I realize that freezing temperatures are a few weeks away, but that didn't stop Aubry and me from making a warm winter scarf. This project is both simple and inexpensive and there are variations that can be done to accommodate younger children or to make this more challenging for older children. (Variation ideas are at the bottom of the post).
We purchased 1/4-yard of fleece for the scarf and two 1/8-yard pieces for the embellishment. Surprisingly Aubry stayed away from pink and purple fleece, but she did manage to add a small amount of pink detail when it came to the sewing.
I suggest that you allow your child to do all picking and choosing of the fabrics and that you also let them handle all of the steps that they feel capable of doing. You may end up with a less-than-perfect scarf, but your child will love their creation!
I trimmed our 1/4 yard piece to measure 6" X the length of the fabric cut (approximately 68" long). Then I showed Aubry how to cut the fringes (I used some excess fabric to cut this sample).
I used pins to show her where her cuts should stop and this is what she came up with:
***You will do this on both ends of the scarf.
Aubry choose to embellish her scarf with squares, but you could use hearts, flowers circles or initials. All you need to do is to cut the shape from a piece of paper, pin it to the fabric and cut it out. I let Aubry cut these out by herself:
We cut 4 large squares and 4 small squares:
Then she laid out her design (I even kept my hands and my opinion out of this step!):
I added pins to hold the design in place and I threaded a needle with 3 strands of embroidery floss. Notice the pink:
A large "X" was an easy way to tack down the squares and I let her do this mostly by herself. Lucky for me, she is enough of a perfectionist that she asked me to show her where to sew on the square to make the "X". (Can you tell that I am a perfectionist?)
I showed her how to avoid pulling the thread out of the needle by holding the top of the thread when she pulls the needle through the fleece:
Here is our finished product:
I think it turned out quite well and now all we have to do it to wait for some colder days!
***Variations: An older child can add a more elaborate design or an applique, and they could also zig-zag stitch or use a blanket stitch around the edges of the design. A younger child can glue their design on as long the glue you choose will stay put during washing.
Such cute ideas you have, Randi! This would be perfect for Abigail!
Posted by: Tracy | October 02, 2007 at 06:17 AM
What a great project and a super-cute model too!!!
Posted by: Karyn | October 02, 2007 at 07:35 AM
Wondering if I could convince Sunshine into trying this...
How do you keep the fringes from raveling out once they've been cut? Does fleece even ravel? LOL
Posted by: Daisy | October 02, 2007 at 07:46 AM
I have to do this with my boys-- too bad it is never quite cold enough for a scarf here... BUT we can make them as Christmas gifts!
Oh the possibilities!
You are so smart and clever. I just love your ideas!
Posted by: Marsha | October 02, 2007 at 08:01 AM
Cute idea! I think I'll make this with my crafty little children. :)
Posted by: noodle | October 02, 2007 at 08:11 AM
Cute! Cute! Great idea!
Posted by: Jodi | October 02, 2007 at 08:29 AM
I love it! This is a great project that will work for a variety of ages. I'm looking forward to doing it with Girlkiddo.
Posted by: Pieces | October 02, 2007 at 08:57 AM
Excellent! And the weather is getting cold, too - this scarf will be just in time!
Posted by: Beck | October 02, 2007 at 09:15 AM
We made headbands, hats, and mittens using the same basic technique a few years ago. The kids LOVED them. I cut out a whole slew of random shapes and let them sew them on as they saw fit. Thee are still a few floating around even though, for the most part, they have grown out of them.
Posted by: Heather | October 02, 2007 at 10:10 AM
What a nice idea!! It's always so great to let them do a project from start to finish!! (Just like with cooking---it's a great way to get kids to eat---let them be the chef!!)
Posted by: Katie | October 02, 2007 at 10:57 AM
You have great ideas, Randi! I'll bet Aubry is really proud of herself!
Posted by: Linda | October 02, 2007 at 12:07 PM
Wonderful! Great gift idea :) Thanks so much.
~Rose
Posted by: Rose | October 02, 2007 at 02:10 PM
Love this! Fleece is such a wonderful thing :)
Posted by: Christina | October 02, 2007 at 06:13 PM
my gals are stoked about this one!!!
Posted by: heidi | October 02, 2007 at 07:18 PM
I'm going to do this with my daugther and her little friend next week during their playdate. I promised them a sewing project. This is perfect, especially because the little friend has never sewed!
THANK YOU!
Posted by: Daja | October 03, 2007 at 01:18 AM
What a gift it is to teach a child so young this craft! It will be something she will remember forever. Wonderful!
Posted by: Carrie~Gigi | October 16, 2007 at 09:37 PM
Great idea, I'm going to try this with my senior's class!
Posted by: Christina | November 14, 2007 at 12:16 PM
Cool!.. Nice work...c
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Posted by: Yaehoo | April 30, 2009 at 01:14 PM
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Posted by: Yaehoo | April 30, 2009 at 01:14 PM