This darling bow-style scarf from Quick Stuff to Sew, Vol. 1 exudes effortless but oh-so-put-together chic. It’s no wonder that it was inspired by a fabulous French designer. Discovered in Betty Kirke’s book Madeleine Vionnet (Chronicle Books, 1998), this looped scarf is surprisingly uncomplicated and is a great, achievable example of Vionnet’s work. Called a möbius scarf for its resembling a möbius, it is like a twisted loop that creates a never-ending one-sided surface. This might sound complicated, but the resulting scarf is easy to make and is truly a standout among the rest.

The scarf’s pattern shape produces a bias-cut neckline bow, with each loop falling delightfully into perfect shape when tied. The tying process itself is the fun part: one swift motion and it’s complete. The möbius principle allows the magic to happen.

A brilliant geometrician herself, Vionnet twisted and looped fabric in a variety of ways, creating extraordinary tops and sashes. Here, by inserting a twist into each bow loop as it’s tied, the möbius principle creates the effect. We’ve also improvised a “double-faced” version of the scarf for a reversible version.

Vionnet’s Möbius scarf lends itself to almost any fabric: We like soft silk or rayon crepe, as well as crisper fabrics such as washed organza (sewn with tiny seam allowances). Avoid fabrics that are too bulky for the wider parts of the scarf to pass through the narrower parts when tying. Where this scarf shines is in its voluptuous lines, which soften even the most severe suit. As an alternative to the ordinary square or oblong scarf, make a Vionnet möbius scarf, and you’ll turn heads in a crowd. It’s truly like no other.