How to Sew an Infinity Scarf | Sewing Pattern Review

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Winter for me is all about keeping warm and cozy. Here’s how to sew an infinity scarf. This is just not any infinity scarf – it has a hidden zipper pocket.

I am a scarf person. I think it’s because I’m always cold. It’s also an easy way to accessorize your outfit. They are a practical accessory.

An infinity scarf is a scarf that is one big circle or loop. You put it over your head and can wrap it around your neck a couple of times.

I’ve knit and crocheted my fair share of hats, gloves and scarves. Since I’ve been doing a lot of sewing lately, I thought I would try sew an infinity scarf, or 2.

Patterns for Pirates offers a free tutorial on how to sew an infinity scarf with hidden zipper pocket. Essentially it is a big rectangle. What makes this scarf special is that hidden zipper pocket. So that adds a couple of extra, smaller rectangles, as well as a zipper.

My first reaction was – why would I need a pocket in my scarf? But let me tell you, if you don’t want to carry a purse, that pocket is genius. It’s perfect for walking the dog – I just need house keys, that’s it. Sometimes your outfit doesn’t have pockets (crazy, I know – but think leggings and a top) – so you need something.

Types of Fabrics to Use to Sew an Infinity Scarf

This pattern is very versatile – it works with both woven and knit fabrics. This is a great project to go through your fabric stash. I just worked with what I have.

Keep in mind that the thicker the fabric, the bulkier the scarf will be. This would be great when outdoors in cold climates. Fabrics like certain sweater knits, plush or fleece and thicker flannels will yield a bigger, bulkier scarf. Thinner fabrics like the DBP, French terry and minky will result in a thinner, yet have a lot of drape, scarf. So it all depends on the look you want.

Tips to Sew an Infinity Scarf

• while the pattern calls for a 9-inch zipper, I tend to only have 7-inch zippers around. In other words, it’s easy to swap out and use a slightly smaller zipper. Just make sure it opens wide enough for your hand.
• there is flexibility in the overall scarf size. As I use my scraps, I have cut based on the fabric width (60 inches) to use as the length. As long as you can wrap it around your head twice comfortably, you’re good. In fact, lighter weight knits like DBP are actually too long for me and I had to shorten it.
• there is also flexibility in the width of the scarf. You can make it thinner or wider depending on the amount of fabric you have.
• if using a bulkier or thicker fabric, you may wish to cut down on the width of the scarf in order to compensate.
• for example, I got 1 yard of lightweight minky that made the perfect infinity scarf
• use scraps for the pocket. It’s a nice surprise to open up the pocket and find a cute pattern.
• use a zipper foot for sewing the zipper. The fact that the foot is open on one side allows you to sew close to the zipper making a neater finish and keeping that zipper hidden.
  TIP: if you don’t have a zipper foot but your sewing machine needle is adjustable, move it over to the furthest left you can in order to achieve similar results.
• hate hand sewing? Try this handy turning hack I found online – leave the BOTTOM of the pocket open for turning and leave the zipper open. When sewing the ends together – no need to leave an opening. Instead, turn the whole thing right side out through the bottom of the pocket (that’s why you need to leave the zipper open). You can machine stitch the bottom of the pocket closed – since it’s the hidden pocket, no one will really see the bottom of it. Genius!

These scarves are easy to make and make great gifts. I literally sewed a bunch of them up, assembly-line style (all the zippers first, etc.). Fill those zipper pockets with treats as an added bonus when gift-giving.

I packaged them up for gift giving. The reverse side has care instructions.

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