This DIY kimono cardigan is the perfect piece of clothing to transition your wardrobe from Summer to Fall, and you can sew it in 20 minutes from a large rectangular scarf!

I adore flowy kimono style cardigans, and they are the easiest thing to DIY! Do you have a large, rectangular scarf and basic sewing skills? You can make this beautiful kimono cardigan!

This sewing project is literally only 2 seams and a hem. That’s it!

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I found my scarf at Michaels a few years ago, so this is also a great way to give older scarves new life.

Scarves like these from Amazon would be perfect for this DIY: https://amzn.to/2NarJeG

Use the directions and diagram below to make your adorable kimono cardigan, or watch the video below for the step-by-step instructions.

Here’s how to make this easy DIY kimono cardigan from a scarf:

1. Grab your favourite, large rectangular scarf that needs a new life (for your reference, mine measures about 33″ wide by 66″ long).
2. Fold it in half horizontally, and then fold it in half vertically.
3. Cut along the front center fold carefully with sharp fabric shears. Only cut one layer of fabric.
4. Open up your last fold, and you’ll have the center front cut in the middle.
5. To create arm hole seams, measure 10″ from the top left corner of your folded scarf and make a mark, then measure about 3″ from the left edge of your scarf and make a mark. Draw a line from this point down about 6″. Use stick pins to mark the top and bottom of this line.
6. Repeat for the right hand side of your folded scarf.
7. Then, use a sewing machine to sew along these marks to create your arm holes. Make sure to back stitch at the top and bottom to secure the seams.
8. Finally, roll the raw edge you created for the front & neck opening and stitch it in place. I roll my raw edge under slightly once, and then again to create a very small rolled edge hem.
9. You’re all done!

Use this diagram as a reference for where to cut, sew and fold:

Watch my video below to learn how to sew this simple, DIY kimono cardigan from a scarf:

Let’s make it!

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Make a Kimono Cardigan from a Scarf

Yield: 1 Kimono Cardigan

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Active Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Difficulty: Easy

Estimated Cost: $15

This DIY kimono cardigan is the perfect piece of clothing to transition your wardrobe from Summer to Fall, and you can sew it in 20 minutes from a large rectangular scarf!

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Materials

• large rectangular scarf (mine was 33" x 66")
• thread

Tools

• sewing machine
• ruler
• stick pins
• scissors

Instructions

1. Grab your favourite, large rectangular scarf that needs a new life (for your reference, mine measures about 33″ wide by 66″ long).
2. Fold it in half horizontally, and then fold it in half vertically.
3. Cut along the front center fold carefully with sharp fabric shears. Only cut one layer of fabric.
4. Open up your last fold, and you’ll have the center front cut in the middle.
5. To create arm hole seams, measure 10″ from the top left corner of your folded scarf and make a mark, then measure about 3″ from the left edge of your scarf and make a mark. Draw a line from this point down about 6″. Use stick pins to mark the top and bottom of this line.
6. Repeat for the right hand side of your folded scarf.
7. Then, use a sewing machine to sew along these marks to create your arm holes. Make sure to back stitch at the top and bottom to secure the seams.
8. Finally, roll the raw edge you created for the front & neck opening and stitch it in place. I roll my raw edge under slightly once, and then again to create a very small rolled edge hem.

Notes

Use this diagram as a reference for where to cut, sew and fold:

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