This DIY kimono cardigan is the perfect piece of clothing to transition your wardrobe from Summer to Fall, and you can sew it in 20 minutes from a large rectangular scarf!
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 kimono cardigan!
This sewing project is literally only 2 seams and a hem. That’s it!
JUMP TO THE PRINTABLE INSTRUCTIONS
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 for this DIY: https://amzn.to/2NarJeG
Use the directions and diagram below to make your adorable kimono cardigan, or watch the video below for the step-by-step instructions.
Here’s how to make this easy DIY kimono cardigan from a scarf:
- Grab your favourite, large rectangular 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.
- 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. 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’re all done!
Use this diagram as a reference for where to cut, sew and fold:
Watch my video below to learn how to sew this simple, DIY kimono cardigan from a scarf:
Let’s make it!
Make a Kimono Cardigan from a Scarf
Materials
- large rectangular scarf (mine was 33" x 66")
- thread
Tools
- sewing machine
- ruler
- stick pins
- scissors
Instructions
- Grab your favourite, large rectangular 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.
- 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. 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.
Notes
Use this diagram as a reference for where to cut, sew and fold:
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Really great idea. Thank you so much.
Yes! This is right up my alley, simple and sooooooo darling! I have 2 scarves that will be kimonoed this week!
Lovely idea looks great on you although I can’t seem to play the video
Maybe switch browsers? I’m on Safari and it’s working fine for me. You can also watch it directly on YouTube: https://youtu.be/7Nez51Kqk14
Just made my 1st Kimono cardigan and just love it!!! Super Easy.