How to Make Headbands With Elastic Backs
Elastic-back headbands allow the headband to comfortably adjust to any size head or the bulk of any hairstyle. Rigid headbands often fit uncomfortably and nonelasticized headbands are often too big or too small, sliding from the head at inopportune times. By making headbands with elastic backs, you can ensure the proper fit every time the headband is worn and by anyone who happens to wear it. There are many variations on sewing elastic back headbands, but all follow the same general conceptual instructions.
Things You'll Need
- 1 8 by 17 inches fabric rectangle
- 1 1 by 4-inch elastic band
- Straight pins
- Scissors
- Sewing machine
- Thread
Instructions
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1
Place the fabric rectangle onto the tabletop with the "wrong" side of the fabric print/color facing you. Fold the top and bottom 8-inch edges over 1-inch against the "wrong" side of the fabric and pin.
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2
Sew the pinned edges on the sewing machine using a straight stitch, removing the pins as you sew.
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3
Fold the rectangle in half vertically and sew the 17-inch long sides together using a 1-inch seam allowance and a straight stitch on the sewing machine, forming a rectangle "tube." Turn the tube right side out when finished sewing.
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4
Place 1-inch of the end of the 4-inch long piece of elastic into one open end of the tube. Pin the elastic to the tube. Sew straight across the end containing the elastic with a zigzag stitch, removing the pins as you sew.
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5
Put 1-inch of the remaining end of the elastic into the remaining open end of the fabric tube and pin it. Sew, using a zigzag stitch, straight across the fabric containing the elastic end. Remove the pins.
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6
Hold the elastic back with one hand while pulling the headband over the head, and then pull the hair through the headband and over the elastic back.
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1
Tips & Warnings
You can cover the elastic with another tube of fabric for a contrasting or matching look, by following Steps 1-3, and inserting the elastic inside of a 4-inch long fabric tube, then proceed with the instructions in Steps 4-6. Embellishments such as satin rosebuds, bows or jewels may be glued with a glue gun and glue sticks to the headband for a customized look.
