Publisher Amy Marson models her fiber scarf
A few years ago we published a book called All About Machine Arts from A to Z. I was the editor and it was my job to work with some of our industry partners to find and select material for the book. It’s a 256 page reference book and I learned so much about so many things as I was working on it. One of the things I learned about was water-soluble stabilizer. It’s commonly used for machine embroidery but it has other uses as well including making fiber scarves, thread lace, and thread bowls—which is something else I learned about while working on the book.
I often wear scarves to work and people often admire the fiber scarves that I’ve made. As the holiday season approached, I offered to teach a class at the office on making these scarves.
It’s really easy and can be done in a few hours. You need two pieces of water-soluble stabilizer that are the size you want your scarf to be. For example, for a scarf that is 6″ wide and 6 feel long, you need two pieces of stabilizer that size (or one piece that is 12″ wide that you fold over). If you want fringe, you just let your fibers hang off over the edges of the stabilizer. You can use any types of fiber that you like: yarn, ribbon, heavy thread, thin strips of fabric, you name it—use anything this is soft and will feel nice in a scarf. This is a good project to do in a group because you can share and trade fibers.
Here’s how to make a scarf:
- Place 1 piece of stabilizer on the table.
- Lay the fibers the length of the scarf. You can use a lot of fibers to make a thick scarf, or use fewer fibers to make a thinner scarf. You can place the fibers in a very orderly manner, or you can just let them wander and twist.
- After all the fibers are arranged to your liking, place the other piece of stabilizer on top (or if you have a wider piece of stabilizer, you can fold it in half).
- Pin it well to keep everything in place.
- Stitching is what holds everything in place. It’s best to start by stitching a grid—it’s essential that the stitching cross so be sure to stitch in at least 2 directions. It’s easiest to stitch the short way first, then stitch the long way. After you have a grid you can add more stitching if you like. I find it easiest to do free-motion stitching. The stitching doesn’t show much, so this is a good place to practice if you are new to free-motion.
- After stitching, place the scarf in warm water and soak and/or gently rub or agitate until the stabilizer is dissolved.
- Wrap the scarf in a towel to blot, then hang it to dry.
- Wear with pride, or give it as a gift.
Finished fiber scarves
6 Comments
These are absolutely gorgeous! But I’m feeling trepidatious and wish there were a kit, because I don’t trust my ability to choose the fibers! Any chance of your putting together some kits in various color schemes?
Picking fibers shouldn’t be scary – below are a few ideas – the key is to use colors in the same proportions as in your inspiration:
1. Pick out a print fabric that you like, and then pick fiber colors using the colors in the print, just like you’d pick fabric for a quilt using the print as your focus fabric.
2. Use a quilt or a photo of a quilt and select fibers that match the colors of the quilt.
3. Find a variegated yarn or ribbon, and select other fibers based on the colors in your “focus” fiber.
4. Pick fibers in different values of your favorite color – for example all different kinds of purples.
I hope this helps,
Lynn
OMY! This is fabulous. You have introduced me to a new passion. Thank you!!!
I’m having trouble finding the fibers to use for the scarves….where do you get your fibers?
I get fibers everywhere – yarn from yarn & craft stores, ribbon and heavy thread from quilt, fabric, and craft stores. You can use thin strips of fabric. And be sure to ask your family and friends if they have any leftover yarn, ribbon, or threads.
Lynn, thank you very much for sharing your details instructions for this fabulous fiber art form! I’ve been gathering supplies and am ready to lay it all out and see what comes together.