How To

How to Make a Native American Headband

Contributor
By eHow Contributing Writer
(6 Ratings)

Whether making a Native American Indian costume or planning an arts and crafts project for children, making a Native-style headband is a snap. You can make a Native American headband from a number of different materials and custom fit the band to your head, or make it adjustable. With some basic instructions, you will be well on your way to making a headband of your own.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy
Instructions

Things You'll Need:

  • Headband material (leather, nagahide or construction paper)
  • Sharp scissors
  • Hole punch
  • Leather lacing
  • Stapler and staples
  • Feathers
  • Hot glue gun
  • Craft supplies (markers, beads or stickers)
  1. Step 1

    Choose the material you would like to use for the headband itself. You can make an authentic Native American headband by cutting it from a strip of leather, or for more affordable options, you might choose nagahide, canvas, poster board or heavy construction paper. Cut your headband material so that it is 1 1/2-inches wide and long enough to wrap around your head.

  2. Step 2

    Make an adjustable headband by using a hole punch to make two holes on either end of the band for a total of four holes. String the ends of a piece of leather lacing up and out through the top holes. Cross them one over the other to create and "X" and lace the ends through the bottom holes. Place the band around your head and tie a bow to secure the headband.

  3. Step 3

    Create a headband with a custom fit by sewing or stapling the ends of your Native American headband together, depending on the material you have chosen. If you are using staples, make sure that the smooth edge of the staple faces in so that your hair does not tangle around the ends of the staple.

  4. Step 4

    Cut two very small slits near the back of your headband just large enough to slip a feather. If you have made an adjustable headband, make each slit as close to the end of your material as possible. Slip a feather into each slit and add a drop of hot glue to hold it in place.

  5. Step 5

    Decorate your Native American headband with Native symbols, tribal designs, beads or simply enjoy wearing your headband as is.

Comments  

Lakota99 said

Flag This Comment

on 1/29/2009 Good but i do not put my feathers in the headband, looks a little hollywood-ish. good article.

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