tutorial: easy headbands

What would you do if your child had long, wild curls that blew in their face all of the time? Some might look for the scissors...but I made head bands. Sure, you can buy them at any grocery store, but you might have all the materials tucked in a tub somewhere. I made these out of favorite outgrown clothing! Remember that t-shirt with the great print you hated to pack away? You could even use current clothing that has a stain or two. I whipped up two head bands faster than I can drive to the nearest store to buy some....granted I live out in the country, but they were quick. I love quick!

I actually made three...had to make a mini for her doll!

The first step is to choose some favorite old clothes with prints that you enjoy. They should be made out of jersey knit to give it a little stretch.


Next, go gather your materials:

Materials:
-jersey knit fabric, preferably recycled from a t-shirt or other outgrowns
-elastic hairbands: I like the "no metal" ones
-you'll also need a measuring tape, scissors and the usual sewing tools

Make:
1. Make a fabric tube by cutting a rectangle (18x4 inches) and folding it in half lengthwise- right sides facing each other. Sew together down length of the fabric, closing the open ends. Turn inside out...so the right side is out and the seam is hidden.
The next steps are pictured below...


2. Tuck raw ends in at the bottom and top of the tube and center the seam on the under side.
3. Fold one end over an elastic band( approximately one inch) towards the the underside and sew...enclosing the band, but not sewing onto it.
4. Embellish, if necessary. For one of the head bands, I used a tiny tank top and had the original side seams from the shirt in the middle of the headband...a little horizontal line. This happens when you are reusing smaller clothing and not just yardage. No problem. I cut out a flower and attached it over the seam. See photo for clarification.
5. Last step, enclose the other side of the elastic band on the other side of the tube...same method as the first.

*edit: A serger is not needed if you use a large stitch setting...these were made with a standard sewing machine.

Using elastic bands ensures a comfortable, yet secure fit. There are plenty of boys with long hair out there, too... just use one of his favorite old shirts for a customized look. For adults, add another inch to the length. I made some more last night and now I'm wearing one too...with my short hair!
No more hair in in her face!!