Summery Chic Boho Ribbon Scarf

Melony Miller Bradley created this whimsical scarf from torn strips of muslin and sheer silk ribbon that she hand-dyed using Rit Aquamarine, Apple Green and Tan.  The muslin strips are machine stitched with knife pleats and then tied together to create this colorful ribbon scarf.   It’s a fun accessory to make and is sure to become your “go to” summer fashion accent for tank tops and sundresses.  

Melony has been designing full-time for the creative industry since 2004.  Her work has been published in national consumer craft and lifestyle magazines, including Women's World, Cloth Paper Scissors, Crafts’n Things, Create & Decorate, Green Craft Magazine, Altered Couture and Somerset Life.  Visit her blog, MelDesigns for more crafty DIY inspiration. 

SUPPLIES:

• Rit Liquid Dye: Aquamarine, Apple Green, Tan
• 1 Yd. Cotton Muslin
• 4 Yds. Sheer SilkRibbon, 1 7/8” wide
• Rubber Stamp in script design
• Black Pigment Ink
• 16 Prima Dynasty Beaded Flower Embellishments, Ivory
• Large pot for boiling water
• Measuring cup & spoons
• Plastic Bowl
• 4 Gallon-Sized Plastic Bags
• Long Spoon for Stirring Dye
• Rubber Gloves
• Old Towel
• Plastic Wrap
• Plastic Table Cover
• Sewing Machine
• Hand Sewing Needle & Thread
• Scissors
• Steam Iron & Pressing Surface

INSTRUCTIONS:

1.  Tear 12 strips, 2” x 36”, from the muslin fabric.  Note: Number of strips used will depend on desired length and “fullness” of scarf.  Directions given are for a one yard scarf in fullness shown.

2.   Cut 4 pieces of sheer ribbon, each 36” long.   

3.  Fill large pot with 6 cups water and bring to a boil.  Turn off burner.  Shake all dye bottles before measuring dye.   Wearing rubber gloves, prepare 4 dye baths in gallon-sized plastic bags.  Measure dye and add hot water, following the recipes below.  Stir gently with a long spoon.  Place the noted number of muslin strips and cut ribbon into the dye baths.  Stir again.

• 2 Tablespoons Aquamarine
• 1 ½ cups of water
• 6 Muslin strips

• 1 Tablespoon Aquamarine
• 1 ½ cups of water
• 2 Muslin strips)

• 3 Tablespoons Apple Green
• 1 ½ cups of water
• 6 Muslin strips

• 2 Tablespoons Tan
• 1 ½ cups of water
• 6 Muslin strips & 4 Sheer Ribbon Lengths

4.  After all pieces have been placed in the bags, seal top of bags.  Let soak for 10 minutes.  

5.  Remove the muslin strips and ribbon from one bag at a time.  Squeeze out excess dye. Wrap in plastic wrap and place in a plastic bowl.  Microwave on high for 2 minutes.   Remove bowl carefully and unwrap the strips.

6.  Rinse muslin strips and ribbon in cold water until water runs clear.  Keep colors separate.  Then wash in warm water with mild detergent and rinse.  Place inside an old folded towel to further absorb excess water.  Hang to dry.  When dry, iron each strip on a high steam heat setting.

7.  When dry, iron each strip on a high steam heat setting.

8.  Using the sewing machine, stitch knife pleats in the dark Aquamarine, Apple Green and Tan muslin strips about 1” apart.  Do not pleat the light Aquamarine strips or the sheet ribbon. 

9.  Cut the light Aquamarine strips into 10” lengths.  Using the script stamp and black pigment ink, stamp one side of the muslin strips.

10.  To assemble the scarf, layer colors of Tan, Apple Green, Aquamarine and sheer ribbon into one bunch. Tie at intervals of every 5” or 6” inches with stamped ribbon.

11.  Hand sew the beaded embellishments, randomly around the scarf.