to join us in the Wisconsin Public Television studios—the location of the Sewing With Nancy set—for an open house: Celebrating Nancy Zieman.
Nancy Zieman, longtime host of Sewing With Nancy and co-founder of Quilt Expo, passed away on Nov. 14, 2017. An educator, author, pattern maker, television producer, entrepreneur and innovator, Nancy inspired millions of sewing and quilting enthusiasts throughout her career. She hosted Sewing With Nancy, the longest-running sewing series on television, since 1982.
Please join us on Dec. 16 from 9 a.m. to noon in the WPT studios for the Celebrating Nancy Zieman event in honor of Nancy’s life and legacy. View the Sewing With Nancy set*, get a behind-the-scenes look at the production of Sewing With Nancy, view a tribute video and visit with the production staff who worked with Nancy over the years. You will also be invited to share your memories of Nancy—and how she inspired you—in a feedback booth.
9 a.m.–noon Saturday, Dec. 16
Wisconsin Public Television Studios—Vilas Hall
821 University Ave.
Madison, Wis. 53706
This free celebration in honor of Nancy is an open-house format: Please feel free to arrive and leave at any time. Coffee and light fare will be served.
RSPVs are requested but not required. If you are able, please RSVP by clicking here.
The WPT studios are located on the second floor of Vilas Hall. Enter down the stairs next to the loading dock entrance on the Park Street side of the building. Volunteers will be on hand to point you in the right direction. Please allow extra time for traveling and parking.
Happy Sewing,
Team Nancy Zieman
Nancy Zieman Productions, LLC.
Dear Nancy, I have been inspired by you & your programs for years. The infinity scarf is what I would like to make. With 6 children, 10 grandchildren, 2 great grandchildren , and the rest of the family, I always have someone to sew for. Your programs give me ideas for all. Thanks again.
I would love to make the Bejewled scarf, such a unique idea. Thank you to the Sewing with Nancy team for continuing her legacy.
I’d like to sew a cowl infinity scarf.
I’d like to try the scarf that has a pendant hanging from the center front. All-bias spiral scarf is a fun one to make, too, especially with a striped fabric.
Still in shock about Nancy. . .
One year for Christmas every lady on my list got an infinity and/or a spiral scarf. I guess this year in tribute to Nancy it’s time to again update their wardrobes with new ones in new colors, and for me to get a chenille scarf.
I’m just getting back to garment sewing and would love to add some lovely scarves.
Fleece scarf. I have never made a fleece scarf before.
I’ve been wanting to make a chenille scarf for ages, just never got around to it. Maybe now’s the time.
Definitely Infinity scarves!!!! They will be in flannel for all the gals in my family that live in Buffalo! Warm is the key here! Thank you for the patterns and opportunity to win Nancy’s book!
The chenille scarf caught my eye and also the lettuce edged scarf.
I have learned so much from Nancy – so glad her legacy will live on.
I think the first scarf I’d make would be the chenille scarf. Or, because I like the idea of a pocket scarf for the winter, I love the mitten scarf a lot more. Super cute for grandchildren. It would be great for the scarf to have the mittens built in so they cannot be lost.
That chenille scarf is fascinating! So want to make that!
I love finding new ways to wear scarves, and they make such great accents to outfits. It’s nice to know this book has lots of scarf ideas – for sewing and using. I have fabric to make a couple of scarves, and also for making a few shells.
Supercool design and suggestion.I love sewing and this would be really great to have my own creative scarf.By different material and style i would like to opt for Fleece Scarf Ribbon and Big pocket scarf.Also Shirred is nice option.
I am looking forward to making a chenille scarf in the near future. Thanks for all the ideas.
Would love this book, mainly because I have never made a scarf. Have watched one of Nancy’s shows on this tho and think it would be fun for making gifts. I love wearing scarves.
I like the infinity for myself but would love to make the childrens muffin scarf. I am glad Nancys blog is still going and strong.
I think the embroidered scarf would be neat
Nancy Zieman will be in my heart Dec 16 just as she is so often in my thoughts. Would love to see her tribute presented on PBS. I’ve already made the infinity scarf with good results; now on to the spiral – it looks great. Thank you team Nancy.
I made my granddaughter an infinity scarf and she loved it, now she is asking for other styles, so need to get busy to make
more. The scarves in the book would give me many styles from which to choose. Thank you for keeping her life’s work going.
I love infinity scarves so that is what I would make. Thank you for the giveaway.
