It's a Wrap
There are so many easy - truly easy - ways to sew a simple wrap, shawl, pareo, or cover-up. Diane put a few simple ideas together and created a video to share all her ideas.
View our YouTube video titled "It's a Wrap" by clicking on the image below.
Basic Unchanged Wrap:
Our Batik Rayon Wrap is a completed item. It measures 45" wide (with finished selvage edges) and 72" long with nicely finished tassel edge. This wrap is perfect just as it is. Click to shop our wide range of shades.
But, we can't seem to leave "complete" alone can we???
Take a moment to watch the video above. It will show you a few fun methods to change and craft your favorite wrap or shawl from our Batik Rayon Wrap or yardage of our Batik Cotton Jersey Knit. The video will show the images related to the instructions and ideas below.
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Convert a Batik Rayon Wrap into a simple Kimono Style Shawl:
Step 1: Decide on the length you would like the front portion of your shawl versus the back of the shawl. In my video I decided on making the back and front the same length. I folded the wrap in half with tassels touching. Using your iron, press a crease along the fold.
Step 2: Unfold the wrap and refold one tasseled edge in half and clip with sharp scissors. [ The other tasseled edge will remain unchanged. This is the back of your shawl. ]
Step 3: Tear (yes tear) the wrap up to the CREASED FOLD MARK you pressed in Step 1. Stop at the crease.
Step 4: Using your serger, sew a rolled edge hem along the torn edges, pivot at the point and finished the second edge of the shawl. Clip threads.
Done. Wear your new Kimono Style Shawl around your shoulders and enjoy!
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Create a "no-sew" Kimono Style Shawl from our Batik Cotton Jersey Knit:
What do we need for this simple project?
- 1 1/4 yards of your favorite 72" wide Batik Cotton Jersey Knit
- Scissors & Rotary Cutter
- Ruler - suggest the Creative Grid's Stripology Ruler
- Iron & Ironing Board
Step 1: Fold the fabric with short edges touching. Position the Stripology Ruler along the short edge, straighten the curled selvages as best you can and cut a straight edge removing the sewn selvage.
Step 2: Decide on the length you would like the tassels. My tassels are 6" long. Position the Stripology Ruler, line up the newly cut straight edge along your selected length (line) on the Ruler. I selected the 7 1/2" line. Also lineup the right edge of the Ruler 1/4" away from the long edge of the fabric. Using your rotary cutter, insert the cutter in the slot at the far right of the Ruler. Cut through both layers and continue cutting tassels - every 1/2" slot. Continue cutting until the entire edge has been cut.
You now have 1/2" wide tassels ready to be stretched.
Step 3: Before moving the fabric, stretch every single tassel by pulling it away from the fabric. Hold one finger on the start of the cut point and pull the tassel with your other hand. This will lengthen and curl the fabric. Follow these instructions for the other selvage edge of the fabric.
Step 4: Decide on the length you would like for the front portion of the shawl versus the back of the shawl. Again, I decided to make the back and front the same length. Fold the wrap in half with tassels touching. Using your iron, press a crease along the fold.
Step 5: Unfold the fabric and refold so that the fabric is folded in half along the long edge (tassels touching on either end). On one tasseled edge find the center fold.
Step 6: Using your scissors, cut up the center following the fold line. Keep the fabric tight and cut slowly to avoid saw tooth edges. STOP cutting when you reach the CREASED FOLD MARK.
Step 7: Wash your new Jersey Knit Kimono Style Shawl
Done. Wear your new Jersey Knit Kimono Style Shawl around your shoulders and enjoy!
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Create an "over the head" cover-up from our Batik Cotton Jersey Knit:
What do we need for this simple project?
- 3/4 yard of your favorite 72" wide Batik Cotton Jersey Knit
- Scissors
- Ruler
- Sewing Machine or Serger
Note: Serge all the way around all four edges with a rolled hem if you prefer a finished edge to your jersey knit.
Step 1: Fold the fabric with short edges touching, right sides together. Identify the top and bottom edges of your cover-up.
Step 2: Measure 15" in from the center fold. Place a pin at this point on the TOP edge of your fabric.
Step 3: Using your serger or your traditional sewing machine, sew a 1/4 inch seam from the pin to the outer edge of the TOP of your cover-up. Clip threads.
Done. Wear your new jersey knit cover-up by placing the cover-up over your head with the sewn seam running along your left of right shoulder.
In Summary....
Keep the design of your wrap's and shawls so simple. The goal is to create a fun wrap to add to your wardrobe or gift to your special friend of family member! Let us know what you think!
