Make A Fringe Scarf From A T-Shirt

Creating a fringe scarf from a T-shirt is a simple and quick DIY project. All you need is a T-shirt, fabric scissors, and a ruler or measuring tape. First, cut the T-shirt horizontally, just below the armpits and above the bottom hem. You can also cut out the interior tags and side seams for a cleaner look. Next, measure 5 inches from the bottom edge of the shirt and place a strip of masking tape at this mark. Then, cut 3/4 to 1 wide strips through both layers of the T-shirt to create a fringed edge. You can also curl each strip of fringe around itself to create T-shirt yarn. Finally, remove the tape, give your scarf a shake, and it's ready to wear!

Choosing a t-shirt

You should also consider the type of fabric the t-shirt is made of. A cotton or cotton blend t-shirt will work well, as will a rayon jersey t-shirt. The drape of the fabric is important, as you want a fabric that will hang nicely around your neck. Rayon knits usually work well for making fringe, as they have good drape.

When choosing a t-shirt, you may also want to consider the colour and pattern. You can use a plain or patterned t-shirt for your scarf, depending on your preference. If you are using a patterned t-shirt, consider the placement of the pattern and how it will look when cut into a fringe.

Once you have chosen your t-shirt, you will need to gather some supplies, including fabric scissors or a rotary cutter, and a cutting surface. You may also want to use tailor's chalk or a pencil to mark the fabric before cutting. With your t-shirt chosen and your supplies gathered, you are ready to start creating your fringe scarf!

Cutting the t-shirt

The first step in making a fringe scarf from a T-shirt is to cut up the T-shirt. For this, you will need a plain or patterned T-shirt (the softer, the better), and a pair of fabric scissors or extra-sharp scissors. You can either use an old T-shirt or buy one from a thrift store.

Using your scissors, cut the T-shirt across the imaginary lines just beneath the armpits and just above the bottom hem. Cut out any interior tags as well. At this point, you will have an instant infinity scarf. However, if you want to add a fringe, continue to the next steps.

Use a ruler to measure 5 inches from the bottom edge of the T-shirt. You can make small marks on either side with masking tape. Then, place a strip of masking tape across the 5-inch mark. You can even tape the shirt to your work surface to stabilize it.

Now, cut 3/4"–1" wide strips through both layers of the T-shirt material to create a fringed edge. Don't worry about making perfectly straight or even cuts. If you are working with an extra-large T-shirt, you might want to fringe the top edge as well.

Hold the shirt down by the masking tape with one hand, and pull on each strip so that it starts to curl around itself. This is how you create "T-shirt yarn."

Cutting the Fabric

If you are using a piece of fabric instead of a T-shirt, you will need a piece of knit fabric, a sewing machine or serger, scissors or a rotary cutter, and a transparent gridded ruler.

For this project, you will need 54–60" of fabric or 1.5–1.67 yards to make a scarf that wraps around your neck twice. The width should be 18". Drapey knits usually work well for making fringe.

Using a gridded ruler, measure 6" up from the bottom edge of the scarf, by 1/2" wide, and cut these strips along the 60" edge. Cut fringe all along the length of the fabric.

Once you have cut the fringe, pull each strand of fringe firmly but gently, supporting each strand where it joins the uncut fabric so it doesn't rip off.

Measuring for the fringe

Step 1: Prepare the T-shirt

Before measuring for the fringe, you need to cut the T-shirt to create a rectangle that will serve as the base for your scarf. Start by laying the T-shirt flat on a cutting surface. Cut off the top of the shirt from the armhole seams up, and then cut off each side seam and the bottom hem. Measure to find the midline of the shirt and cut along this line. You should now have four rectangles of fabric, which will be the base for your scarf.

Step 2: Determine the Length of the Fringe

The length of the fringe is a matter of personal preference. A good rule of thumb is to cut the fringe twice as long as your desired finished length. For example, if you want the fringe to be approximately 6.5 inches long, cut the fabric to a length of 13 inches. You can also experiment with different widths of fringe to find your preferred look.

