How to Make a Bandeau Headband

Make a simple fabric bandeau headband for exercising.

A bandeau headband is a wide, stretchy fabric headband that is easy to make and can be customized to coordinate with any outfit. Create a quick and convenient hair accessory, from just a little bit of your favorite fabric and some elastic, for a casual hair accessory that will stay in place. Make the headband from a piece of nylon/lycra fabric to coordinate with a swimsuit for the beach, or use a simple stretch cotton fabric to make a headband that matches your exercise outfit.

Things You'll Need

• Soft tape measure
• Headband fabric of your choice
• Sewing pins
• Sewing needle
• Thread
• 3/4-inch-wide elastic

Instructions

1. Measure around your head. Start at the top of your head, about an inch above your forehead. Wrap the tape measure behind your ears, down to the nape of your neck and then back up to the top of your head. Subtract 2 inches from this measurement for a final length for the headband.

2. Cut a piece of fabric for the headband. Make the fabric 5 inches wide by the final length for the headband.

3. Fold the headband fabric in half lengthwise, with the right side facing inward. Pin along the long edge and sew a straight stitch down this edge.

4. Turn the headband fabric right side out and fold inward 1/4 inch at each short end.

5. Cut a 2-inch-long piece of 3/4-inch-wide elastic. Slide one end of the elastic into the center of one short end. Pin the elastic in place and sew the folded edge closed.

6. Insert the other end of the elastic into the other short end. Pin it in place, and sew across the folded edge.

References

• "Make Your Own Hairwear: Beaded Barrettes, Clips, Dangles & Headbands"; Diane Baker; 2001