Everybody is Worcester Irish. If you are from Worcester and Irish, you are probably related to everyone and claim to be more Irish than the people next door. I feel like I am a good contender for being wicked Irish in Worcester.

My parents are both of Irish heritage; my dad was in an Irish band; and I got married in Ireland to a leprechaun. … so, yeah, my blood is green like a shamrock, and we celebrate our high holiday – St. Patrick’s Day – in style.

Although there is no recreating a traditional Irish knit, you can dress up any outfit with a plaid scarf. Tartan plaids are originally Scottish but now fall under the category of Celtic, so you are safe, and if you say that your great-grandfather wore it while climbing Crough Patrick barefoot during the famine, just to go on the yearly pilgrimage, with only a potato in his belly, you will be far more believable.

With about 30 minutes and $6 and some supplies, you will have a craicing Celtic Irish scarf!

Supplies:

Plaid fabric
Sharp scissors or Rotary cutter
Pins
Iron
Needle and thread or Stitch Witchery
A scarf pin
Whiskey

Steps:

  1. Figure out the length and width of your scarf. I like to compare lengths to my favorite scarves. But for reference, a nice chunky scarf is about 30 inches by 75 inches. This is my go-to length for everyone. You can always make your scarf smaller, but I love the chunky look.
  2. Next, cut along the plaid lines. This is so easy because the fabric has a built-in ruler. After you cut the longest edges, fold the fabric over about ½ inch and then fold it over again, giving you a nice clean edge. Now, pin these edges in place and iron. It will give you an easy crease to work with.
  3. Now, you can either sew the edges or use Stitch Witchery. Stitch Witchery is awesome. You place the tape under the edges, then just iron. It is a temporary adhesive but works wonders. You can buy it for nearly peanuts at any craft or drug store.
  4. Once you have the long edges of your scarf secured, cut and fray the short ends for a more authentic look. It is easy. Cut along the edges every ¼ inch or so – about 2-3 inches up – then just pull the strings.

Once you have your lush new Celtic Irish scarf, do a little jig and pour yourself some whiskey in a jar, give a toast to my good health and consider all your friends green with envy – because you are far more Worcester Irish now than any of them.

By Jamie Burke