Making Elastic Headbands by Crochet
You can wear a traditional headband during sports to keep your hair out of your face and absorb sweat. These practical headbands, however, also become a fashion accessory when crocheted. Consider types of yarn, stitches, embellishments and elastic options to create a one-of-a-kind work of art.
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Yarn
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If the type of yarn recommended by the pattern is not available, you can make substitutions, as long as the gauge is the same as required by the pattern. Test the resiliency of your yarn by tugging on it. Yarn that snaps back into place when pulled has good resiliency and will make a good headband.
Buy the amount of yarn you need for the pattern plus an extra amount in case you make a mistake and have to throw out some of your material. Because a headband is worn by the face, differences in color will be noticeable, so ensure that all of the yarn you purchase comes from the same dye lot. Use a cotton yarn if the headband is for summer and an acrylic yarn if wearing it in fall or winter.
Stitches
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Many basic headband patterns use the single crochet stitch. To make a single crochet stitch, chain the number of stitches required by the pattern. Once the basic chain is made, insert your hook into the second chain from the hook under the two threads of this chain. Wrap the yarn over and draw through this stitch, making two loops on your hook. Wrap the yarn over again, drawing through the hoops to make one stitch.
The slip stitch is also frequently used when making elastic headbands to join together a chain, stitch one part of the product to another area or to add a decorative ridge. This stitch is good for headbands because it does not add height to the finished product. To make a slip stitch, insert your hook into the stitch you want to join and wrap the yarn over, pulling it through, leaving one stitch on the hook.
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Elastic
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While choosing a stretchy yarn may provide enough resiliency, many headband patterns require adding fabric elastic. Create a crocheted tube, and thread the fabric elastic through this tube. The elastic should be 1/8- to 1/2-inch smaller than the crocheted tube. Use a safety pin attached to the fabric elastic to make threading it through the tube easier. Sew the ends of the elastic together using the straight stitch on a sewing machine. Hand sew the ends of the crocheted tube over the joined elastic.
Embellishments
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Make a personalized fashion statement with your headband by adding embellishments. You can attach silk flowers to the finished work by using thread or yarn from your pattern. Choose a flower in your birthstone color to add a personal touch. Tailor your headband to the occasion by attaching cloth embellishments bought at a fabric store, using fabric hook and loop fastener. Attach ghosts for Halloween, hearts for Valentine’s Day or birthday cakes to celebrate this special occasion.
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References
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