How to Make a No-tie Turban From an Old Scarf

Scarfs are one of the most common items found in recycling and thrift stores across Finland, discarded scarfs also contribute to the land fills of the city. Why not turn them into something new? Goa Z (Trashionista from Defender trashion store in Kallio) has designed a few simple steps to turn a square type of scarf into a charming, easy to wear turban that does not need to be tied up. Thanks to a cleverly located elastic band, the turban can adapt to people with different head shapes and amounts of hair and it is always ready to use.

Goa shared this knowledge with the participants of a Skill exchange circle (Taitopiiri) at the Kallio Library in Helsinki on May 2015. Thanks Goa!

Materials needed:

- Old scarf

- 12-15 cm piece of elastic band

- Sewing machine (you can also sew it by hand with a needle, but it will take longer)

Step 1: Step 1: Fold the Scarf in 2 Making a Triangle

Fold the scarf in itself in such a way that the reverse side is up. You should get a triangle as a result.

Step 2: Step 2: Sew the Open Sides

Carefully sew each side of the triangle, leaving one hole of 5-8 cm in one of the extremes. (You will use this hole to turn inside out the scarf once the elastic band is attached)

Step 3: Step 3: Sew the Elastic Band

Take the side of the scarf that has no seam and locate its middle by folding it in two. Attach to that middle point with a pin, the middle of the elastic band. When you sew it, stretch the rubber band to both sides all the time. When the elastic band is finally attached, it should wrinkle the fabric (this side will go to the neck of your head and secure the turban, when it is done).

Step 4: Step 4: Turn the Scarf Inside Out

Use the hole in one of the extremes to pull the other extreme and turn the piece inside out. That way the elastic band will remain out of sight.

Step 5: Step 5: Messure and Mold It in Your Head

Put the side of the elastic against your neck and pull to the front, the 3 extremes of the triangle, trying out the right spot to close the front piece. Mark it with a pin and sew the right spot with the help of the machine or a few hand made stitches.

Step 6: Step 6: Knot, Sew and Secure the Front Piece

With your hands, fold and make knots with the extremes that hang so that they take a turban shape that you like. Secure the folds and knots with a few stitches. Voila!