Aubry loves headbands and so do I. They are easy to make and simple to use and, most of all, they keep my girl's hair out of her eyes.
I have put together a very simple tutorial that can used by a beginning sew-er, ages 10 and up, with a little help from mom. All you will need is a rectangle of fabric, a small piece of trim, and about 10 inches of 1/2" elastic.
Your daughter can make a few of these for herself and her friends, and these would also make great Christmas gifts if made in a set of three. Once I had the headband cut out, it only took me 15 minutes to get it sewn up, so these are not only cute, but quick also!
---My inspiration came from the tutorial that KC Quilts put together, but my tutorial is simplified. If you and your daughter are ready for something more challenging, try her version.
First you will need to cut out a 15" X 3" piece of fabric. This rectangle is the main part of your headband. I sewed a piece of ric-rac down the center, but you can skip this step entirely or you can use ribbon, ric-rac, or lace to jazz up your fabric.
Now you will fold your strip in half (right sides together) and sew down the long edge.
Clip a safety-pin on one end of your headband and thread it through to turn you piece right side out. This takes a bit of scrunching and pulling, so be patient.
Now iron your headband flat so that your seam is in the middle of the back of your fabric.
Tuck 1/4" of your edges into the headband and iron.
Now you will cut a piece of 1/2" elastic (I cut mine 10 inches long) and place 1/2" into one end of your headband. Sew in place.
Now you will need to place the headband on your head and bring the elastic around until it reaches the other end of your headband. Tighten the elastic approximately 1/2" to 1". This will keep the headband firmly on your head without squeezing too tight. Trim the elastic, leaving an extra 1/2" to tuck into your headband. (I cut approximately 4 inches off for Aubry's headband).
Now sew the other end of the elastic into your headband.
Now you are finished!
If you are making these for gifts, simply measure the headbands to someone with a similar sized head as the gift recipient. Remember to make these bigger for people with very thick hair.
Have fun and happy crafting!
What a great little tutorial, they would make cute little Christmas gifts, thanks!
Posted by: Karyn | November 08, 2007 at 04:04 AM
What a lovely blog! I've bookmarked it and will keep dropping by for more ideas! Thank you!
Posted by: Fee | November 08, 2007 at 04:19 AM
So cute... my 6 year old daughter would love them!
Posted by: julie | November 08, 2007 at 05:53 AM
Can I just say THANK YOU for this tutorial?!? We're growing out my four-year-old daughter's bangs and the last headband tutorial I tried did not work like it said it should. I broke needles on my machine and pretty much gave up on the whole process. But your tutorial looks super easy, so I will give it another go. THANK YOU!!
Posted by: Mommy, the Human Napkin | November 08, 2007 at 07:45 AM
What a wonderful craft! My girls will love it! Thanks!
Stephanie
Posted by: Stephanie@inspired | November 08, 2007 at 08:30 AM
That looks EASY! Like something we could actually do! WOW!
Posted by: Beck | November 08, 2007 at 10:49 AM
The girls are going to have fun with this. I wish it was the time we were going to start sewing. I'll have my business stuff under control in a couple of weeks, then we will get to start practicing!!!
Posted by: Pam in Colorado | November 08, 2007 at 11:32 AM
I was just eyeballing some headbands at the store today because I've not had time to make any. I decided against it and behold: easy instructions! I'm thinking Christmas here. I've got two girls growing their bangs out right now... Crazy times!
Posted by: Megan | November 08, 2007 at 11:46 AM
I have been wanting to make a few headbands for danielle as she is growing her bangs out and they just hang in her face. Thanks for the instructions. I will post a picture when I make one.
Posted by: erin s | November 08, 2007 at 04:36 PM
I love your photographs. Even the simple ones have beautiful lighting.
Posted by: Marla | November 08, 2007 at 07:02 PM
Your model is the cutest! :o)
Posted by: Lisa | November 09, 2007 at 06:10 AM
That is such a great, simple tutorial! Girlkiddo is going to love it.
Posted by: Pieces | November 09, 2007 at 09:30 AM
Another great tutorial! I made up 11 of these headbands today :) My daughter is extremely happy! Thank you!
Posted by: Kansas A | November 13, 2007 at 07:51 PM
how fun and do-able! thanks again for sharing your talent!
Kimmie
mama to 6
one homemade and 5 adopted
Posted by: Kimmie | November 14, 2007 at 08:24 AM