2 Ways To DIY Cute, Cheap Scarves

Scarves always seem like one of those things that cost more than they're actually worth. So before buying new ones, try making one out of old tees you already own.

Don't throw away that old shirt! Turn it into a cute scarf, like these two clever crafters did.

First up, Michelle from A Little Tipsy creates a ruffled scarf.

You can make one even if you've never sewn — this actually happened to be Michelle's first sewing-machine project.

First, gather your materials. You'll need a T-shirt (the scarf shown is made from a one purchased at a dollar store), scissors, pins, coordinating thread, and a sewing machine.

Cut up your shirt. Cut the sleeves, collar, and side seams off, leaving the bottom hem intact. You'll have two main pieces. Cut each piece in half down the center.

Prep the shirt for sewing. Place the left piece of each shirt half on top of the right piece with the outsides of the shirt facing in. Align the neck and arm holes and cut the neck area so it is straight across. Pin the neck area together for each half.

Pin the ends together to form one long strip. Take the two strips you've created and now pin the bottom hem area together, with the inside of the shirt strips facing out. It will now be one big, long strip pinned together.

Sew all the strips together where pinned. Use a straight stitch and backstitch on each end. Trim any excess material on the inside of the seam.

You now have one long strip. You could stop here if you want a long, thin scarf.

Make ruffles. Sew a long basting stitch down the length of each side in, about 1/2" from the edge. (Michelle used a stitch length of 5 and tension of 4.) This will gather the fabric slightly. Be sure to leave a good amount of thread on each end.

Create the gather. Holding the bottom thread, carefully pull the top thread while pushing the fabric down to create more gathers and ruffling. Be careful not to break the thread. Do this from each end toward the center until you get the desired look. Tie the string in a knot on each end so it won't come loose during the next step.

Finish it off. Pin the last two ends together and sew with a straight stitch to form the infinity scarf circle. Wear it like a fancy boutique number — and enjoy knowing that it only cost you $1.

Next up, Ashley from Sugar and Cloth creates a circle-patterned scarf.

No sewing required! Here's how.

Collect your supplies. You'll need a large T-shirt (the bigger the shirt, the longer the scarf), a foam pouncer, all-surface craft point, tape, and scissors or a rotary cutter.

Cut your shirt. Lay it flat, taping down the edges. Cut a line straight across just above the bottom hem and just below the sleeves or the armpit. This will form the actual scarf so try and make the cut edges as smooth as possible. A rotary cutter will give you the best result but it isn't necessary.

Start decorating. Dip your pouncer in the paint color of your choice and start dotting.

Make a uniformed pattern. Stamp your first row spaced however you'd like, then make the next row alternated from the first. Repeat this until one whole side of the scarf is patterned.

Let it dry completely. Then repeat on the opposite side.

And you're done! A simple spotted scarf that is both elegant and funky. Wrap it for a shorter scarf or wear it unwound for a longer look.

Pippa Armbrester is a quilt maker and designer. Follow her adventures in quilting and life on her website.