Sew a scarf: In this post, I will show you how easily you can sew a warm scarf made from quilted fabric. Including the free PUFFEL tuck scarf pattern. It’s a great project for using up quilted fabric scraps. It also makes a wonderful gift for both men and women.
The most important things at a glance
- In this post, I will show you how you can easily sew a scarf
- Ideal for beginners
- Perfect for fabric scraps & upcycling
- It's a great gift idea
- You can download the free pattern in this post
- ⏰ Sewing time: approx. 1–2 hours
- ✂️ Sewing level: easy
The pattern for the quilted scarf is available as a free download for SewSimple newsletter subscribers.
Sew a scarf from quilted fabric - cozy, fast, and beginner-friendly
A quilted scarf – or as many call it: the legendary "tuck scarf" because it doesn't need to be knotted – is the perfect sewing project for anyone who wants to stay warm in winter without being completely bundled up. You simply tuck one end through the opening, and voilà, it looks like a professional accessory from a chic handmade boutique. No flapping, no slipping, and above all: no struggle with thick, stiff scarf knots that end up making you look like a bundle of wool yourself. Plus, it's a great practice project for quilted fabric if you aren't quite experienced yet but have a quilted coat project waiting. And when you're ready, you can take a look at the sew a quilted jacket blog post.
A quilted scarf is sewn so incredibly quickly that you'll wonder why you haven't made ten of them already. And if you have quilted fabric scraps lying around that are too good to throw away but too small for your next handbag, then this project is calling your name loud and clear. The scarf is a true fabric savior: small, practical, pretty, and grateful for every scrap it can get.
And now for the part you rarely hear about sewing: The quilted scarf is relaxed.
Really. You don't have to be a pro, and you don't need to know how to write "French seams," "topstitching," or other sewing buzzwords. If you can sew a straight stitch, you're ready. Your sewing machine doesn't have to be a high-tech monster—the main thing is that it sews. Everything else will fall into place.
Also nice: The scarf is suitable for absolutely everyone. Men, women, teens, kids, your neighbor, or your dog - we don't judge. With neutral, cozy, or colorful fabric, you can easily adapt the style: from elegant to playful.
And: Hardly any sewing project earns compliments as reliably. It's the classic:
"Where did you buy that scarf?"
"I sewed it myself."
A small proud look. Calm on the outside, fireworks on the inside.
In short:
A quilted scarf is the perfect mix of simple, beautiful, and fast—a project that makes you happy without taking three evenings or throwing you into a sewing crisis. So grab some quilted fabric, lining, thread, your machine, a bit of courage, and a portion of curiosity—and it will be warm, soft, and wonderful.
Winter can come. And so can your scarf. 🧵❄️✨
Who is writing here?
Hi, I'm Eve. Born in beautiful Erfurt, my path led me to Dresden, Darmstadt, Lübeck, and Leoben in Austria, which is where I currently call home. Ever since I was a child, there hasn't been a household without a sewing machine for me.
I learned to sew from my mother. It wasn't that important at first, but it became more significant from 2016 onwards with the birth of my first daughter. Since then, I have been outfitting family and friends with everything they need in terms of sewing.
My calling is in design. As a former Senior Art Director and currently an independent designer, I am familiar with the graphic creation of patterns, instructions, as well as photo and video productions. I enjoy bringing these skills into SewSimple as well.
Video Tutorial - Sewing a scarf from quilted fabric
Why should I sew a scarf from quilted fabric?
Quilted fabric keeps you incredibly warm without having to wrap huge layers of wool around your neck. You get warmth like a winter jacket, but light and comfortable. It looks neutral, modern, and simple. This fits with sporty, elegant, colorful, classic styles—no matter who you are making the scarf for or who it is intended for. The quilting gives it a "designer-like" quality.
You don't even have to sew particularly straight—the fabric does half the visual work for you. So it's perfect for learning and perfecting how to handle quilted fabric without investing large amounts of material. Also, the quilted fabric scarf is a good way to use leftovers if you have quilted fabric left over from your last jacket project. Because out of caution that the fabric might not be enough, one often buys 20cm more. That’s already enough, because the quilted scarf consists of only a small rectangle.
