How to Make a Bandanna Headdress
Creating a homemade bandanna headdress makes for a fashion-forward trend or for an inexpensive costume accessory that draws from Native American culture. Native Americans wore various types of headdresses made from materials such as cloth, leather, beads and feathers to signify tribal events and traditions. A bandanna headdress most closely resembles the Seminole cloth turban and Pueblo headbands worn by men or the beaded tiaras that adorned Cayuga women. You can add embellishments and various colors to design a traditional headdress or one that fuses various Native American styles for an entertaining and multicultural arts and crafts activity.
Instructions
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Fold each of three different colored bandannas into long vertical strips that resemble the shape and width of a belt. Arrange the bandanna strips next to each other. Tie the ends of the three bandannas together. Use a double knot about 2 inches from the ends. Tape the tied end onto a flat surface.
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Braid the bandannas together by following the process of placing the left bandanna over the middle, pulling it diagonally to tighten it, and then place the right bandanna over the middle and pulling it. Repeat the process until two inches are left at the bottom.
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Measure the bandanna around your head just below your hairline. Tie the ends together so the bandanna is loose enough to pull over your head, yet not loose enough to fall off. Remove the bandanna.
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Arrange beads and feathers in your desired pattern. Sew the beads around the exterior of the bandanna using a needle and thread.
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Weave the feathers through the braid loops on the front and sides or back of the bandanna to create a female headdress. Add feathers only to the back part of the bandanna to create a male headdress. Sew the feathers in place with two or three stitches using a needle and thread.
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References
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/BananaStock/Getty Images
