Tulle Treasures - Sew News Library

From our December 2003 Issue


		Tulle Treasures GRETCHEN OLDHAM

The term pocket scarf takes on new meaning with these clever pockets that showcase tiny objects. This unique scarf features illusion tulle insets containing a variety of small treasures. The insets can be filled with beach glass and shells, small bits of fused dichroic glass (an iridescent coated glass, fused to remove sharp edges), beads, charms, confetti, sequins, buttons or any number of other possibilities.

MATER1ALS
Note: Finished scarf length is about 60"; length may be changed by altering the length of the body and/or end rectangles.

1 1/4 yards of lightweight, drapable fabric for the scarf body. (This makes three scarves when cut lengthwise.)

3/4 yard of fine illusion tulle. (This makes two to three scarves, depending on the fabric width.)

Pocket fillers, such as charms, dichroic glass bits, sea shells, beads

Cutting

For the scarf body, cut one 10 1/2"x 40" rectangle from the fashion fabric. For the scarf ends, cut two 10 3/4"x 4" rectangles.

Cut two 7 1/4"x 15 1/2" tulle rectangles. Fold each piece crosswise into thirds, creating a rectangle approximately 5" wide; lightly press the creases.

Construction

Divide the desired pocket filling into 32 piles to be put into the 16 pockets on each scarf end. By first dividing up the filling embellishments, the design can be planned and balanced, and the risk of running out of embellishments partway through the project is eliminated.

To create the tulle pockets, use a short straight stitch and matching or invisible thread to sew 1/2" from the lower cut edge. This stitching line will be used as a guide when sewing the insert to the scarf. If necessary, use a chalk wheel to mark the stitching lines on the tulle.

Sew three evenly spaced lines parallel to the folded sides, approximately 1 1/4" apart (1); press with an iron on a low-temperature setting.
Create channels with parallel stitching lines

Create channels with parallel stitching lines

Place one assortment of embellishments into each channel. Push the filler completely down to the bottom of the channel and sew across the channels, approximately 1 1/2" from the first stitching (2); backstitch or tie the threads at the stitching line ends.
Push filled down to avoid presser foot while stitching

Push filled down to avoid presser foot while stitching

Push filler down to avoid presser foot while stitching.

Insert the filler for the next row in the same manner and stitch across the channels; repeat for the two remaining pocket rows.

Stitch across the top pocket row 1/2"from the tulle upper edge, capturing the filling.

Fold each scarf end rectangle in half widthwise, right sides together to create a 5 1/8"x 4" rectangle. Matching the cut edges, sandwich a tulle insert inside, rolling it up to avoid being caught in the seaming.

On the rectangle side that's sandwiching the tulle raw ends, stitch approximately 5/8" from the edge. Then sew around the remaining rectangle edges using a 1/4" seam allowance; leave a small opening for turning on the short edge. To avoid catching the side of the tulle, sew 1/16" beyond the insert before pivoting (3). Turn and press. Hand stitch the opening closed. Repeat with the second tulle piece to create another scarf end. Encase tulle in scarf end

Encase tulle in scarf end.

Right sides together, fold the scarf body rectangle in half lengthwise and sandwich the remaining raw edges of the tulle pieces between the scarf short ends. Stitch as above for the scarf ends, leaving an opening for turning in the long edge (4). Turn, press and hand stitch the opening closed.
Stitch pocket/ends to scarf body.

For a crisp scarf edge, edgestitch around the fashion fabric rectangles.

One Step Beyond

Many variations can be made of the pocket scarf. Choose a print or a contrasting fabric for the scarf body or ends. Add fringe to the lower edges or substitute triangles for the scarf ends and add beaded tassels to the points.

Beyond the scarf, the embellishment-filled inserts could also be modified into accents for wearable art or home decor projects.

Scarf Smarts

When choosing filling embellishments, consider the size, weight and variety. Avoid sharp-edged objects that can cut through the tulle over time.

Select a soft, sheer tulle to enhance the effect of the embellishment-filled pockets. If a heavier fabric is desired for the scarf body, use a single layer and finish the edges with a serger rolled hem.

Gretchen Oldham is a senior geology major at Western Washington University. She began sewing at age 5, and polished her skills in 12 years of 4-H. Recently, she's turned her glass beadmaking hobby into a home business.

SOURCES

Look for beads, shells and charms at your local fabric and craft stores.

Gretchen's Sculptural Beads, www.gretchens-sculptural-beads.com, sells dichroic glass chips.


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