Fabric Headband

Here's an easy way to make a pretty headband. This cute sewing project can be made with scrap pieces of fabric so the cost is minimal. Make several to coordinate with your favorite outfits.

Step 1: Supplies

Fabric Scraps

1/2" wide Elastic- 12" long or 6" of 1" wide elastic

scissors

measuring tape

sewing machine

Thread

straight pins

Step 2: Cut Fabric

Cut 2 long strips of cotton fabric 6" x 20".

Cut 1 piece of fabric for the elastic casing 3-1/2" x 10"

Step 3: Sew

Fold each of the long strips of fabric in half longwise, inside out.

Stitch the long side closed with 1/4" seam allowance.

Attach a large safety pin to one end and turn right side out.

Repeat with the piece of fabric for elastic casing.

Step 4: Elastic

If you have 1/2" wide elastic you'll have 2 rows. Sew a row of stitches down the center of the elastic casing, (creating 2 channels) beginning and ending 1-1/2" from each end.

Cut the elastic in half so you now have 2 pieces, each 6" long.

Place a safety pin on one end of each piece of elastic.

Run the elastic through both sides of the casing, pinning at each end.

Sew across casing at each end, securing the elastic.

If you are using 1" wide elastic, you'll only need 1 row.

Step 5: Knot or Twist

Decide if you want a knot at the top of the headband or just a simple twist.

Twist:

Fold one of the sections in half. Place one end of the other section in the fold of the first section.

Pin the ends of each section together.

Knot:

Fold one section of the head band in half. Pin the ends together.

Fold the other section in half and place over the first section, facing the opposite direction.

Take one end and tuck underneath first section off to one side and up through folded end.

Take the other end and tuck underneath off to the other side and bring up through folded end.

Bring ends of second section together, pin.

Grab ends of each section in each hand and pull gently, forming a knot.

Step 6: Attach Elastic Casing

Tuck each end of the top band into the elastic casing on the sides. Pin. Try this on and if it's too loose, cut off 1/2" and try again.

You want the head band a little snug so it will stay in place but not too tight.

Hand stitch in place to secure.

Step 7: Finished Headband

As you can see from the photos, these headbands can add a dramatic touch to any outfit.

Accessories really do make the outfit!

It's a good idea to have several of these on hand in different colors so you can instantly turn a bad hair day into a good hair day!