Simple Fabric Scarf/Shawl Tutorial

Here's my Anthro inspired scarf/shawl. Actually it's the cluster of balls at each end of the scarf that's really inspired by Anthro. The running stitches on the scarf are from me, but who are we kidding? It's all about the ball cluster that really makes the scarf =).

So here's the cool thing about the scarf, it can be worn as a shawl too...

I know. I really got into this shoot. I changed clothes and dawned a hat for the shawl look. I don't get out much ;)

Here's the back view with the running stitches...

(and she's back in the original outfit)

I didn't line this scarf/shawl, because I wanted a light weight feel to it. However, come winter, I'm anxious to double up on the fabric and try some reversible ones. And as I said before, these will be great Christmas gifts - fast, simple, and handmade. Perfect!

If you're interested, below is a tutorial on how to make this scarf/shawl.
Enjoy!

Materials
~ Fabric: 2 yards of a cotton gauze or loose weave/knit fabric (I used Nani Iro Pocho Yellow, which is a cotton double gauze fabric)
~ Cotton Perle or Embroidery Floss: I used a light gray color
~ Pom Pom balls: At least 1 bag of the small size. Had I had another bag, I would have added a few more balls.

Cutting
Fabric: Cut the 2 yards of fabric in half lengthwise (along the already existing fold in the fabric). Note: the 2 yards should not be cut in half making it 2 separate 1 yard cuts. Instead, you should have 2 separate 2 yard cuts of fabric that are approximately 22" in width. You will only need one of the 2 yard pieces for the scarf.

Lets begin...
1) Finish the raw edges of the fabric. I used a rolled hem stitch with my serger. If you do not have a serger, you can simply fold under the edges (wrong side to wrong side) a 1/4" and fold a 1/4" again. Stitch along the fold line.
2) With the Cotton Perle or Embroider floss, hand stitch a couple of rows of running stitches along the length of the fabric. I stitched between the rows of polka dots. Try not to be a perfectionist. Go with what makes your eyes feel good. The "imperfections" make the scarf unique and beautifully handmade... like us humans =)

3) Before you knot off the end of each running stitch, gently gather the fabric by pulling on the floss and sliding the fabric. Gather the fabric just a little bit. You want to create a little movement in the fabric.
4) Knot the ends of the floss.
5) Place a pom pom under the fabric (wrong side of fabric). I placed mine approximately 6" up from the end of the scarf and in the center.

6) Cover the ball with the fabric and pinch or twist the bottom. You want to be able to see where the bottom of the ball is.

7) With the floss, tie a circle (do not knot it) and place it around the ball.

8) Tighten up the tie and knot it at the base of the ball.
9) Repeat steps 5 - 8 for the rest of the fabric balls and arrange them in a cluster. Make sure you save half of the pom poms for the other side of the scarf.

Helpful hint: If there is too big of a space between 2 balls, simply tie them together with some floss.

Ta Daaaa

Finito!

Jamie