SDR (Scuba Doo Rag) Pattern & Layout

Here's the pdf file for the pattern.  Print pattern out on your printer, then match line A to line B to make the total Center Top piece.  There are four pieces:

1. Center Top (this piece will need to be glued together from the pages you print out.
2. Side
3. Front Tie
4. Tie Ends

This shows the layout out of all the pieces.  There should be four pieces, two are cut on fold.  When you cut on fold you cut one piece.  The other pieces that are not on fold, you will cut two pieces.  I would lay out like above, as the "nap" or direction of the fabric is consistent with how the pieces will go together to make the final product.

The large arrow is the "straight" of grain of fabric.  The strength of the fabric is the lengthwise or long strands of the fabric - this is called the warp of the fabric.  (The crosswise threads/weaving is called woof.)

 

The pattern has some "notches" and other markings.  The dart markings on the Center Top piece, notches on the top of the Center Front piece, notches on the end of the Center Front and Tie End pieces.  Mark each as they are important.

The direction of the fabric is important.  You can cut two ways:  Cut with the design of the fabric right side up in front or right side up in back.  I usually choose the former, as I figure most people will be looking at my front not back.  In the design above, the seahorses are facing up from the front.

I mark the end of the dark in the Center Top piece with a pin "in" (top of pin) as the point of the end of the dart.  This needs to be marked on the wrong side of the fabric. 

With a few easy markings and care in cutting, this is an easy pattern to put together.

Comments

[Syndi]

I am wanting to start making doo rags for children that are receiving cancer treatment. I have been told by some of the Moms that the kids really prefer the doo rags, but they are hard to find in children's sizes.

I started by using your pattern to make a doo rag for myself. With regard to the pattern and instructions, I don't see any notches on the front band and the top cap as indicated in the instructions "Sew the front band onto the top cap, match the notches in front."

Also, once I get to the step that says "Press the remaining outside seams in a 3/8" seam allowance," I have about 1/4" unfinished edeg on each Side piece at the back where the Side connects to the Center Top and the Front Tie. This will not easily turn under as where it attaches to the Center Top has already been turned back 3/8".

If I am looking at the cap from the rear, from the left side, I have the seam where the Tie End is sewn to the Front Tie, then the 1/4" section which has an unfinished edge, and then the Center Top section to the left of the dart which I turned back 3/8" at the step that says "Starting at the bottom of the dar, fold the short side up 3/8" and pin to the other side...".

Can you tell me what I did wrong such that I have the 1/4" raw edge? I can send a picture, but the fabric is black and I'm concerned it will not be easy to see.

Also, as I want to make these for children, do you think I could use my copier to shrink the master pattern, or will that not work?

Thanks,

Syndi Hillberry
shillberry@valornet.com

[ClaireOKC]

Hey Syndi - what a wonderful use for these caps. I did a new blog for it here
http://clairekennedydesign.typepad.com/the_atelier_of_claire_ken/2008/07/scuba-doo-rag-re-doo---still-a-freebie.html
with a new pattern. I'm so used to using, making up and marking patterns, that I forget others don't use the same markings - frankly, I forget how much I know - I'm working on doing the pattern and it's fun and a joy, I just do it.

If you have any other questions, just post them here and I'll get them.

[patty handley]

My only question is how much yardage is needed for this pattern? I read the instrutation and could not find the yardage that is need to make this pattern. size of body and tail would be nice. I have no idea on how big to enlarge this pattern.It would be nice to have length,width ect. I will try to make this with adding inches to it.
patty

[ClaireOKC]

Patty - that's just a minor detail isn't it....I'd say about 1/2 - 3/4 yd. It has to be large enough for that center front piece on the fold. Unfortunately you loose a lot, unless you fold it twice, which can be done, but I think that piece is a little longer than 18" so that's why I say 3/4 yd.

The SDR is adjustable as you tie it to however small or big you need it. It's worked on kid's heads and some pretty big headed folks I know.

The only adjustment I would ever make is to make the tie end (not the front tie), a little longer, but this is my own personal preference.

Good luck!

[Beth Lawlor]

I can't see that you said what the seam allowance should be on this pattern and the revised pattern you made. Is it the standard 5/8" seam allowance or 1/4" seam allowance? If I had to guess and what I saw on you final illustration on the revised pattern it is 5/8" because I can see the stitching away from the serging you did to finish the seam. Is that right