How to Enhance Your Outfit with 1 Yard of Fabric

Every sewist has a stash of remnants in their sewing arsenal, and if you’re like me that stash is just sitting there growing and growing and growing. And maybe growing some more. Sometimes I just can’t commit to one project, especially when a fabric is so gorgeous that I’m afraid to cut it! That’s when no-sew projects are your best friend. I’ve put together a list of ways you can enhance your wardrobe with just a scrap of fabric, from a tiny 13″ square, to a half yard, to two panels of this stunning floral batiste. So grab the best remnant in your stash and get ready to look fabulous!

2 Panels (Roughly 1 yard of fabric)

1. Cowl Neck Scarf, Verson 1

This is one of your more basic scarf-tying options, but with a huge swath of gorgeous floral fabric, it’s an instant statement piece.

1. Fold the panel in half diagonally to make a triangle
2. Cross two loose ends behind the neck and bring them back forward to the front
3. Leave loose ends hanging and fluff cowl

2. Cowl Neck Scarf, Version 2

This is just a slightly altered version of the scarf above. It’s a bit more secure, great for going out on a windy day for a stroll on the boardwalk.

1. Fold the panel in half diagonally to make a triangle
2. Cross two loose ends behind the neck and bring them back forward to the front
3. Tie a knot with loose ends on top of the cowl for decoration

3. Cowl Neck Scarf, Version 3

This option is great if you want the security of tying the scarf closed, but you don’t care for the loose knot look.

1. Fold the panel in half diagonally to make a triangle
2. Cross two loose ends behind the neck and bring them back forward to the front
3. Tie a knot with loose ends under the cowl to keep them hidden for a clean look

4. Asymmetrical Triangle Front Scarf

This scarf is quite possibly the easiest option, but with the right print it would be the perfect (and effortless) addition to any staple outfit!

1. Fold the panel in half diagonally to make a triangle
2. Roll down the Folded edge to leave a small triangle at the bottom
3. Put one side of the triangle around the neck from the back so one loose end hangs forward over the shoulder
4. Cross triangle in front of the neck and bring remaining loose end to the back
5. Tuck backside loose end into the scarf to secure

5. Shawl

The shawl wrap is a great way to stay warm in the office, while also showing off the full print of your favorite fabric!

1. Fold the panel in half diagonally to make a triangle
2. Hold the triangle behind your back
3. Flap loose ends over shoulders and let hang down
4. Belt it in if you wish to secure it or bring loose ends to the back below your arms and tie a knot

6. Asymmetrical Top

Why just use your fabric as an extra layer? Stay stunning in a custom no-sew top!

1. Fold the panel in half diagonally to make a triangle
2. Put flat folded edge over one shoulder so that narrowest tips of the triangle hang down
3. Take two loose ends and tie them under the opposite arm over the hip

7. Halter Top, Version 1

Soak up all the sun with this open-back halter, or throw it on over your favorite tank top!

1. Hold fabric rectangle in front of the body with right side facing out
2. Take top two corners and tie them behind the neck
3. Grab the fabric about halfway down the center front and lay flat around the waist
4. Tie the two edges around your middle back to secure

8. Halter Top, Version 2

Shopping for the perfect dress is a thing of the past! This super easy halter dress is terrific for your next beach party.

1. Hold fabric rectangle behind the body with right side facing in
2. Take top two corners and tie around the waist to the front of the body
3. Tie a knot at the waist
4. Pull the knot around to the back
5. Pull the bottom two corners up from the floor
6. Tie those two corners in a bow or knot behind the back
7. Adjust cowl and body of scarf accordingly

9. Halter Top, Version 3

The Nineties are making a serious comeback, so why not update the handkerchief top? I lowkey want to make on of these with Mood’s chainmail.

1. Fold the panel in half diagonally to make a triangle
2. Lay fold against the bust
3. Bring loose ends around back and tie around the lower back
4. Bring those same end back to the front under the armpits
5. Tie loose ends behind the neck like halter straps
6. Fold bust over once for better definition and adjust

10. Strapless Top

How gorgeous would this option look with an embroidered mesh over a simple camisole? Instant casual couture!

1. Fold the panel in half diagonally to make a triangle
2. Lay fold against the bust and fold bust over once
3. Bring loose ends around back and tie around the lower back
4. Bring those same end back to the front under the armpits
5. Criss-cross loose end in front of bust
6. Tuck loose ends into top
7. Adjust the bodice accordingly

11. Halter Duster, Version 1

This is one of my favorite versions. It’s simple, chic, and I have about three of Mood’s velvet burnouts that I always add to one of my outfits like this.

1. Hold rectangular fabric behind the body with the right side facing out
2. Take two top corners and wrap them around to the front from under the armpits
3. Cross corners over breasts and tie a knot
4. Take corners and bring behind the neck
5. Make a secure knot behind the neck and adjust the front accordingly

12. Halter Duster, Version 2

This is an even simpler version of the halter duster above. It’s a great option of your fabric remnant isn’t quite wide enough for the chest detail of the first version. Or if you simply need to run out the door, while still looking utterly fabulous!