Plus, it's the perfect DIY gift: sewn quickly, effective, practical, and pretty. And when you say "sewn myself," it feels like magic.
Which quilted fabric is suitable for sewing a scarf?
You can use all lightweight to medium-weight quilted fabrics. It shouldn't be too thick, so better not recycle the XXL blanket from the attic. Alternatively, you can also quilt the fabric yourself. Simply form a sandwich of water-repellent fabric, batting, and cotton lining, fix it with clips, and embellish with stitches as desired. You can determine the thickness yourself by choosing the batting.
For beginners, however, I recommend a ready-made quilted fabric. 20 cm x fabric width is enough. Here I recommend browsing the quilted fabric selection at Stoffe Hemmers. Click here for the quilted fabrics.* You don't need to pre-wash quilted fabrics, but it doesn't hurt either.
Which lining fabric should I use to sew a scarf?
This is where it gets cozy. You can use anything that feels good. Fleece, sweatshirt fabric, muslin, flannel. The cozier, the better. Especially for men, a lightweight sports fleece is worth it, women love muslin, and children enjoy fluffy sweatshirt fabric. Whether it's elastic or non-elastic doesn't matter at all. But again—it shouldn't be too thick. Because the quilted fabric provides enough warmth and you want to sew a pretty scarf, not a ruff.
My recommendation is flannel. Nice to work with, doesn't fray as much as muslin, and is nice and soft and cozy. 20cm x fabric width is sufficient. Perfect for the scarf. Click here for the flannel fabric selection from Stoffe Hemmers.* Lining fabrics should definitely be pre-washed to avoid shrinking.
What do I need to know as a beginner to sew a scarf from quilted fabric?
Don't worry—you don't need professional knowledge or a high-end sewing machine. You just need to be able to sew straight. Have your basic sewing accessories ready. Since quilted fabric is often a bit thicker and puffier, I recommend fabric clips. But of course, normal pins work too—the main thing is that it holds.
Don't know if you're missing a few basics? Then I recommend my online sewing course “The SewSimple Sewing License“. In this 2 1/2-hour course, you will learn everything about materials, machines, and techniques you need to get started.
What does my sewing machine need to be able to do to sew a scarf?
Just like you, your sewing machine only needs to be able to sew straight. Your sewing machine should, of course, also be able to sew forwards and backwards so you can lock the beginning and end of the seam. Since quilted fabric is padded and becomes a bit thicker with the lining, the sewing machine should be able to sew through 3-4 layers of fabric. I recommend increasing the stitch length to 3.0-3.5 and sewing a little slower. Then it will work out.
A walking foot is also helpful. Many machines already have this intelligent fabric feed system integrated. At Pfaff, it is the IDT system, at Bernina the dual transport, at Brother it is the SFDS (Square Feed Drive System) and the built-in ICAPS fabric sensor system on selected machines. My secret little recommendation is the use of a straight-stitch machine like the Juki TL-2300 Sumato. It is a small industrial sewing machine for the home. Lots of power and stability.
It is important that your machine can handle a Universal needle 80–90 or Microtex. If the needle goes through cleanly: perfect. Just test it on a small scrap piece.
Where can I find the free pattern?
The free pattern for the PUFFEL quilted scarf is available exclusively for everyone who subscribes to the SewSimple newsletter.
How to get the freebook:
- Sign up for the newsletter
- Confirm your registration via email
- Create a customer account with the same email address
- Log in and download it in the “Free Patterns” section
The pattern may only be used privately. If you want to sell the scarf, you need a SewSimple license.
How do I get the free pattern?
Would you like to sew the PUFFEL quilted scarf? Great! To access this and over 160 other exclusive freebooks and free patterns, it is best to proceed as follows:
- Sign up for the SewSimple newsletter
- Click the newsletter confirmation link in the confirmation email: Yes, I want to…
- After receiving the SewSimple welcome email, you are officially a subscriber
- Create a customer account with the same email address*
- Log in
- Click the download link or go to the pattern via the freebook section of your customer account.
It may also help to clear cookies and cache, use a different browser or incognito mode, or use a different device. It often works on a PC or laptop if it doesn't work on a phone.
