Cargo Scarf: Free your hands, and your mind will follow!

As much as I love purses, they're a pain. Aside from getting dropped, lost, and snatched on a regular basis, they almost always leave their carrier without a free hand for everyday tasks. A cargo scarf is the perfect, inconspicuous way to hold all your small essentials--keys, cash, pens, cigs, cell phone--without tying up your hands. Plus, it helps you stay warm on cold nights all year round.

This instructable is for the Etsy SewUseful contest...
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=6473173

Step 1: Materials

To make a cargo scarf, you will need:

1/2 yard 45" wide cotton for outer layer
I chose a cute banana-print cotton; any decorative or fashion fabric will do, but it should be woven (not a stretchy knit).

1/2 yard lining
This is the part of the scarf that will be against your skin, so choose something warm and comfortable. Softer felts, flannels or fleeces are all good options.

Decorative trims
These can be lace, eyelet tape, or whatever else you prefer. If you plan to adorn all the edges, you will need 4 1/2 yards of trim for a 68" scarf. To decorate only the short edges, 1/2 to 3/4 of a yard will do; vertical accents will require 2 yards of trim each, and horizontal accents will only require 6 inches of trim each.

D-ring and nylon webbing
These are for creating a decorative accent and/or ring to clip your keys to. You can substitute the nylon webbing (only a few inches are needed) with a piece of matching or contrasting fabric.

Narrow Elastic
This is for constructing a pen or pencil sleeve. You only need a few inches; choose a color that complements your lining and fashion fabrics, as it will be visible.

Bias square, measuring tape, or ruler

Chalk or marking pencil

Sewing Machine
This project can sew by hand with a needle and thread, but a machine will make it much faster and easier.

Pins

Iron

Comments

[spiritflare]

Wow this is amazing! Found it just in time to make a bunch for christmas too!

[Arendos]

As a guy who carries a shoulder bag wherever he goes, I don't think I like the concept. Wouldn't that be cool, but really uncomfortable?

[ricardoruizo]

http://www.gorunnur.com/

[Kinnishian]

When I was making this, I did not understand the step about opening the seams with a warm iron. Maybe, could clarify this for other people?

Thanks :)

[Kinnishian]

cannot figure out a way to edit my comments (Wait, surely I am missing something), but I also wanted to add that I was phased for a while on the idea of the "wrong side". I think something that indicates "inside" or "non-outside face side side" [but...less confusing..] would make it clear for people who are clearly having a difficult brain day.

[WhiteTech]

Hey, I made two of these! one for me and one for a special someone, Here's mine, hers is the exact same with the same checkered fabric, but black and white and used on both sides. Instead of the solid colour on one side

I skipped the lace and such ;) but my mother being the professional seamstress that she is, added a zipper on the bottom pocket for loose objects and kept the top pocket open for phones and such.

The special someone loves hers and uses it everyday!

[goliver2]

This pattern/scarf is pretty awesome and I made it being an amateur. I do have to give warning on the warm fabric you use. I used a really fluffy fabric and it was a real pain to sew and cut because the edges were falling off. Now that it's done it was worth it but just a heads up =D

[stringstretcher]

Wow!

[l8nite]

I showed this to my daughter some time ago, she made one and I couldn't find the "ible" but it's back on the front page. Everyone liked hers, now her sister, sister in law, a couple aunts, MY sister and 2 sister in laws all have one. Really great idea

[una_amor]

Thank you for this. It is fab!

[mnrsiat]

Oh I love this!

[vdat]

Very nice ! sometimes I don't like to carry a purse. This is a great idea

[Azalara]

This is a fantastic idea. I've already made one for my male friend (without the lace) and I'm using the same basic idea without the pockets to make scarves for my co-worker's kids.
Thank you so much for this, I will surely be using it for years to come!

[nambrose]

I love that lace. Where do you get that lace from?

[D.Wyndia]

This is a great idea, since so many women are being robbed of their purses right now.

[orisj]

great idea!

[bblankenship]

Really neat looking purse and useful!

[bblankenship]

What a great idea, looks very easy!

[SageMinto]

Very useful!
Especially during the winter and fall seasons.

[CuttiePiie]

THIS IS A FANTASTIC IDEA

[Sherlock69]

WOW I don't usually wear scarves but I HATE to carry a purse. I was thinking about doing a small pocket that would go between the fabrics with a small zipper to carry money. Like a "hide-a-pocket" I LOVE this idea

[margime50]

This is a great idea. I will definitely make one to show everyone and then take orders for Christmas gifts.

[Solovei]

This is the greatest idea ever - Totally making this to carry my mp3 player and possibly bus pass :) Probably wouldn't put my keys out in the open like that, but I do have an owl keychain that'll go with this perfectly.

[xaphor]

 Why is everyone overlooking the fact that a guy could wear it as well.  

I would wear it, it is totally awesome, and I am a guy, maybe change the style just a bit, but still, it is useful.

[bpfh]

Just seen this and I'm now thinking about making one for my morning motorbike commute: Keeps the back of your neck warm, stops the cold air freezing your chest hair and gives you a perfect place to stick your wallet, pens, ipod/phone & papers and any other stuff you do not want to put into your jacket and avoid having to carry a manbag...

[Cakestripe]

Yep - I looooove it when a guy is wearing a scarf! Anyone remember how John Bender looked in "Breakfast Club" at the end? ...Yeah, exactly. ;)

[BobbySaka]

I am so making this for my brother for Christmas this year. I can totally see a guy wearing it. Especially the college type. Pocket for Ipod is so cool =)

[mikeh3k]

Sooo true Xaphor. I'm making one for myself
Peace

[Dr. Monkey]

Completely agree - I only wish that I had seen this before March, I might have been able to cut down my need for a bag by 75% or more this past winter (most of the time I really only need to carry a few tiny things and my bag is pretty empty).

[JessickaRay]

Are those leopard print scissors? So cute!

[nutellamonster]

How 'bout adding a button-and-loop (or pushbutton or something) to fix your scarf in the position you like to wear it (I wear mine the same style all the time), so that heavier things don't drag their end down, disarranging your style and choking you?
I was wondering the exact same thing (heavy object choking you) when reading this, and this could be a solution.
Absolutely have to give this scarf a try!

[threecheersfornick]

Darn I wish I had a sewing machine.

[Madrigorne]

Pick one up for cheap at St Vincents or Goodwill.  Get your make on - you deserve it.

[patmac]

I also don't like carrying purses, but find it necessary to have my wallet, phone and keys with me.  I love scarves, so for me, this is the perfect solution.  I can wear them every season.  These will make wonderful and inexpensive gifts.  Thanks for the great job.

[philipwoodall]

i'm probable just going to use a scarf i have, if i really like it i might make it during summer.

[trike road poet]

This will make awesome Christmas gifts for all the ladies, thanks for the great idea.

[robocrazy155]

One of the most practical things I have seen on I'bles. Very cool and a great idea to bout!

5 Stars

[hammer9876]

This is such a great idea. People can follow your directions exactly or modify at their whim. Great!

[selkie305]

Great idea! I just got the perfect winter jacket - perfect, except it has no practical pockets for putting stuff in. This scarf will solve my problem nicely!

[desya]

 I saw that scarf thing in some high priced mag......was planning to try and make it my self.... thanks for the how to..