tutorial: a scarf from wool pants? absolutely!

Found this fabulous pair of Banana Republic wool pants at the thrift store and it was the perfect thing for today's tutorial. The slacks are deep brown plaid with a thin strip of chartreuse running throughout. Today we're...

Making a Wool Scarf from Pants

1) Make sure that the pants have been laundered (ew) and
2) Make sure you don't have a scratchy pair of pants (ow).

Use a seam ripper to open the outside and inside seams.

After ripping the outside and inside leg seams, cut off the waistband so that you are left with four long panels. Cut the panels as long as possible and about 9" wide. These measurements are not carved in stone. You can use about three lengths (end to end) for a longer scarf and two lengths for a shorter scarf.

(I'm using pinking shears to prevent raveling which in turn prevent the need for hemmed sides. If you don't have pinking shears, you can turn the seam under twice and hem OR leave it natural to ravel a bit.)

Once cut, press your panels.

Pin and stitch the panels together, end to end. To make the raw edges lay flat, you can fold the seam over and stitch it again. (Sorry for the picture quality. I am dealing with serious afternoon sun.)

That's it for the construction!

If you'd like fringe at the ends this is where, once again, the pinking shears come in handy.
Cut about 4-6" strips on each end, about 1/2" wide.

Now for the even MORE fun part...
(as if you could have more fun)

Dig out old fabric scraps and buttons. Begin cutting flowers and leaves. If you aren't comfy cutting flowers, then cut circles. Arrange on each end of the scarf and pin.

Stitch each flower and leaf into place. Have fun with your stitching because we're going to scratch up the raw edges of the flowers and leaves so that they ravel a bit.
The more whimsical, the better.

Scratch and mess the fabric to your liking. Use your Fray Check to go around the edges so that they'll stop the raveling process.
(See my pinky claw at the bottom of the photo? Freaky, right?)

Sew colorful buttons to the center of each flower.

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Sewing tips:
Use a different colored bobbin thread for sewing the flowers and leaves if, like me, you have dark fabric. This way the seams won't show up on the back of the scarf.

If you want to take this scarf tutorial to the next level, line the scarf with a bold contrasting fabric. Simply pin both front and back, right sides together, then stitch all around leaving an opening to pull the right sides out. To finish stitch all around the perimeter again with a 1/4" seam allowance.

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Now you MUST model your fabulous new scarf outside in the crisp fall air with a glass of merlot...or pinot...or as is the case of my model, hot chocolate.

...and a nice piece of raw hide.