How to Make a Scarf into a Cardigan

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This DIY drapey cardigan is the perfect piece of clothing to wear as a light layering piece, and you can sew it in 20 minutes from a large rectangular scarf! Let me show you how to make a scarf into a cardigan in a few simple steps.

I adore flowy kimono style cardigans, and they are the easiest thing to DIY! Do you have a large, rectangular scarf and basic sewing skills? You can make this beautiful DIY cardigan!

This post was first published in 2018 and has since been updated.

This sewing project is literally only 2 seams and a hem. That’s it!

I found my scarf at Michaels a few years ago, so this is also a great way to give older scarves new life.

Scarves like these from Amazon would be perfect to turn into DIY kimono cardigans: https://amzn.to/2NarJeG You can use silk or light polyester blend scarves.

Use the directions and diagram below to make your adorable cardigan, or watch the video below for the step-by-step instructions.

You Will Need

  • large rectangular scarf (mine measures about 33″ wide by 66″ long)
  • ruler
  • pencil
  • stick pins
  • fabric scissors
  • sewing machine
  • thread

Here’s how to make this easy DIY cardigan from a scarf

Grab your favourite, large scarf that needs a new life (for your reference, mine measures about 33″ wide by 66″ long).

Fold it in half horizontally, and then fold it in half vertically.

Use this diagram as a reference for where to cut, sew and fold:

Easy DIY Kimono Cardigan from a Scarf - a 20 min sewing project with only two seams and a hem!

Cut along the front center fold carefully with sharp fabric shears. Only cut one layer of fabric.

Open up your last fold, and you’ll have the center front cut in the middle.

To create arm hole seams, measure 10″ from the top left corner of your folded scarf and make a mark, then measure about 3″ from the left edge of your scarf and make a mark. Draw a line from this point down about 6″. Use stick pins to mark the top and bottom of this line.

Repeat for the right hand side of your folded scarf.

Then, use a sewing machine to sew along these marks to create your arm holes and short side seams. Make sure to back stitch at the top and bottom to secure the seams.

Finally, roll the raw edge you created for the front & neck opening and stitch it in place. I roll my raw edge under slightly once, and then again to create a very small rolled edge hem. You don’t have to worry about the bottom of the scarf as you are using the original scarf hem.

You’re all done! You now have a cute cardigan addition to your wardrobe that you can wear over a tank top during the summer, over a swimsuit as a chic coverup, or over a long sleeve t shirt in the colder months.

Watch my video tutorial below to learn how to sew this simple DIY cardigan from a scarf

DIY Cardigan from a Scarf Instructions

Make a Drapey Cardigan from a Scarf

Make a Drapey Cardigan from a Scarf

Yield: 1 Cardigan
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Active Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Difficulty: Easy
Estimated Cost: $15

This DIY drapey cardigan is the perfect layering piece, and you can sew it in 20 minutes from a large rectangular scarf!

Materials

  • large rectangular scarf (mine was 33" x 66")
  • thread

Tools

  • sewing machine
  • ruler
  • stick pins
  • scissors

Instructions

  1. Grab your favourite, large rectangular scarf that needs a new life (for your reference, mine measures about 33″ wide by 66″ long).
  2. Fold it in half horizontally, and then fold it in half vertically.
  3. Cut along the front center fold carefully with sharp fabric shears. Only cut one layer of fabric.
  4. Open up your last fold, and you’ll have the center front cut in the middle.
  5. To create arm hole seams, measure 10″ from the top left corner of your folded scarf and make a mark, then measure about 3″ from the left edge of your scarf and make a mark. Draw a line from this point down about 6″. Use stick pins to mark the top and bottom of this line.
  6. Repeat for the right hand side of your folded scarf.
  7. Then, use a sewing machine to sew along these marks to create your arm holes. Make sure to back stitch at the top and bottom to secure the seams.
  8. Finally, roll the raw edge you created for the front & neck opening and stitch it in place. I roll my raw edge under slightly once, and then again to create a very small rolled edge hem.

Notes

Use this diagram as a reference for where to cut, sew and fold:

Easy DIY Kimono Cardigan from a Scarf - a 20 min sewing project with only two seams and a hem!

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