Snap Up Infinity Travel Scarf Sewing Tutorial
Learn how to make an infinity scarf with this free sewing pattern. This pattern is unique because it can snap and un-snap, so it doubles as a travel blanket. Keep reading to find out more!
Today, I will share a tutorial on making a snap-up infinity scarf, one of my “go-to” travel items. I purchased a similar scarf at the Lululemon store a few years ago and dragged it everywhere. I thought it would be fun to try to make scarf similar to the Lulu scarf.
Why I Love This Travel Scarf
I love this scarf because it is perfect for road trips and airplane rides. When snapped up, the scarf looks like a regular infinity scarf, but unsnap it, and you have a blanket for an airplane or a shawl for long car rides. Mine goes with me every time I travel.
When it was time for a new scarf, I made one instead of purchasing one.
I especially love it when I’m traveling during the summer, and it’s too warm to take a blanket or coat on an airplane. Those planes can get very cold! You can adjust the snaps so they do not fall off you when you move around on the plane.
This scarf is made from Jersey Knit fabric. You could also choose a Ponte Knit or a Cotton Lycra Knit. Not sure what I’m talking about?
With all the cute knit fabrics on the market, finding one you love to make this scarf should be easy. It’s so quick to stitch up that you could make a few.
Infinity Travel Scarf Sewing Tutorial
Equipment
- Zipper foot for Sewing Machine
supplies
- 1 yard 58-60″ wide knit fabric
- 1 yard snap tape
- Thread
Instructions
Before you start:
- This scarf is about 58″ long when finished, which might not be long enough for some. If you’d like to make a longer scarf, sew (with a French seam or a serger) an extra “half” of fabric to one end. To do this, you’ll cut an additional piece of fabric that is 28″ x 26″.
Step One:
- Wash and dry your fabric. Knit fabrics are different from quilting cotton in that they must be pre-washed and dried before use.
Step Two:
- Cut your knit fabric into a rectangle that is 28″ wide by 58″ (or the width of your fabric). Cut the selvage edges off of your fabric.
- (tip: use a rotary cutter when cutting knit fabrics to get a clean edge)
- Cut your snap tape to 28″ long.
Step Three:
- Fold under one of the 28″ sides of the fabric 1″. The wrong sides of the fabric should be facing. Separate the snap tape.
- Pin one side of the snap tape to the fabric on top of the fold. Double-check that you have the correct side of the snap tape facing up. Have the tape about 1/16″ from the fold of the fabric. Pin well.
- Install the zipper foot on your sewing machine.
- Stitch the snap tape in place along one edge of the tape. You’ll need your zipper foot to keep the sewing machine’s foot out of the way of the snaps.
- TIP: If you’re having difficulty stitching the snap tape with your zipper foot, you can use your standard presser foot and sew the tape with a wide zig-zag stitch. Part of the zig-zag will be on the fabric, and part will be on the zipper tape. When you stitch the zig-zag on the folded edge of the fabric, part of the stitch will be off the fabric.
- Repeat this for the other edge of the snap tape (you may need to move your needle or readjust your foot, depending on your sewing machine).
Step Four:
- Fold the other 28″ side of the fabric down 1″ with the wrong sides of the fabric facing. Pin the other half of the snap tape to the RIGHT side of the scarf on top of the fold. Ensure the correct side of the snap tape is facing up and that it lines up with the snap tape you stitched to the other side.
- The stitch is in place the same way you did in step 3.
Step Five:
- Trim edges even. Clip strings, and you’re done! Since the knit fabric does not fray, there is no need to hem the long edges of the scarf!
