How to Sew a Patchwork Scarf

Cut out 18 squares (14 x 14 cm) and 16 rectangles (14 x 8 cm) from the fabric scraps.

To arrange the patches, first line up the patch pieces for the front and the back of the scarf on the floor or a long bench. You will have one row for the front of the scarf and one row for the back; you should have 9 squares and 8 rectangles in each row. Start both rows with a square then alternate square, rectangle, square, rectangle, and so on. When you are happy with your arrangement, stack up the pieces (one stack for the front and one stack for the back). Be careful to keep the pieces in order.

To sew the patches together, start with the square at the top of the stack. Pin the next piece (a rectangle) to the first square with the right sides together. Using a straight stitch, machine-sew the first two pieces together along the side, removing the pins as you come to them. Continue pinning and sewing the patches together in this way, adding one piece at a time. Do this for the front and back of the scarf, and then iron your sewn strips so the seams lay flat.

To sew the front and back of the scarf together, first lay the front of the scarf right side up on your bench, and lay the back of the scarf right side down on top of it. Line up the edges carefully and pin all around. Machine-sew the front and back together, sewing along one side, turning to sew one end and then sewing along the other side. Leave one end open. When you finish sewing you should have what looks like an inside-out tube with one end closed and one end open.

This how-to on how to sew a scarf is excerpted with permission from "Kids' Crafternoon Papercraft: 25 Projects for a Crafty Afternoon" edited by Kathreen Ricketson and published by Hardie Grant Books.