1. Hold rectangular fabric behind the body with the right side facing out
2. Take two top corners and wrap them around to the front from under the armpits
3. Pull corners over shoulders and behind the neck
4. Tie a knot

1 Panel (Roughly 1/2 yard of fabric)

13. The Standard

Everyone needs a basic scarf – why buy a new one when you can use your favorite fabric?

1. Roll scarf into a rectangle
2. Loop once around the neck leaving loose ends forward

14. The Not-So-Standard

A regular scarf not your style? Spruce it up!

1. Start with “The Standard”
2. Feed one loose end through the center of the scarf toward the other loose end from top to bottom

15. The Lace Through

This is the perfect addition to a winter ensemble, or use a gorgeous lace with a strapless dress as a jewelry substitute!

1. First, complete “The Standard”
2. Bring one loose end up through the neck halfway (don’t pull fully through)
3. Feed the other loose end through the hole and adjust

16. The Faux Infinity

Infinity scarves open up a whole new range of options! Double it around your neck for a classic look or use it as a hood on a misty day.

1. Roll scarf into a rectangle
2. Hang scarf around the neck
3. Tie loose ends at the edge of the scarf
4. Loop scarf around the head a second time

17. The Toss

Classic, timeless – you simply can’t go wrong when you toss this on top of your next winter outfit!

1. Roll scarf into a rectangle
2. Keep one loose end over the shoulder in the front
3. Loop other loose end around the neck and then toss it to the back

18. The Feed Through

This one feels like a modern, feminine take on a cravat or tie.

1. Roll scarf into a rectangle
2. Fold scarf in half
3. Hold the folded side on one side of the neck and the loose ends on the other
4. Feed the loose ends through the whole

19. The Braid

I love the intricate knot work of this one and I can’t wait to try it out with an ombre fabric!

1. Start with “The Feed Through”
2. Cross the loops after feeding it the first time
3. Feed the loop with the loose ends again

20. The Faux Knot

This option is perfect for a delicate floral print. Keep it even or where your ties asymmetrical for an effortless look!

1. Roll scarf into a rectangle
2. Hang scarf around the neck
3. Tie a loose knot on one side
4. Feed the other loose end through the center of the knot and adjust

21. The Belt

Don’t have a belt that matches your outfit? Just grab some fabric! The possibilities for this look are absolutely endless, from faux leather to sequins to a delicate chiffon.

1. Roll scarf into a rectangle
2. Feed through belt loops in pants
3. Tie on the side

22. The Hat Band

Looking to wear a hat, but you can’t quite decide if it’s fitting in with your outfit? Grab some fabric and make a quick DIY hat band to bring it fully into the ensemble!

1. 1. Roll scarf into a rectangle
   2. Tie around the base of the hat and let hang

23. Cropped Halter Top

This simple halter top works wonderfully as a vest or throw a waist belt on it for a cute beach top!

1. Hold rectangle behind your back right side facing out
2. Bring two wide corners around from the back to the front
3. Crossover bust and loop
4. Bring loose ends around neck and tie
5. Tuck bottom corners into the top

24. The Cardigan

This cardigan gives me some serious 20’s vibes. I’d love to see it in a metallic lace or art deco print. Maybe some fringe trim for those willing to sew?

1. 1. Knot opposite loose ends together (not diagonally – short sides together)
   2. Put arms through the wholes so the fabric is on your back

1/2 Panel (Roughly a 13″ square of fabric)

25. The Country Club

Just want to throw some color or a simple print to break up the monotony of an office outfit? This option is for you!

1. Fold the panel in half diagonally to make a triangle
2. Let the folded straight-edge lay around your back shoulders
3. Bring loose ends forward and tie a low loose knot

26. The Sailor’s Knot

This simple knot is perfect for substituting some jewelry!

1. Roll scarf into a rectangle
2. Let rest around the neck from behind
3. Loosely cross the loose ends in front of the bodice

27. The Flight Attendant

Does your outfit call for a chunky necklace, but there’s not a single one in sight? Look no further than your fabric stash!

1. Fold the panel in half diagonally to make a triangle
2. Fold the panel in half diagonally again
3. Roll scarf into a rectangle
4. Let rest around the neck from behind
5. Wrap loose ends around the neck until they are short
6. Tie a knot on the side of the neck with the loose ends

28. Head Scarf

This option is just begging to be a part of your next festival outfit!

1. Fold the panel in half diagonally to make a triangle
2. Let the folded straight-edge lay on the forehead
3. Bring loose ends around the back of the head and tie

29. The Handkerchief Top

Can’t find the right cover up to match your new swim suit?

1. Fold the panel in half diagonally to make a triangle
2. Let the folded straight-edge layover bust
3. Bring loose ends to the back and tie a knot

So many options! Do you have a favorite, or are you eyeing any luscious fabrics to give a few of these a try? Let me know in the comments!