How to Make an Infinity Scarf

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Learn how to make an infinity scarf. These simple scarfs are a just loop of fabric that you can twist around your neck or wear long. They are typically made from soft fabrics sewn into a tube and have no visible seams on the outside. Infinity scarfs are sewn from a long rectangle of fabric and are an ideal sewing project for beginners.

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In cooler weather, the first thing I notice is a cold neck! This infinity scarf will keep you warm and add some style and individuality to your outfit. Most of you will be able to sew this scarf in 15 minutes. It will take you longer just to choose the perfect fabric! Using just one yard of fabric, making your own will save you a lot of money compared to what these sell for in the stores.

Supplies

FABRIC - Stretch fabric or soft woven fabric that drapes. This green sample was made in soft rayon fabric.
NEEDLES
- For Stretch - Stretch needles are necessary to prevent skipped stitches. An alternative for fabrics with a low stretch factor is a ballpoint needle.
- For Woven - Universal needles in an appropriate size.
PRESSER FOOT
- For Stretch - Teflon foot or walking foot. These specialty feet can make sewing stretch fabric easier but if you don't have one, use your regular all-purpose presser foot.
- For Woven - All-purpose foot
SEWING MACHINE - Your machine should do a simple zig-zag stitch in order to sew stretch fabric. For woven fabric, all you need is a straight stitch. While a serger is an amazing tool for sewing stretch fabric and finishing seams, it is not necessary for this project.
GENERAL SUPPLIES - Scissors, pins, thread. Your thread should match your fabric and be a similar fiber content.

How Much Fabric Do you Need for an Infinity Scarf?

Purchase 1 yard (0.90m) of soft stretch fabric or woven fabric with drape. (Read more about fabric drape)

Generally, lightweight fabric works best and enables you to comfortably twist the scarf around your neck. Choose a fabric that breathes such as cotton or rayon. If you want to save money, try upcycling on old t-shirt, shirt or bedding item. The advantage of upcycling is that the item is often already soft and pre-washed. Flannel makes a soft and cozy infinity scarf.

How to Make an Infinity Scarf

Here are the instructions how to make an infinity scarf.

Preparation

It is especially important when making an infinity scarf that you pre wash your fabric. Stretch in particular is prone to shrinkage and you don't want to go to all that effort sewing only to find it is too small after the first wash. Check the laundry symbols and suggestions on the fabric bolt. If you don't have access to that information, I suggest you hand wash your fabric in cool or lukewarm water with a mild detergent. Test a scrap first as always.

Step 1 - Cutting the Rectangle

Cut your yard in half lengthwise so you have 2 rectangles 36 x 22 inches (90x56cm).
Put the fabric rectangles with right sides together and stitch the shorter ends with a ⅜ inch (1cm) seam. You now have a long piece of fabric approximately 2 yards (1.8m) by 22 inches (56cm).

How to Make an Infinity Scarf with no Center Seam

Alternatively, if you have a 2 yard (180cm) piece of fabric, you could just cut a long strip of 22 inches (56cm). However, this can be a little wasteful as you will be only using half the fabric so it is often better to use the 1-yard (90cm)piece of fabric and add a seam.

How to Make an Infinity Scarf - Cutting Instructions

Step 2 - Sew the Tube

Fold the long rectangle in half lengthwise with right sides together, so you now have a tube 11 inches by 2 yards long (28cmx180cm).
Stitch with a ⅜ inch (1cm) seam allowance. If you are using a stretch fabric, stitch with a narrow zig-zag stitch. For woven fabrics, use a straight stitch. There is no need to finish the seam.
Fold your tube back inside itself with right sides together. This means you will have a shorter tube with the raw edges matching at the top. The easiest way to do this is to put your hand through the middle of the tube, grab the far end and bring your hand back through the tube until the ends match.
Stitch around the opening of the tube leaving a 2 inch (5cm) gap.
Turn the tube to the right side through the gap.

Step 3 - Close the Gap

Using a slip stitch, close the gap. Slip stitch forms an invisible seam particularly when sewn in a matching color thread.
Give your infinity scarf a final press and you are all ready to wear it.

*How to Make an Infinity Scarf - Sewing Instructions*

Decorative Options

There are many ways you can decorate your infinity scarf:

Cut the initial long 2 yard rectangle in half and use contrasting fabrics
Add pom pom trim along the edges
Add lace trim along the edges
Adjust the width or length of the scarf.

How to Make an Infinity Scarf - In Conclusion

Now you know how to make an infinity scarf you can make lots in every color of the rainbow. This short and easy project is very satisfying and an easy use of one yard of fabric.