If there’s one thing I love more than fresh fabric, it’s leftover fabric. You know the ones—those oddly shaped cuties too small for a full block but way too pretty to toss? This month’s Aurifil Artisan challenge was all about turning those scrappy bits into something magical, and I’m here to report: mission accomplished.

I raided my personal scrap stash (because of course I hoard all my favorite trimmings), stitched them into a patchwork triangle, and ended up with a sweet lil’ neckerchief that feels like summer camp meets studio chic. And with Aurifil’s 50wt thread doing the heavy lifting for both piecing and topstitching, this project came together smoother than a well-brewed sun tea.

Grab your scraps and let’s stitch up some Scout-style flair. This beginner-friendly tutorial is perfect for using what you’ve got—plus a great excuse to show off your thread stash.

Supplies

• Fabric scraps in various colors & prints
• A coordinating solid fabric for the back
• Aurifil 50wt thread (I used Light Sand 2000 and Very Dark Olive 2887 for piecing + topstitching)
• Rotary cutter
• Iron (I LOVE my Mini Oliso)
• Pins or clips
• Sewing machine
• Optional: Aurifil 40wt or 8wt for decorative quilting
• Optional: Snap fastener tool (Here’s the one I used) + fabric scrap for a neck loop

🪡 Patchwork Neckerchief Tutorial

Step 1: Piece your triangle
Start by sewing your fabric scraps together until you have a pieced panel that’s roughly a 22″ x 22″ right triangle. This can be as improv or structured as your heart desires. Go wild with color, or keep it tonal and moody—your scraps, your rules.

Step 2: Cut your backing fabric
Cut a solid piece of fabric into a 22″ x 22″ right triangle to match your scrappy top.

Step 3: Sew it up
Place the two triangles right sides together. Stitch around all three edges with a ¼” seam allowance, leaving a 4–5″ gap on one side for turning.

Step 4: Trim and turn
Clip the corners to reduce bulk, then carefully turn your neckerchief right side out. Press all the seams flat, folding in the raw edges of your gap and pressing those under too.

Step 5: Topstitch for the win
Using your Aurifil 50wt thread in a coordinating color, topstitch all the way around the edges to close the gap and give your bandana a crisp finish.

Step 6: Embellish, if you wish!
Want to get fancy? Add machine quilting with 40wt thread or go old-school with hand quilting using 8wt. I kept it simple this time, but the options are endless.

Step 7: Secure your style
You can knot your neckerchief, tie it kerchief-style, or go hands-free with a custom loop. I made a loop out of scrap fabric and added a plastic snap (grab my favorite tool here). It’s secure, it’s cute, and it gives serious retro Scout vibes.

💬 Scout Tips

🌈 Feeling stuck on fabric combos? Grab my Ultimate Color Guide for matching Aurifil thread colors to Art Gallery Fabrics Pure Solids. It’s free, fun, and ridiculously useful for any scrappy mission.

🧵 Don’t have the right Aurifil on hand? You can grab Aurifil thread bundles (and yes, scrap packs too!) via my affiliate link here. It helps support my quilty adventures and keeps the thread flowing.

📣 Share Your Scraps!

I’d love to see your version of the patchwork neckerchief. Post your makes with the hashtag #quiltscoutsneckerchief or tag me on IG @quilt_scouts so I can cheer you on!