Categories: Decorating & Design

How to Make a Mantle Scarf

Are you a beginner to the world of sewing who is looking for an easy but elegant project? Maybe you’re someone who has sewn for years but would like something new and different to stitch? Even if you don’t sew at all you can still take on a cool project that lets you make something beautiful for your fireplace mantle. The mantle scarf can be made from many different fabrics and with many choices of styles and embellishments. When you’re finished you’ll have created a one-of-a-kind linen that enhances the appeal of your already-lovely fireplace.

Fireplace mantles vary in size making it impossible to tell readers what size to cut the fabric they’ve chosen for the scarf project. The beauty of the mantle scarf, though, is that it still looks great even if it’s a little longer than needed or even much shorter. For this project the finished piece will be approximately 22″x89″. You can adjust that size, according to the size of your own fireplace mantle, or you can go with the listed size and accept it how it is. If the finished linen is a little too long, that’s no problem, since the intended piece actually hangs over the ends of the mantle. When your finished mantle scarf is too long it will simply hang down a little further on the ends. If the finished linen is too short you simply center it in the middle of the mantle for a different look.

Lightweight fabrics work best for the mantle scarf. Choose any color you want then select the lace or other trim you will use to finish the linen. To make the pattern draw a line down the fabric so that it is 90″ long. From the center of that line measure over 20″ and mark that area. The tricky part about creating the mantle scarf is that it will be cut in the shape of a long oval which has been cut in half. You can eyeball the cut, as you make it, then fold the piece over to even up the sides. Or, you can use an object that can help you make the rounded shape you need, like a hula hoop or large cardboard ring. The finished piece should look like a very long, very skinny half-oval.

You can now scallop the curved side of the mantle scarf if you want. This will give the finished linen a different look than if you leave it as-is. For beginners or those using gluing techniques instead of sewing you’ll find it easiest to create a scalloped look if you cut long curves rather than small scallops. After cutting the scallops you want you’ll then sew on the decorative lace or other material to finish the edges. Besides a lace trim you can add eyelet, soft ribbon or similar edging. No matter what type of edging you choose it’s best if it’s the type that is not gathered, or is gathered very slightly, unless you really want a very frilly look.

Using glue, you’ll simply attach the lace to the scalloped edge of the cloth, going from the back corner, across the front, and over to the opposite corner. Do not attach lace to the straight side of the mantle scarf. If you’re sewing just stitch the lace or other material onto the edge using a straight stitch. Work slowly as you go around the scalloped edges and even make tiny pleats, if needed, to perfectly fit the lace to the cloth. After the lace is attached you can then hem the straight side of the mantle scarf. Fold the edge over a half-inch, then once again, to make the hem. Stitch all the way down with a straight stitch.

Although the basic mantle scarf is now complete there are other embellishments you can add. If you enjoy embroidering you can create a lovely pattern across the scarf, just above the lace trim. Or, use stencils and paint markers to create something similar. Create something beautiful with very little money by simply tacking satin bows on, across the front of the scarf. Another option is to glue or stitch on small appliques, pearl buttons, fake jewels or other accents.

If the fireplace is in the kitchen or dining room consider making a matching runner for the table. Or, make a matching tablecloth instead. If the fireplace is in the living room or den it’s easy to create matching pillows for the mantle scarf. The finished linens will easily become cherished heirlooms in your family. There’s no reason to put off starting on the scarf project. It’s perfect for those who sew and those who don’t; people with large budgets and people with small ones! It’s the perfect project to create a gift for someone you know or to make something nice for your own home.