Stretch headbands are an easy solution for keeping hair out of your eyes, whether you're exercising, studying or just running errands. Whether you wear them pulled down over your forehead Olivia Newton-John style or slide them into your hair like a softer version of a classic hairband, stretch headbands can be a simple, stylish option for your hair. Many stores sell stretch headbands, but if you learn how to make stretch headbands yourself, you can customize your bands with the colors and styles you like best.
Step 1
Fold the fabric in half lengthwise, keeping the right sides of the fabric together. You'll end up with a long, skinny rectangle about 2 inches high and 18 inches long.
Step 2
Pin the edges together.
Step 3
Sew the long side of the headband together with a stretch stitch and a 1/4-inch seam allowance.
Step 4
Turn the tube right side out.
Step 5
Pin the unsewn ends together to make a circle. Pin them so the right sides are touching.
Step 6
Sew the pinned ends with a stretch stitch and a 1/4-inch seam allowance. Work slowly, because this is a small area.
Step 7
Iron the seam flat so that your headband lies flat and smooth.
Tips and Warnings
- If your fabric is very stretchy, you might want to cut the long side a little shorter so the headband has a snug fit. Try wrapping the fabric around your head and cutting it to fit, adding an extra 1/2-inch seam allowance. With some stretch fabrics, there's no clear right side or wrong side, so just fold the fabric to the right size without worrying about which side is the right one. Experiment with different widths to find the headband style that is most flattering for you. Consider recycling fabric from worn-out or outgrown workout clothes or T-shirts for stretch headbands.
Things You'll Need
- 4-by-18-inch strip of stretch fabric, such as jersey or a spandex blend
- Straight pins
- Thread in a matching or coordinating color
- Sewing machine
- Iron
References
- Altered Cloth: How to Make a Headband, Version 5: Stretch Jersey Headband
- "Seams to Me: 24 New Reasons to Love Sewing"; Anna Maria Horner; 2008
