Introduction: Making a Basic Twi'lek Headwrap for Lekku

By www.facebook.com/MadeByMaihien/
About: I like to sew and make things. Hopefully what I share can be helpful to others.

This Instructable breaks down how I make a headwrap, for my costume portraying a person of the Twi'lek alien race in the Star Wars universe.

Attachments

Step 1: Get a Pattern

My pattern is a basic headwrap.

The main purpose of headwraps is to help secure the lekku onto your head, and also, cover the seam between your head and the lekku on your forehead.

  • The pattern provided here is "on the fold", meaning you'll need to print two, cut them out, and tape them together.
  • When printing, do not select "fit to page".
  • Make sure the square inch is to scale.
  • If you do not have a ruler handy, get a quarter, and make sure it fits in the 25 cent circle.
  • Remember to cut out the holes for the ear buds.

NOTES:

Step 2: Trace the Pattern

Once you have your pattern cut out and fit to your head*, get your material for the headwrap.

  • Place the pattern on the wrong side of your material.
  • For this example I used non-stretch fake leather (stretchy fake leather is harder to sew because it will stick to the sewing machine foot. To solve that issue, use a non-stick sewing machine foot)
  • Using heavy items like a coffee mug or soup can weigh down your pattern.
  • Trace all the edges of the pattern, including the holes for the ear buds.

*NOTE:

  • This pattern is fit to my head. The finished pattern including tying the strap closed will fit a head approx 22" around. If your head is differently sized, you'll need to modify your pattern to fit your head.
  • Use newspaper or cheap fabric to finalize test the fit.
  • Make sure the pattern fits your head before you cut out your final headwrap material.

Step 3: Cut Out the Headwrap

Using sharp scissors, cut out the headwrap.

  • Remember to cut out the ear holes too.
  • I used fake leather for this headwrap because the edges won't fray after the fabric has been cut.

TIP:

  • Most fake leathers have a white backing.
  • If you don't finish the edge, the cut edge will show in photos, showing a white line.
  • Camouflage this line by running a black permanent marker along the edge all the way around the face opening.

Step 4: Make the Headwrap Strap

To close the back of the headwrap, some people use a zipper, others use grommets and lacing.

I prefer the simplest way: cotton webbing and a double knot to secure the headwrap.

  • Get a measuring tape.
  • Put on the lekku like you would normally (this could mean you need to put your hair up in bobby pins and a wig cap)
  • Measure the circumference around your head with the lekku on.

I wear my headwrap at my hairline, with the back secured at the base of my head.

Other people prefer it straight across from above the eyebrows to the back of the head, like wearing a hat. It's up to you.

  • Measure wherever it's most comfortable for you to wear your headwrap ( = X)
  • Add 12inches.
  • Cut the strap using this measurement of X + 12 inches.

Step 5: Pin the Strap to the Headwrap

(This photo shows finished edges but that's not crucial to the functionality of the headwrap.)

Find the middle of the strap by folding it in half and inserting a sewing pin.

Find the middle of the headwrap by folding it in half and inserting a sewing pin.

  • Place your headwrap with the wrong side of the fabric up.
  • Match the two pins together, pinning the center of the strap to the center of the headwrap.
  • Pin the ends of the headwrap to the strap.

There should be six inches leftover on either side of the headwrap, for tying it closed.

Step 6: Sew the Strap to the Headwrap

Sew a few stitches at the center of the headwrap to anchor the strap to the headwrap.

Sew a few stitches at the end of the headwrap, repeating for the other end, to anchor the edges of the headwrap to the strap.

I used a zig zag stitch and went back and forth a few times for a secure stitch.

Remove the pins and trim away any excess thread.

I used cotton webbing, so I also sewed the ends to discourage fraying.

Step 7: Try Your Headwrap On

Once you've finished making your headwrap, try it on for fit.

  • Shake your head to see how secure the fit is.
  • Make notes on the pattern for future edits.

Once you're comfortable making the simple version, you can make different looks using the same pattern by changing the material you use, and adding decoration.

  • For the brown headwrap, I just added goggles on top.
  • For the black headwrap, I sewed beads and jewelry (by hand) for a dressier look.
  • I used the same pattern for both.

Questions? Find me on Facebook or Instagram

Check out my other headwrap patterns: