Refashion: Scarf Tunic

Hijabis end up with LOTS of scarves.  We buy them because we need them.  We buy them because we want them.  We buy them because we can't pass up such a good deal.  We buy them for that special event.  We buy them because we want to try a new wrapping style and need a new shape, print, fabric, etc. to accomplish it.  We are given them by friends and family cleaning out their closets.  We find them at thrift shops and figure someone could use it, even if we don't care for it.  We make them from a cool tutorial we found on the internet and just had to try.  We buy them because it is a new season.  (Spring and fall always do that to me!)  We buy them to match a new outfit.  We buy them because when you wear them everyday, they are the first thing people notice about you.  And few women like to wear the same thing everyday.  Since they are much less expensive than actual clothes, it is possible to have an entire wardrobe of scarves and just a few jilbabs and still look like you rarely wear the same thing.   

Since we end up acquiring so many, and really only have a few favorites we wear on a regular basis, we are left with quite a few that sit there unused, unloved, forgotten.  Just waiting for their owner to have some inspiration on how they can be put into service again.  Here is one idea... sew a scarf tunic.   

This is very similar to my last tutorial, Refashion: 15 Minute Kaftan.  In that one, you took a dupatta, folded it in half, sewed up the sides, and cut a neck hole to make a garment.  In this one, you combine two square scarves to be the front and back of your garment to make a scarf tunic.  So this time you will need to sew along the shoulders as well, but you will have a finished neck hole without any work.

MATERIALS:

2 scarves (see below for a discussion on size, etc.)

thread

scissors

sewing machine

INSTRUCTIONS:

1.

Choose your scarves.  I chose two 35" square scarves with matching patterns.  But why limit yourself and be like me?  The first thing to consider when choosing your scarves is size.  The width of the scarves will be half the circumference of your garment.  So combined, the width of both scarves must equal a measurement larger than the widest section of your torso.  That is usually your bust or your hips.  For me it is my hips, ugh!

Measurements labeled B and F are the only ones you need for this project.

  Remember when you measure yourself to measure while sitting down.  Your measurements can change dramatically while sitting, especially your hips, but your bust also.  Trust me.  I learned this lesson the hard way.  The first time I sat in an outfit I measured only while standing, I split the sides!  What a waste of time, fabric, and hope.

Everyone knows that when you try on jeans you need to sit down in them to make sure you won't pass out, LOL!  Same here.  But no passing out.  If you are a slim gal, you probably don't need to worry about this as any scarves large enough for this project should be plenty big for you.  But if you are plus sized, you need to make sure your scarves will give you enough room.  New clothes are no joy if you have to worry about how they fit.  Swallow any guilt you may have and remember that there is no "size" for this garment since you are making it yourself.  It is made in the size that Allah made you.

So make sure you choose scarves whose combined widths equal the measurement around the widest part of your body (bust or hips).

Important also is the length.  I made this using square scarves, but there is no reason you couldn't use rectangles and have the tunic be longer, more like a kaftan.  Or even have different lengths!  Longer in back and shorter in front?  Go wild!

Next you need to think of pattern/color.  I used two turkish style square "satin" (not real satin by any stretch of the imagination) scarves.  Most of these style scarves are patterned.  I chose two that were identical, but next time I want to mix it up!  Mix two different patterns but same colors.  Or have a patterned one for the front and a coordinating solid for the back.  

This is a real Hermes scarf.  I wouldn't recommend using anything like this.  But the shape and idea is the same.

The materials you use can affect your look.  Satin is a bit more dressy.  Cotton will be more casual and sporty.  Also, be aware of your hijab.  Be careful of fabrics that are see through or too clingy.  Also of size.  You want it to be baggy enough to be modest.  I like to wear a loose chain belt over it to help avoid the "garbage bag" syndrome.  If you have smaller waist than bust/hips, you will probably want to give it a little shape with a belt or a cardigan over it.  Length is also important.  You want to make sure your arwa is covered, if this is the longest garment you have on.  Of course, you could make it shorter and layer it.  But if not, make sure if covers past your crotch.  A 35" square covered me fine, but I am only 5'4".  So keep that in mind.

2.  

Make it.  

It is really that easy.  Do I need to say more?

OK, I will go through the steps since this really isn't a tutorial without them.  ;)

Pin the sides together (right sides together), stopping 10" from one edge for the arm holes.  Then, on the other side of that open edge, around the corner, pin shut leaving 10" open in the center for your head.  Now, wherever you pinned,sew it.  Now you are done.  Cut your strings and try it on!

Sew where the yellow lines are.  Easy peasy!

See, even easier than the dupatta kaftan!  You didn't believe me, did you?

NOTES:

If you don't have a sewing machine, you could hand sew this easily.  It will just take longer. Whip stitch along the edges of the scarf using small stitches for strength.

Do not try using any "no-sew" techniques like iron on tape or fabric glue.  I tried.  The seams popped open when I sat down.  There just is not enough strength in any of those methods to put up with the stress a garment goes through at the seams of the bust and hips.

And here are my pics!

 Worn just plain.  Warning!  Garbage bag look.  Not good on me.

 Much better with a loose chain belt.  Not too tight that it negates my hijab.  

 My favorite way it wear it is layered.  This is under my favorite jean jacket.

 More jean jacket.

Under a cardigan.  An easy way to add length while layering.

My favorite way to wear a scarf tunic is layering it.  Here you see winter layering.  A turtleneck and a jacket or cardigan.  But it can work in summer as well.  A long sleeve t-shirt underneath or a light jacket or cardigan on top.  I would choose one of the other in hot weather.  But this is a fun, easy, inexpensive way to add length from the waist in a Western wardrobe.  Perfect for new hijabis!