Blankets and table cloths contain a lot of material. Old blankets with holes or stains can be cut up and repurposed into all sorts of items.
This season, capes, ponchos and ruanas are the rage on the runways, red carpets and as RTW is stores. We decided to cut up an old blanket and use it as the fabric sources for a runway worthy ruana.
We think it looks chic. Not just eco-chic. No need to tell it was repurposed.
Materials
3 to 3 1/2 yds 54" or 60" knit or woven fabric reclaimed from an old blanket, table cloth or other item with a large amount of fabric
Step 1
Determine the size ruana you want to make and take measurements to determine fabric needs. For example, to make an almost ankle length, measure over your shoulder from back hem length to front hem length. Cut less fabric if you want the ruana knee length.
Tip: Polar fleece does not ravel and requires no hem. Polar fleece is a great fabric source for a quick easy blanket to ruana project. For all other fabrics, add hem allowances to length as you will need to hem the edges. Use the full 60" or 54" width of the fabric, minus selvages.
Step 2
Fold the fabric lengthwise so it lies entirely flat. Smooth the fabric with your hands. Measure and clean-cut your length.
Step 3
Cut off the selvages one at a time.
Step 4
Find and mark the center. Fold the fabric lengthwise, then width. Use a pin to mark center.
Step 5
Cut the neckline. Unfold the fabric to full length, half width. Using the pin as a guide, cut a half circle with 1-inch to the back of center. The remaining of the half circle should be to the front of center. Use a 6" diameter for full figured folks, for smaller folk cut a 5" diameter circle.
Step 6
Finish the ruana. Polar fleece will not fray and can be left as cut. To add a decorative touch to fleece, stitch around the edges of the ruana with yarn and a buttonhole stitch or thread and a machine decorative stitch to finish.
For all fabrics other than fleece, finish with a serger or make a quarter-inch stitched hem.
No comments:
Post a Comment