I love Madewell clothing stores, I squeal with delight every time their new collections come out, and insist on visiting their retail store every time I am visiting my parents in NY. Unfortunately….there are no stores near me. The nearest Madewell would leave my driving upwards of 3 hours. Of course, I can always shop on-line. But when I am spending decent money on clothing, I like to touch and feel it before purchasing. Which means, I am left drooling on-line.
When Madewell released their Fall 2015 catalog recently, I fell in love with everything (as always). But my eyes stopped short when I saw their Cape Scarf. Not only did it look super easy to recreate, but I just happened to have a fabric that was purchased recently at Jo-Ann Fabric & Craft Stores that would work perfectly! Yesss…..
Cape Scarf DIY
MATERIALS:
- 2 yards thick knit, sweater, wool fabric (I used THIS window pane grey fabric)
- Optional trim (think poms, tassels, or mesh)
- basic sewing essentials
HOW TO:
- Fold fabric in half, right sides together, so that the selvage ends meet. If desired, add optional trim to short side edges, slipping the trim inside the folded fabric matching up the raw edges.
- Pin all around, leaving a 6″ opening along the long edge. Sew, leaving the 6″ open for turning. Turn right side out, and push edges out with fingers. Edge stitch all around, closing the opening within your edge stitch.
- Measure 6″ up from the bottom of your scarf, in the very center of your scarf, on both sides. Cut a 6.5″ slit.
- Use either bias tape to enclose the raw edges of your arm openings, or fold raw, cut edge towards the inside 1/2″ and pin. Sew around to close.
And you are finished!
I am super excited to wear this all season this Fall, and perhaps even a little bit into Winter. It is PERFECT!!
Thanks so much for stopping by, and until next time…
Happy Sewing!
I love it!! I’ve got a Craft Gossip post scheduled for laterthism orning tht links to your tutorial: http://sewing.craftgossip.com/?p=84482 –Anne
I have the perfect material I’ve been wanting to use for something like this! Thanks for posting the tutorial!
Wow, this is gorgeous. What a fantastic idea. Thank you so much for sharing, I really must find the time to try and make one. What a great gift these would make.
Totally in love!!! It doesn’t get too cold here in South Florida, but it’s totally gorgeous. I want to make this for those days that it does get just a little cold. Maybe I can try a lighter fabric. Thanks for this.
What did you use as your “bias tape?” It looks perfect! Thank you!
Um hello!! I want one of these for fall/winter. Here in GA might be just right..Thank you Thank you!
Wonderful tutorial! Your cape scarf is much nicer than the inspiration! So pretty!
Thanks for the instructions. What width fabric do you suggest?
great question Karen! Most knit fabric is wide by nature – mine was approx. 60″ wide. I would say anything above 54″ in width will work perfect!
How and what did you use for the white trim? That really makes it pop! Beautiful.
Thanks Char! It is a simple white mesh fabric 🙂
What width fabric did you use please?
Hi Jess,
I’ve visited this post three times just to admire the cape scarf. I picked up some brushed shirting flannel recently for infinity scarves that I think would work well. Is your fabric more structured? I was eyeing up some fabrics I don’t normally use, though, and there were some nice plaids that felt like wool or suiting material that I might try. Thanks for the post!
Structured fabric would definitely work!! I think you will really like how it comes out 🙂
I ran right out to Jo-Ann’s Fabrics and found the perfect fabric. I’ll be making this tomorrow!
Thank you for the easy to follow instructions.
Renee
Love this! I want to make several. I see that your fabric is poly spandex. Is it mid-heavy weight? Sweater knit? Thanks!
I’ve been wanting to make something just like this, but couldn’t quite figure it out. Thanks so much for sharing!
nice
2033 Ridge Road
I have the exact same fabric!!! I only have 1.5 yards so mine will be shorter, but goingto make it anyway! Thanks for the tutorial!
Do you have a picture from the back as well? I’m a very visual learner. I like to see all sides so I know if I will be able to tackle a project.
Perfect, Thank you
Yours is better than the inspiration!
Will fleece work? I have a few yards just waiting to be sewed. Love the idea.
It sure will!!! I made some out of fleece for my kids here: https://www.mesewcrazy.com/2015/10/kids-fleece-cape-scarf.html
Thank you, can’t wait to find the time to sew!
Love this! and thank you for the tutorial 🙂
We don’t have much cold weather here in the deep south. I have some fleece sweater knit I would love to use. Do you think it would work okay to just use one layer instead of doubling the fabric? As long as the knit looks okay on the underside, I may try it!
Hi Susan! I’m not Jess but wanted to respond to your question. I’ve seen tutorials that use a single layer of sweater knit, so you are definitely good to go! The outer edges are narrow hemmed and the arm openings are finished as Jess instructed.
Ok, I LOVE this and you are darling! What does it look like from the back? Does it cover your back, or is it more like a scarf? Thanks so much!
Love this!! i have one question, how would i go about making this longer in the back (to hide the big girl booty)
thanks!!
I made one like this about 2 years ago but just found thi article today. lol
To make it longer in the back, make sure the fabric is longer width wise. If you have to, sew two fabric widths together. You’ll have a seam going across your back but, if you do it right, it won’t be too noticeable.
In my case, I completely scored some vintage, wider width, blue and red plaid flannel. Trying to be frugal I used up the same size fabric but in white cotton bed sheet. Then I hand sewed everything together and, after turning outside-out, I sewed a blanket stitch all around in a burgundy color. I don’t have the hand holes in mine because it is a tad shorter but I keep mine closed using a pennanular brooch.