It's also always a good idea to check if your browser is up to date or if your browser settings are preventing a download. 🙂
- Please understand that I cannot send the pattern by email. Unfortunately, I cannot answer requests for this. It is therefore all the more important that you follow the instructions above for the download correctly.
- For questions about your customer account, definitely take a look at the FAQs!
- If the freebook section is not displayed on your mobile, it helps to access the page on a PC. You can also swipe left in the mobile view and you will then see the download link. 🙂
- If you have received the newsletter before but forgot to confirm your subscription (this can happen for technical reasons), then it helps to unsubscribe using the "unsubscribe link" at the bottom of the newsletter, re-subscribe, and then confirm your receipt.
Sewing a scarf: required accessories
- 20 cm x fabric width lightweight to medium-weight quilted fabric*
- 20 cm x fabric width lining fabric
- matching sewing thread*
- pins*
- fabric clips*
- ruler*
- if needed, point turner* to shape the corners
- fabric marker*
- fabric scissors*
- thread snips*
- Sewing machine
Instructions: Sew a scarf from quilted fabric
Note on cutting quilted fabric
When cutting quilted fabric, make sure to include the existing quilting seams.
If you cut across them or too close to the seams, the fabric layers can separate and the fabric can "pop open".
Therefore, cut in such a way that the quilting seams are preserved as much as possible and continue to hold the fabric stably together.
Print out the pattern in actual size without scaling the pages.
Cutting
- 1x Scarf outer fabric (quilted)
- 1x Scarf inner fabric
- 1x Scarf loop outer fabric (quilted)
- 1x Scarf inner fabric
Sometimes it is unavoidable that the quilted fabric pops up in some places.
That is not a problem.
Simply finish the edges with an overlock or a zigzag stitch – this keeps everything in shape and makes the fabric easier to work with afterwards.
You can also add extra quilting lines to the quilted fabric to create a new individual design.
Place the pattern pieces for the loop right sides together so they are flush, and pin the long sides.
Sew the long sides together with a straight stitch.
Turn the sewn tube right side out.
Tip: If the padding is too thick, it can be trimmed in the seam allowance area. Make sure to only trim the padding and not the fabric.
Topstitch the long sides close to the edge from the right side.
Pin the short edges of the loop together so they are flush, with the lining inside.
Optional:
Fix the loop with a straight stitch within the seam allowance on the open side.
Place the long pattern pieces for the scarf right sides together so they are flush, and pin the long sides and one short side.
Sew the long sides together with a straight stitch.
Also sew the pinned short side with a straight stitch.
Leave a turning opening of approx. 8-10 cm on this side.
This is how the scarf piece should look now.
Take the prepared loop.
Insert the loop right sides together into the opening of the completely open side of the scarf.
Pin the side. Make sure that all fabric layers are included.
Sew the loop to the scarf with a straight stitch. Make sure that all fabric layers are included.
Trim the seam allowance and the corners.
Also trim the corners of the opposite side with the turning opening close to the edge. Be careful not to cut through the seam.
Turn the scarf through the turning opening.
Form the corners well. Use a point turner or chopsticks. Be careful not to poke through the fabric.
Fold the seam allowances of the inner and outer fabric inwards and pin the side with the turning opening together well.
Also pin the long sides together.
Topstitch the scarf all the way around (without the loop) close to the edge.
This also closes the turning opening.
Tip: Start your topstitching in the middle of a side. This will give you a better transition and cleaner corners.
The pull-through scarf is finished.
Conclusion
Now you know everything there is to know about sewing a quilted scarf. Not so complicated, right?! And hand on heart: the quilted scarf is a sewing project that looks good, is practical, and is something you’ll truly love wearing. That is exactly why it’s worth it. It’s not complicated, but it does require a little bit of care: the right needle, slow sewing, neat turning—that’s really all there is to it. You don't have to be a professional sewer, but a touch of patience doesn't hurt either. In return, you get a scarf that keeps you warm and looks modern. Whether for yourself or as a gift: quilted fabrics look sophisticated, the lining makes it cozy, and in the end, you have an accessory that really makes an impression.
So: dare to take on this project. Not because it’s "child's play"—but because it’s doable, pretty, and rewarding. Your future winter self will thank you. 🧵❄️
Happy simple sewing from Eve & Sabine
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