How to Sew Head Wear

An elastic headband can be embellished with anything from bows to crystals.

Head wear has been a popular accessory for most of fashion history. Hats have gradually given way to headpieces, and finally headbands and clips. Making your own head wear can be an inexpensive way to complete any outfit; give a creative and personalized gift; or make good use of scraps of fabric and ribbon. With a hot glue gun and some basic hair supports, a new and original creation is within your grasp.

Things You'll Need

• Sewing machine
• Thread
• Basic metal barrette
• Ribbon, 1/4 to 1 inch wide
• Fabric scraps
• 1 yard elastic, 1/2 inch
• Hot glue gun
• Scissors

Instructions

Make an Elastic Headband

1. Cut a piece of elastic 1 inch shorter than the circumference of your head. Overlap the ends of the elastic by 1/2 inch.

2. Sew the overlapped ends together using a machine zigzag stitch. Make four rows of stitching, one on top of each other.

3. Tie ribbon or fabric into a bow. The bow can be any size you like. Combine several bows together or several ribbons together before you tie the bow to create an eclectic one. Combine different textures such as lace and satin for an elegant look.

4. Place the center knot of your bow over the elastic overlap. Stitch the bow down to the center of the overlap of the elastic using a machine straight stitch. Create three to four rows of stitches, one on top of the other.

Make a Barrette

1. Cut a rectangle of fabric 6 inches wide by 2 inches tall.

2. Fold the fabric in half width-wise, right sides together. Create a box 3 inches wide and 2 inches long.

3. Sew around three sides. Use a machine straight stitch 1/4 inch from the fabric edge.

4. Turn the fabric box inside out.

5. Sew the final side closed. Fold the edges in and stitch the fabric 1/16 inch from the edge using a machine straight stitch.

6. Tie a piece of ribbon tight around the center of your rectangle and double knot it. Try a contrasting ribbon for added style.

7. Cut the tails of the ribbon off.

8. Use the hot glue gun to glue the bottom of the bow to the top of the metal barrette.

Resources

• Make It and Love It: Fabric Headband
• Hair Hardware: How to Make Ribbon Woven Headbands