This easy headband is flatteringly full and fits comfortably and securely with an elastic that sits at the back of the head. Featured first as an Easy DIY on our Instagram story, follow this quick step-by-step to complete a fashionable headband in minutes! Be sure to watch our Easy DIY stories every Thursday on our Instagram for more quick and simple projects.
Materials
1/2 yard fabric – look for fabric that is not too stretchy and is fairly lightweight
Matching thread and bobbin
3/4-1.5 inch wide elastic
Pins
A safety pin
Scissors
Sewing machine
Assembling the Headband
1. Cut the fabric into two strips: one 13x16 inch and one 15x4 inch. Cut the elastic to 6.5 inches.
2. Fold both fabric strips in half lengthwise, facing the outsides of the fabric towards each other. Pin and sew a line 1/2 inch in from the edge of the fabric on each strip to secure the sides in place.
3. Turn both strips right-side-out. Align the seam to the middle of each strip and iron each flat.
4. Clip a safety pin to the end of the elastic. Insert the safety pin and the elastic into the smaller fabric tube and use the safety pin to pull the elastic through the tube until the other end of the elastic meets the end of the tube. Secure the end of the elastic to the end of the fabric tube with a pin. Pull the elastic all the way to the other end of the tube and pin it there too.
5. Time to ruffle the fabric. Sew a straight stitch along both open edges of the longer fabric strip.
6. Along the seam you just sewed, knot one side and take hold of the top thread on the other side of the seam. You'll know it's the top thread if it came from the needle side of the fabric instead of the bobbin.
7. Holding the top thread in place, gently but forcefully push the fabric against the thread until it begins to ruffle. Keep pushing the fabric until it has ruffled along the whole seam and the fabric has bunched up to the size of the width of the end of the elastic band strip. Knot off the seam to hold the ruffles in place.
8. Face the seams of the two strips of fabric towards each other and pin the end of the elastic to the ruffle end of the bigger strip.
9. Stitch the elastic to the ruffled end of the fabric, stitching lines back and forth a few times to be sure the connection stays secure. Repeat on the other end of the elastic and ruffles and be sure to tie off the seams well.
Turn your band right-side-out and you're done!
