No Knit Rose Crazy-Wool Scarf

There’s something about being able to put the ‘pedal to the metal’ and also make something so pretty! ‘Endless possibilities of designs & colours, not to mention that this No Knit Rose Crazy-Wool scarf is one of a kind!

Sure, add it in:

If you know what Crazy-wool is, any leftover yarn or wool can be used to come together to make a ‘fabric’ so I took it up a notch and added some fabric. Typically only yarn is used between Water Soluble Stabilizer and then free-motion sewn until stable enough to hold together. This light polyester fabric would help add the rose pedal shapes in this flower design.

Alright, let me warn you that you should be careful when using an open flame for this! Bringing the edge closet to the flame will slightly melt it to prevent fraying. I did this when I made the roses for a special wedding. Do not light it one fire, so short and quick is the key!

Once you have all the pedals made, collect some colours to suggest flowers and leaves. Lay out the bottom layer of stabilizer (length of scarf) and arrange the yarn. If you look at roses you will see how the images are quite simple; like a bunch of swirls! Don’t be too picky! When I made the purse I used the same imagery. I love it since it’s so easy!

TIP: Used yarn/wool that has some fuzziness to it as it’s more likely to ‘catch’ in the sewing and hold together.

Use a variety of yarns and colours. Keep the yarn within the width of your stabilizer. I personally like thinner but longer scarf for more versatility. If you find it too long to work with you can work in sections to join later.

A Sandwich:

Add another layer of Stabilizer on top of your design. The hardest part of this method is keeping the yarns in place, but then again you don’t have to knit or crochet.

If it’s too bulky and thick you can place a sheet of parchment paper on top and iron it to flatten better. I had experimented with a slight dampening to adhere the 2 layers together but that depends on your specific brand and also the amount of water. This soluble stuff dissolves quite easily so be careful. I’ve had good luck with just pinning a lot.

The Fun Stuff:

Carefully, transport (roll or fold) the length to the sewing machine. I used a simple clear foot and loosened the presser foot pressure to allow easy moving as it sews. The are also free-motion or darning presser feet specially made for this. They will lift up and down as it sews. You do not need to turn as you sew, just hold and move it around as it sews. I used a random swirl as it’s very easy to manage. You can also have a grid-work but that is less forgiving.

TIP: To keep the yarn in place before going further it may help to first sew around the entire shape.

Thread:

Yo can use a contrast colour, matching colour or even a clear transparent thread. I used black in the background and colours in the roses.

Crazy-Wool so fast:

Zoom zoom zoom! Foot on the pedal and zooming around and around. It’s such fun since there are little rules here! Before you know it, it’s done.

Can you see it?! The Pretty Crazy-wool Rose?! A few loops in the middle add a nice detail.

As an illustrator I get excited to makes images in different ways! Drawing with a sewing machine; endless possibilities.

Almost Done:

If there are some edges that need defining, you can cut off the yarn. If you made it in sections they can be overlapped and sewn with some swirls to attach. Who says that you can’t make something quite unique such as a garment?! It just takes more planning…

Pretty Roses!

How remarkable that a few strands of wool look like a flower! Take the scarf to a sink and rinsing carefully in warm water; the stabilizer disappears quickly. Even the edges will be quite interesting and almost lace-like. I think it reminds me of drawing; that’s what makes me like it so much.

Make up a colour combination of your own, or maybe some shapes that are YOUR favourite. Whatever you chose; it will definitely be unique!

Another great thing; you can use up all that yarn that needs a purpose… Maybe a small ‘try’ like a placemat or a small picture design or a table-runner or a… you decide. Happy making!