With so many gorgeous designer inspired scarves out this season, its always great to find new ways to wear them. Because this scarf bag has a lightweight, billowy nature it is the perfect Summer accessory.
This Scarf Bag DIY turns a fashion scarf into a hip bag that will add a splash of color to any outfit.
VIEW DETAILED INSTRUCTIONS >
What youll need to make your Scarf Bag DIY:
- 1 Large Scarf (mine is 42″ square)
- 1 Yard of half inch cord
- 1 Yard of plain fabric or a bag to cover
- Pins
- Scissors
- Needle & thread
- Sewing machine
Step 1
Starting with your plain fabric measure 14 inches across and at least 14 inches long. I folded mine twice as you can see in the pictures, so my bag would be doubled with no raw edges sticking out. Pin your seams.
Step 2
Sew your side seams and your top seam, leaving about 3 inches open so you can turn your bag right side out.
Step 3
Turn your bag right side out, fold it around so that one fits inside the other making your bag a double layer.
Once your bag is turned right side out, take your needle and thread and hand stitch the opening closed.
Step 4
Layout your scarf and decide what part you want to have as your focus on the bag. Since my scarf had stripes I had to decide if I wanted them horizontal or vertical. If your scarf has a solid background you wont have to worry about this.
Once youve decided how you want your scarf to look, cut it in half.
Step 5
Lay your 2 scarf pieces together with right sides facing. Lay your bag on top in the center to measure the opening youll need to leave. Pin your sides and using your sewing machine, sew your sides across from the bag opening to the edge of your scarf.
Step 6
Turn your scarf right side out and lay it flat on the table. Place your bag on top and measure around it marking with pins where you will be sewing. Mark all the way around your bag. Be sure to leave at least a half inch of scarf fabric at the top opening of your bag. (You will be folding this over inside the bag and stitching it down later.)
Step 7
Using your sewing machine sew a seam all the way around your bag, this seam will be on the outside of your bag, you will not be turning it around.
Step 8
Slide your bag inside the pocket you just sewed.
Step 9
Fold the top edge over and pin it down. I folded mine over twice to avoid any raw edges.
Step 10
Using your needle and thread, stitch your scarf to your bag.
Step 11
Take your cord and place it on the inside corner of your bag, at least 1 inch down. Sew it tightly in place. Do the same for the other side.
Scarves are one of the most versatile accessories out there. With more ways to wear them than there are scarves, you can never go wrong with a scarf purchase. Its a great way to freshen up your look and because there are so many great prints and colors at every price point, youre sure to find one or twenty that work for you.
This scarf bag DIY is a fun way to transform your scarf into an on trend bag. It channels a little bit of Stevie Nicks with its billowy “scarfyness” and just enough chic to invoke images of Jackie O. in Capri. Its a relaxed look that maintains plenty of chic elegance.
This is absolutely cute!!! Love your blog!
Kisses
Silvia
http://bornineightytwo.com
Hi Silvia,
Thank you so much!!!
xoxo
Cathy
I love this idea, and it does look incredible! I’d love to try it out with different printed scarves.
Hi Stephanie,
Thanks! There are so many beautiful scarves out there and each one could give it a whole new look. Be sure to let me know what you come up with, I’d love to see.
xoxo
Cathy
Just Gorgeous!! Love it!!!! – New fan ; )
http://www.sparklychicjewels.com
Hi Marytha,
Thank you so much!!!!
xoxo
Cathy
Oh my goodness, this is genius!!! I hope you will consider uploading a photo of it into SewSet, a new on-line sewing pattern & tutorial search engine – so others can find this beautiful purse as well! It is fabulous!
Thank you so much for sharing!
– Jess, SewSet.com
Hi Jess,
Thank you so much! I did upload it to SewSet. Thank you so much for letting me know about your site.
xoxo
Cathy
I LOVE this look! Such a cool, relaxed vibe yet super glam! Great work!
Thank you! I’m so glad you like the scarf bag!
xoxo
Cathy
Love the bag!
wonderful! what a great idea. thanks for sharing!
Hi Vanina,
Thank you! (and you’re welcome :))
xoxo
Cathy
AWESOME DIY!! And where did you get that lovely scarf ??
Hi Ingrid,
Thank you! I actually got my scarf at Forever 21.
xoxo
Cathy
This is on my to do list! Thanks for sharing! I can’t wait to do it! (got to find the perfect scarf now)
Does the scarf have to be square or rectangle for best results?
Hi Kimberley,
My scarf was square, but depending on the size of the rectangle I’m sure that would work fine too.
I’m so glad you like it!
xoxo
Cathy
This is a lovely bag, but I notice one of the pictures has the caption “gypsy chic”. I thought I’d just let you know that gypsy is actually often considered a derogatory word for the Romani People, an ethnic group that still exists today. I don’t think it’s in good taste to appropriate their culture to describe this bag. I’m certain you didn’t do this maliciously, I just wanted to inform you.
Hi Vivi,
Thank you for bringing this to my attention. I can assure you that I meant nothing negative in my use of the word “gypsy”. The term has been used frequently in fashion, mainly referring to a free spirited and colorful fashion style. That was my only intention.
xoxo
Cathy
Hi! I found this your tutorial on SewSet and love it, I can’t wait to make my own! I’m just wondering where you got that scarf and although it has nothing to do with the tutorial – where did you find that awesome leather jacket?
Hi Elizabeth,
Thank you! It’s a really easy project and a great bag!
About my jacket (it’s actually pleather! shhh!) I found it in a little shop in Barcelona. Thanks!
xoxo
Cathy
What a beautiful idea… Simple yet elegant and chic….
Thank you for sharing
If you remember how big was your scarf in inches? I couldn’t find a big enough scarf so I just bought fabric. But I want it to hang cute like yours does, so I was hoping if I had the measurements of your scarf I could still make that happen
Hi Mallory!
My scarf is 42 inches wide. When the bag is finished it’s 18 inches tall by 42 inches wide.
Thank you for asking I’m going to add this info to the post! Send me a pic when it’s finished, I’d love to see it!
xoxo
Cathy