Step 3: Mark the Cutting Line

Use a measuring tape, ruler, or tailor's chalk to mark a straight line across the width of the fabric rectangle. This line should be at least 6 inches from the top long side of the rectangle. The distance between this line and the top edge of the rectangle will determine the length of your fringe.

Step 4: Cut the Fringe

Now, it's time to cut the fringe! Cut strips of fabric perpendicular to the marked line, stopping just before you reach it. Each strip should be approximately 1/2 inch wide. Make sure to cut in straight, clean lines for the best results. Continue cutting the fringe across the entire width of the fabric rectangle.

Step 5: Create the Fringe Effect

To create the desired fringe effect, hold each fringe piece at the chalk line where it is connected to the solid piece of fabric. Gently pull the end of the fringe and release, allowing it to curl up into a tube-like shape. Repeat this process for all the cut fringe pieces.

Step 6: Join the Rectangles

Finally, join all four rectangles together to create one long loop for your scarf. You can overlap the ends and sew them together using a sewing machine or serger. Sew two parallel lines of stitching or one zig-zag line to ensure the scarf looks the same on both sides.

By following these steps and carefully measuring and cutting the fringe, you can create a stylish and unique scarf from a T-shirt!

Cutting the fringe

Now that you have your t-shirt ready, it's time to create the fringe! Place one of the rectangles of fabric on your cutting surface. If you don't have a cutting surface, you can use any flat surface, such as a table or a desk.

For this step, you can use scissors or a rotary cutter. We will be cutting the fabric to create fringe pieces that are about 0.5 inches (1.25 cm) wide. Each fringe piece will be cut about 6 inches from the top of the rectangle's long side. Mark this line with tailor's chalk, a soap sliver, or a very fine pencil line. We will be cutting up to but not through this line to create the fringe.

You can experiment with the width of the fringe by cutting a small piece of fabric from the sleeve of the t-shirt. Cut off the sleeve hem, then cut a loop in the desired width, and pull it into a fringe shape to see if you like how it looks. Adjust the width as needed until you are happy with the result.

Once you have determined the desired width, cut along the lines you drew, up to the marked line. Make sure to cut in straight, clean lines for the best-looking results. Repeat this process for all four pieces of fabric, creating fringe on each one.

To create a round, tube-like bouncy fringe, hold each fringe piece at the marked line where it is connected to the solid piece of fabric. Gently pull on the end of the fringe and then release. The fringe should curl up into a nice, bouncy tube-like shape.

After creating the fringe on all four pieces, you are almost done! The final step is to join all four pieces together into one long loop for your scarf.

Now, let's move on to creating a fringe scarf using a piece of fabric. For this method, you will need a piece of knit fabric, a sewing machine or serger, scissors or a rotary cutter, and a transparent gridded ruler. Cut the fabric to create a rectangle that is 60 inches (152 cm) long by 18 inches (45 cm) wide. The greatest stretch of the fabric should go along the 18-inch width.

Using the gridded ruler, measure and cut strips that are 6 inches (15 cm) long by 0.5 inches (1.25 cm) wide along one of the 60-inch edges. Cut these strips along the entire length of the fabric. Once you have cut all the fringe pieces, gently pull on each strand to create the fringe effect. Be sure to support each strand where it joins the uncut fabric to prevent it from ripping off.

After creating the fringe along the entire length of the fabric, you are ready to sew the scarf together. Simply fold the fabric right sides together, bringing one short end to meet the other. Sew the ends together to form a long loop, and your scarf is finished!

Sewing the scarf together

After cutting the fringe, you will have four rectangles of fabric. The next step is to join all four pieces into one long loop for your scarf. Overlap the ends and sew two parallel lines of stitching or one zig-zag line of stitches to have the scarf look the same on the front and back, with no flopping seam allowance. You can also just sew one line of stitching and trim the knit fabric close to your stitch line since knit fabrics don't fray.

If you are using a piece of fabric, fold it right sides together, one short end meeting the other. Sew the ends together to form a long loop, and your scarf is finished.

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