How to Attach Elastic to Crochet Headbands

Choose a thread that will match the crochet headband.

The easiest way to attach elastic to a crochet headband is by hand-sewing over and around the edges of the elastic to create a casing out of thread. When this is done, the elastic can then be adjusted to the desired tightness and then knotted together and cut. Keeping the elastic free to move in this way ensures that it does not bunch up unevenly and that the headband is not uncomfortably tight.

Things You'll Need

• Elastic cord
• Sewing needle
• Thread
• Scissors

Instructions

1. Lay the crochet headband out so you are able to see and easily work on the underside that will be worn against the head. If the headband is a complete circle, fold it with the underside facing out and the seam or back of the headband on top. You will begin sewing at this seam.

2. To measure how much elastic cord to use, lay the cord down the middle of the underside of the headband without stretching it. Allow approximately 3 inches of extra elastic at each end, then cut the elastic cord.

3. Thread the needle and then tie and knot the thread onto the middle of one end of the headband or at the back/seam. Place one end of the elastic against the spot where the thread is tied on and lay the rest of the elastic along the length of the headband.

4. Make the first stitch by crossing over the elastic and looping the needle through the headband just on the opposite side of the elastic, being sure to not sew through the elastic. Then zigzag back over the elastic and place a stitch just on the other side. Sew over the elastic in this zigzag pattern, working your way down the length of the headband. Your stitches should be about 1/8 inch apart.

5. When you reach the end or have gone around the circle, tie and knot the thread to the headband. Neatly cut off any thread ends that are hanging loose.

6. Place the headband on the person who will be wearing it. Pull the elastic cord until the headband feels snug but not uncomfortably tight. Tie the ends of the elastic together in a knot to keep them at this level of tension. Remove the headband and cut off the ends of the elastic.

Tips & Warnings

• As you sew down the length of the headband, you should test the elastic's ability to move freely by pulling on it gently in either direction. Do not pull so hard that it comes out of the casing that you have sewn.

References

• BurdaStyle; Sewing Elastic Cord; July 2007
• Sewing Answers; How Do You Add an Elastic Waistline?; Donna Trumble
• Sewing; Fold-Down Casings; Sept 2005