Upcycling and Decorating with Scarves

For as long as I can remember, I’ve been a big fan of scarves. Wearing them…trying new knots…and even upcycling them into projects. From winter scarves to silky/flowy versions, I’ve amassed quite a personal collection. And every time I step into the thrift store, I see loads of them for sale- including bandanas and handkerchiefs. So, if you’ve got a few that you no longer wear but want to use them in alternative ways, then this collection of inspiring ideas is exactly what you need.

Scarf Necklace

Silk scarves are beautiful but often delicate, prone to tears, pin holes, and unfortunate collisions with food or drink. But if enough material is salvageable, it can be re-imagined as a chunky, contemporary necklace with this repurposing idea.

Vintage Handkerchief Wreath

Vintage handkerchiefs are about as pretty and delicate as it gets, with their floral prints and gorgeous watercolor hues. And if you inherit (or find) a collection of them, here’s a great way to put several of them to good reuse– especially in Spring. Plus, this lovely little wreath incorporates a few vintage brooches, as well.

Scarves as Christmas Tree Garland

Plaid winter scarves- wool or otherwise- are absolutely ideal for any number of festive holiday decorations. Including this one: using them as garland on your Christmas tree. Not only is this sustainable and reusable year after year, but it’s safer for curious pets than traditional tinsel or garland, too.

Alternatively, winter scarves work great when draped like garland around a stair banister, as well.

Scarf Sun Catchers

These sun catchers and bird deterrents look pretty hanging in your largest picture windows, and won’t break if they come tumbling down. Not only are they an easy project to make with a semi-sheer scarf, but they act as bird deterrents that keep birds from flying into large picture windows, too.

Bandana Bowl Covers

As someone who loves old stoneware bowls, I once had quite the collection. But, I couldn’t use them at BBQs and potlucks because…no lids! So, I decided to do something about that by fashioning some reusable bowl covers from clean bandanas. Not only did they keep bugs out of the food, but they were especially festive at July 4th events.

Vintage Handkerchief Valance

Vintage handkerchiefs are known for their darling, sweet designs- and this upcycle idea is a wonderful way to show them off! Perfect for a vintage kitchen, sewing room, or other sweet space, these vintage handkerchief valances couldn’t be more charming.

Scarves as a Throw Blanket

A lot of wool scarves end up at thrift stores. Maybe their owners moved to warmer climates or moths got the best of them- anything is possible. But either way, they are fun to stitch together into a patchwork throw blanket to use as cooler weather settles in.

Fabric Pumpkins

Every Fall, crafters begin to create fabric pumpkins out of all sorts of material. But one of my favorite versions uses scarves- bandanas, more specifically. Don’t they look charming with the paisley bandana print in orange and black?

Chair Decor with Scarves

Whether your chairs are outside (like this vintage metal motel chair) or inside, scarves are a great way to add a festive touch. Tying them around the chair backs not only adds a pop of color, but is a fun and sustainable way to repurpose scarves year after year. Especially woolen scarves that perhaps have gotten a few holes in them over their lifetime…

Floral Handkerchief Bracelets

Why should kids and teens have all the fun with friendship bracelets? These chic and romantic versions are made from vintage handkerchiefs– but any lightweight vintage fabric with a delicate print would be perfect! Plus, they’re super easy to create- which comes in handy if you want to make them for a bunch of your friends.

Winter Scarves for Your Front Door

Your door works hard all winter long keeping the cold out and the cozy in. Why not decorate it this winter with a cute DIY wreath to celebrate its hard work? Believe it or not, but this winter craft puts an old scarf to wonderful reuse as a winter wreath.

Bandana Pillows

Bandanas are ideal for transforming into pillow covers because they are all the perfect square shape! Of course, any square scarves will do, but bandanas ensure that the front and back will match. Plus, this tutorial offers sew and non-sew versions of this upcycling idea- perfect for any level of crafting experience.

Aromatherapy Eye Pillows

We all know how awful a headache (or even worse, a migraine) can be- it can steal an entire day or even longer. And while aromatherapy eye pillows like these won’t medically cure it, it can improve the symptoms. These were made with vintage scarves so the fabric is smooth and cool- rice adds just enough weight to feel soothing across your eyes, and the essential oils you use are completely up to you.

Scarf Ornaments

An old winter scarf- especially in red and black buffalo check- is ideal for ANYTHING Christmas-y, including these DIY ornaments. You can personalize and embellish them however you want, but there’s just something iconic about white lettering and designs over the red and black scarf fabric, isn’t there?

Scarves as Table Runners

Depending on the length and width, scarves can be used as table runners- especially on smaller furniture pieces like this coffee table. This is a great way to extend the life of a gorgeous scarf that you no longer wear, and is easy to swap out throughout the year. Plus, the scarf protects your table from getting scratched or nicked by decorative pieces while still showing off the table underneath.

Pillow Embellishments

If you’re not interested in upcycling scarves into full pillow covers, you can still pair up the two with this fun craft idea. Use smaller scarves or handkerchiefs as embellishments on existing pillows! This is such a fun way to embellish plain pillows from the thrift store using the prettiest vintage handkerchiefs in your stash.

Scarves as Gift Wrap

There are lots of ways to make holidays- especially Christmas- more sustainable and less wasteful. One of those ways is by swapping out traditional wrapping paper with something reusable, like fabric. And in this case- a scarf! It turns your gift into something that not only looks lovely, but ends up being two gifts in one.

Bandana Wreath

There really are all sorts of ways to upcycle scarves into various types of wreaths, and bandanas are no exception! These green bandanas work perfectly as a St. Patrick’s Day wreath, don’t they? And I can totally see applying this same technique with other bandana colors for different holidays and seasons, too.

Upcycling and Decorating with Scarves

See, what did I tell you? There are TONS of ways to upcycle and decorate with scarves, whether they’re bulky and warm, or flowy and cool. So, if you no longer wear it or it’s gotten damaged somehow, that beloved scarf can definitely be reimagined as a new project. I hope you found all sorts of inspiration for your scarf collection here- let me know if you make something with scarves…I’d love to hear about it.

Craft on!

S

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