Recycle Knit Scarves into Beautiful Throw Blankets

This craft project is a great way to recycle knit scarves, into a beautiful throw blanket. If you have always wanted to create a knit throw blanket but never learned to knit (just like me!), than this is a great way to get it done and I am sure it is much quicker too! I also think it is a fantastic way to preserve and recycle scarves that are longer being used.

Materials:
6 knit neck scarves (close to the same length)
straight pins
matching yarn
tapestry needle
scissors
tape measure
chalk
sewing machine
contrasting yarn (for tassels)
6" square of cardboard
beads

Tips:
Inexpensive knit scarves can be purchased at thrift shops, garage sales and discount stores.

Directions:
Place the scarves along side of each other, lengthwise. Make sure that one end of the scarves are lined up evenly. Now use the straight pins to attach the scarves together, lengthwise.

Using the matching yarn, the tapestry needle and an overcast stitch, sew along the length of the scarves to form the shape of the throw blanket. After all six scarves have been sewn together, remove the straight pins.

If one end of the throw blanket is uneven, use the chalk to mark a line across the throw making it even with the shortest point. Using a zig zag stitch, sew across the chalk line. Use the scissors to cut away the excess material below the stitched line. Now turn the edge over about a 1/4" and sew a hem along the edge of the throw blanket.Turn the throw blanket around and hem the other end the same way.

Now you are ready to make the tassels for your throw blanket. Using the contrasting yarn, wrap the yarn around the 6" cardboard 60 times. Cut an 8" piece of yarn and slide it under the wrapped yarn, tie it nice and tight at the top. Use the scissors and cut the loops along the bottom of the cardboard. Now cut another piece of yarn 8" long and tie it 1" below the top. Trim the end of the tassel to make it even, if necessary. Figure out how many tassels you would like to use for each end of your throw blanket and continue making the rest of the tassels, using the same procedure.

The next step is to add the beads to the tassels. Slip three beads onto the tie, at the top of the tassel. Now insert the tie along the edge of the throw blanket and tie it securely with a double knot. Finish attaching all of the tassels in this manner.

Hints:
Use scarves in similar shades, to create a lovely accent throw blanket. Try using bold contrasting colors to create a fun and whimsical throw blanket.

A throw blanket is wonderful for snuggling under and keeping warm while watching television, reading a book or taking a road trip.