GTS: Headband Tutorials

My girlie girl has some wild and beautiful hair that we're always braiding or putting in puffs or pulling back in barrettes or headbands. I especially love it when she wears headbands and her curly hair billows out the back. The headbands she has have really seen better days though, so I decided to try my hand at making her some new ones.

These are so fast and easy to make that I could seriously whip one up to match every outfit she has in one afternoon. And I'm already eying my stash to make a few for myself as well.

For each of the following headbands I purchased 1/8 of a yard of fabric, and was actually able to make two headbands from each 1/8 yard...with a few scraps left over for a future patchwork project. I paid $2.48 total and used a few pieces of elastic that I already had on hand.

Braided Headband

One of the teachers at school last week was wearing an adorable braided headband, which is what inspired this kick in the first place.

Start with three strips of fabric, 23" long by 2" wide. I tore the strips for a shabby look, but you could certainly cut them with a rotary cutter instead. You may want to make them longer just to be safe, then trim to fit your head after braiding. I, evidently, have a big head though, so this will probably fit you too.

Layer the three pieces as shown above.

Add the elastic on top, then fold the edges in. Sew across these layers to keep it all in place.

Separate the three layers, then braid. You may need a family member to hold the end. Or if no one else is home you might have to do a weird pilates pose, holding the end between your knees, while you lean back trying to braid...not that I would know...but it was a good ab workout. I like to multitask.

When you get to the end, you'll want to try it on before sewing the elastic into the unfinished end. Once you're sure it's the right size, place the loose end of the elastic into the braid and wrap the outermost strip of fabric around the other layers. It should look something like this:

Sew across the ends and you're done. I actually made this one for myself as a "test run".

(Let's keep in mind that this was a no-work-no-makeup-sweats-wearing-probably-shouldn't-be-taking-photos-of-myself day. Be kind.)

Flat Headband

For this headband you'll need to cut a strip of fabric 17" long by 5" wide.

Fold in half and iron once. This is just to mark the center accurately. Unfold, then fold the edges in towards the center line that you just made.

 Fold the corners in as seen below...

Then fold in half again and insert a piece of elastic (4.5" long) into one end.

Sew the end closed, then keep topstitching all the way around. When you get to the other end, insert the loose end of the elastic.

Voila!

Don't tell her mom was modeling her new headband.

Reversible Headband

For the reversible headband, you'll need to strips of coordinating fabric that are 18" long by 2" wide. Pin them right sides together and sew along the 18" sides, leaving the small ends open.

Turn this tube right side out, tuck about 1/4 inch in on the ends and iron flat.

Insert elastic (4" long) into the open ends and topstitch all the way around.

It took me about an hour to make all four of these headbands, including the time it took for photos. These will make a great stocking stuffer for the little (or big!) girl in your life.