Instructions for How to Make Baby Headbands

Make a variety of simple and elaborate headbands for picture-taking.

Baby headbands are an adorable accessory for everyday wear and special events. You can make headbands for your daughter, as well as custom-made gifts for friends and family at baby showers and first birthday parties. Make simple ribbon-and-bow headbands in several colors to coordinate with every outfit in a baby girl's wardrobe or make elegant floral wreath headbands for special wear and photo opportunities. Each project is simple to make and can be completed in less than half an hour.

Things You'll Need

• 1-inch-wide stretchable ribbon (1 linear foot)
• Needle
• Thread
• Hook-and-loop strips
• Fabric glue (optional)
• 1/2-inch-wide ribbon (2 linear feet)
• Floral wire
• Velvety fabric (2 linear feet)
• 1-inch-wide ribbon (2 linear feet)
• Small silk flowers (20 to 25 blooms with short stems)

Instructions

Ribbon and Bow Headband

1. Measure the circumference of the baby's head and add approximately 1 1/2 inches to the measurement. Cut a piece of 1-inch-wide stretchable ribbon to the final measurement.

2. Fold over 1/4 inch of fabric at each short end and sew the fold in place to make finished edges.

3. Cut a piece of hook-and-loop strip into a rectangle that measures 3/4-inch by 1/2-inch. Attach the hook strip to one inside end of the headband by applying a dab of fabric glue to the back of the strip and pressing it firmly against the fabric. Repeat this step with the loop strip on the opposite end of the headband. Allow the glue to dry. If you are concerned about sensitivities to the glue, you can sew the strips onto each end of the headband instead using a straight stitch.

4. Make a bow for the headband by making five or six loops with a 1/2-inch-wide piece of ribbon. Hold the ends of the loops securely in one hand, fan out the top of the loops and then sew the ends together.

5. Cut another small piece of 1/2-inch-wide ribbon and wrap it around the center of the bow and then around the ribbon headband. Glue the ends of the short ribbon together or use a straight stitch by hand to attach the bow to the headband.

Floral Wreath Headband for Photographs

1. Measure the circumference of the baby's head. Measure from the middle of the forehead, around the head approximately 1 inch above the ears and continue around to meet the beginning of the sewing tape measure at the middle of the forehead. Add 1 inch to the measurement and cut a piece of floral wire to the total length.

2. Cut a piece of 1-inch-wide soft velvety material to the length of the floral wire plus 20 percent and wrap it around the floral wire to make a softer headband for the baby. Stop approximately 1/2 inch away from each end of the floral wire but do not cut the excess fabric yet. Twist the ends of the floral wire together and wrap the remaining fabric over the joint.

3. Cut several pieces of 1-inch-wide ribbon, hold them together at one end and wrap that end around the fabric covered wreath over top of the joint. Sew the end of the ribbons in place.

4. Cut the silk flowers into single blooms with 1-inch-long stems.

5. Slide the short stem into the velvet fabric by finding an edge along the floral wire. Repeat this step until the entire wreath is covered in silk flower blooms. Tug on the blooms gently to make sure they stay put in the velvety fabric.

References

• Hippolytic: How to Make Homemade Baby Headbands
• Elegance in Bloom: Headpiece Wreath Instructions