Foofaraw – rhymes with crosscut saw and one definition is frills and flashy finery. When created with a flimsy fabric with flashy threads running through it, this is a fine foofaraw scarf. When created with a flimsy, not-so-flashy fabric, this might be a fashion statement scarf. Determined by the fabric, the construction ranges from extra-simple to simple. We tackle extra-simple in this issue.

The construction of the scarf in the picture above was demonstrated at the December Sew Fun Club meetings. As promised (and we always try to keep our promises), here are the instructions for making an extra-simple scarf.

Supplies:
– ½ yard of fabric that looks good on both sides
– 1 ½ yards of 1/4” wide clear elastic (enough for a 100 inch long scarf)

Instructions:
1. Cut two 7 inch wide by width of fabric strips
2. Sew the two pieces right-sides together across one short end (unless you want a really long scarf, trim off  any excess of about 45 inches from the center seam)
3. Set up your serger for a 3 thread rolled edge with a 3.0 width and 1.5R length.
4. To add a hint of shine, use embroidery thread in the upper and lower loopers.
5. Serge the long raw edges.
6. If the short ends have a selvage edge then doing a rolled hem is optional. The foofaraw fabric of the sample came with a fringed selvage – just a lucky happenstance.
7. Apply seam sealant to corners and let dry before trimming off excess thread tails.
8. Along the long direction of the scarf, press mark the center of fabric by folding long edges together and pressing.
9. Cut elastic half the length of the fabric plus 4”.
10. Measure in 2” from each end of the elastic and mark with a pen.
11. At the marks on the elastic, pin the elastic to the wrong-side at each end of the scarf on the center (fold) line. The elastic should extend 1 1/2” beyond the fabric. The extra length will give you something to hold while stretching the elastic and stitching close to the ends of the scarf.
12. Use a scrap of fabric and a piece of elastic to make a test sample(s) to get the feel of working with the fabric/elastic combination. You can start with the sewing machine set for a 2.0mm wide 2.0mm length zig-zag stitch. Follow steps 13 to 14 with your practice piece(s). Remember that you must stretch the elastic consistently to about twice its relaxed length as you sew it down. This requires you to stretch the elastic with one hand behind the needle and the other hand in front of the needle while letting the feed dogs move the fabric under the needle. When you have made a satisfactory sample, proceed to step 13 to do it for real.
13. Start and end stitching with a back tack 5/8” from each end of the fabric.
14. Stretch elastic, centering over the center (fold) mark, and sew down the middle of the elastic.
15. Clip off the excess elastic.

16. You’re finished.