Would love to make the pendant scarf. Unfortunately will not be able to attend open house but would love to see the set. Nancy will be greatly missed.
Nancy’s infinity scarF would be my first choice. But I wI’ll plan to make more. Would love to win the book. Just got to FL, or I would be attending the open house in Madison.
I would sew the cowl infinity. All the scarves are lovely and would make nice Christmas presents.
The spiral scarf is interesting, would love to try it. I live in Alabama so visiting is not possible, but would love to come.
I love the infinity loop scarf, but the chenille has me intrigued.
What a great resource for sewing scarves! I would like to sew many of the styles, and I would start with an infinity one. Regretfully, I am unable to attend the Open House to honor Nancy. Thank you for inviting her fans to share in her memory.
I would love to make the Lettuce-Edge S-Curve Scarf for holiday parties.
I love that fleece scarf with the attached mittens!
Infinity scarf for sure! With the blustery winter weather now here, the infinity wrapped around my neck is the perfect fashion accessory peeking out of my coat collar; and it’s an easy pattern. As Buzz Lightyear says, “Infinity and Beyond!!!!!!”
The infinity scarf would be my first choice then a fleese scarf for each of my granddaughters and maybe for my grandson as well. Hope the open house goes well, wish I could be there.
Infinity is on my mind
I would love to make the infinity scarf. All of Nancy’s scarves look so exciting. I love that you are keeping Nancy’s legacy alive–she was such a special lady.
Just give me a scarf. I wear them to protect my neck in the winter.
My grand daughters always love it when I make them scarves. The infinity scarf is so popular now. I have such a short neck (to go with my short body), I seldom wear a scarf except for a couple winter ones that my daughters made me.
I really wish that I could attend the Open House to celebrate Nancy. I live in Arizona, and it’s just not possible. I still find it hard to believe that such a lovely lady is no longer with us.
Definitely a scarf person.Watch your show each week.Looking at soft wool fabric for a triangle scarf.Would love to have the book.
God Bless, Janice
The Continuous Loop Scarf is the one I would like to make.
My favourite is the infinity scarf,
I’m loving the Spiral Scarf. I would love to go to your Open House to celebrate Nancy. She was an inspiration to me and got me back into sewing. Unfortunately I live too far away to attend but I’m sure there will be a lot of Fans there.
I have not made the bias scarf and is one i would like to try. Thank you for bringing it to my attention and opportunity to still see Nancy in action.
No contest. Hands down favorite is the spiral scarf. The drape of this scarf makes it a pleasure to wear even for those of us who are “scarf impaired.”
I would like an infinity scarf
I made an infinity scarf once and I plan on making a fleece scarf for a present for someone.
My tribute to Nancy will be to continue to sew and share with others as Nancy did. Thanks, Nancy and team for what you gave. May her legacy continue by inspiring us all to be not only better “sewers” but also better people.
I will be teaching my daughter-in-love how to sew; this will be a perfect first project!
I would love to sew an infinity scarf, then try some others. Her patterns always turn out well.
I love the spiral scarf, have made several as gifts and have two cut and ready to sew for me.
The Chenille scarf looks like a great one to make.
I have a “tired” winter coat that needs a splash of color. I am planning to make a twisted infinity scarf. Thank you for allowing us to be part of Nancy’s legacy.
I would love to see the “Celebrating Nancy Zieman” televised and shown on all PBS stations. I am unable to attend in person. (PBS – Houston)
I teach teens to sew and the infinity scarf has been a popular scarf for beginners to sew. Some fabric choices are a bit more difficult than others, but usually the students are up to the challenge.
I have quite a few family members who would love to get a scarf for a Christmas gift! My first choice would be to try the Ribbon Scarf and then try the Ruffled Scarf. Yet, so many of these scarfs look so gorgeous, I know I would have a fabulous time making them all. Thank you for the great chance at the magnificent give away! Have a great day!
I love the look of the continuous loop scarf. Would like to try it. Nancys legacy lives on!!!!! Thanks for more inspiration and projects.
I have made several chenille scarfs, turned out really nice. I would love to make the fleece scarf with mittens on it for my granddaughter, to keep her little hands warm this winter. Having the book sure would make it easier to make a lot more. I have also made an infinity scarf. Miss Nancy
I have made many of Nancy’s twisted infinity scarves. Gave a lot of them as gifts. I would love to try the spiral scarf & the chenille scarf. Thank you to Nancy’s staff for keeping her legacy alive.