The Knecky Scarf is a project I started two years ago with a friend in Chicago. We were struggling to manage massive layers while looking professional for job interviews. A heavy scarf doesn't complement formal clothes... it also looks ridiculous to go without!

Knecky is a neck cowl that covers neck, face and ears.

Here's a look at our process and current design. Posted on Etsy!

www.knecky.com

Step 1: Sewing Machine + Materials

Sewing Machine

Purchasing a sewing machine is simple!
The fantastic thing is that buying used gets you a better machine, at a better price, than buying new!
How? Every Salvation Army (of any quality) has one in stock at all times. Typically priced between $20-40. The one show in s a portable Singer from the 60s for $22.

Materials

Outer Material - 11.5"x48", sturdy material, flannel, fleece, suede... there are many options
Inner Material - 10.5"x48", soft/warm liner, baby blanket material, sherpa, fleece... again, many options
Thread - select to match the exterior. Interior shag will hide the thread. (for fleece you may want to match the bobbin)
Buttons - 1" stained wood buttons
Zipper - 9" or 12". we used gold zippers to add a certain aesthetic

Step 2: Assembly | Layering the Materials

We used a basic "pillow case" technique followed with a "stitch in the ditch" finish.

The two materials are stitched together so that when laid flat the exterior material rolls over about 1/4" on to & bottom. We then turned the "pillow case" right-side-out and stitched down the seam or "stitched in the ditch."

[apologies for drawing in photos from different scarves]

Step 3: Assembly | Finishing

We produced three variations. The two button, four button and zipper.

Each finishes a little differently.

Two Button

Cut to length (adding an additional ~2 inches for overlap)
Finish the edges
Hand stitch through only the first layer so that there is a single seam
Add button holes & buttons

Four Button

Cut to length (adding an additional ~2 inches for overlap)
Finish the edges
Double the material back to create the accent show in the photos
Add button holes & buttons

Zipper

More challenging than the button-ups...
Cut to length and while inside out stitch in the zipper along the diagonal
Turn right side out and alight the second side
Double over material. hand stitching is required to make a clean finish

Step 4: Prototype V1.0

The first prototype was an ordinary scarf we cut in half. We added button holes and wooden buttons we made from a dowel.

Step 5: Modeling at the Office

Gathered a few coworkers and a pup for a few shots. Hope you enjoy the gallery and can try the project yourself. If you would like to see what we put together you can find the website at www.knecky.com or www.etsy.com/shop/kneckyscarf

Thank you!