How to turn a scarf into a summer coverup

Make a lightweight summer staple to update any outfit – whether you’re wearing this coverup on the beach, over jeans, or with a simple tee, it will liven up any outfit. And you can make them from easy-to-source scarves in mere minutes with this simple tutorial from Lana Red.

Free scarf to cover-up sewing pattern

You will need

• Large scarf
• Sewing machine (or needle and thread if sewing by hand)
• Scissors
• Pins
• Tape measure

Step 1

Pick out your chosen scarf. Obviously, this will come down to your own taste, but make sure it’s large enough to wrap all around your body. A super large scarf will give a flowy, oversized look. We used a rectangular scarf, but a square-shaped one will also work.

Step 2

Fold your scarf in half, right sides (RS) together, width-ways.

Step 3

Place your measuring tape at the top of the scarf on the horizontal fold. Mark the middle using a pin or some fabric chalk. Next, place your measuring tape at the horizontal bottom and mark the middle again. Now, draw a line between both marked points to create a vertical line. This will be the opening and front.

Step 4

Cut along the marked folded line from the bottom to the folded part, making sure you only cut the top fabric layer. This is your opening.

Step 5

Create a simple neckline by cutting out a small oval shape with your scissors. You can use some fabric chalk or a few pins to decide the exact shape before you start cutting out.

Step 6

Fold the edges of the front opening and neckline to the inside and, using your sewing machine or a needle and thread, hem the front opening and neckline.

Step 7

Place the coverup on a flat surface with the opening on the top. Place your measuring tape along one vertical side and pin the sides together, keeping the first 40cm-60cm open for the arms. Repeat on the other side.

Step 8

Use your sewing machine (or needle and thread) to sew both sides together. We sewed our coverup right sides (RS) out to make sure the fringe would be visible once finished. If your scarf doesn’t have fringes, you’ll find it easier to sew RS together.

Keep your summer coverup to hand

The great thing about making this summer coverup out of a large, lightweight scarf is that it’s super-easy to throw in your bag. Then if the sun starts to feel a bit too hot, you can just throw it over your top or swimming costume, and you’ll be covered safely and stylishly.

Show off your sewing with a summer dress

Update your summer wardrobe with your favourite fabrics and our list of the best summer dress sewing patterns.

Lana Red

Lana is the founder of the DIY and lifestyle blog Lana Red Studio (@lanaredstudio). If she’s not behind her sewing machine or camera, she’s cuddling her cats or twirling in a handmade dress. Lana is an experienced crafter and loves to create tutorials for everything from embroidery to jewellery and collage. She has contributed to a variety of craft magazines including Simply Sewing and Mollie Makes.

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