Looking for free headband sewing patterns? This collection features over 35 free headband sewing patterns for babies, children, and adults. Whether you want a twisted headband, wide headband, bow headband, athletic headband, fleece ear warmer, or stylish fabric head wrap, you’ll find an easy project to suit your style. Headbands are one of the quickest sewing projects you can make and are perfect for using fabric scraps. Most of these beginner-friendly patterns can be sewn in under an hour and make thoughtful handmade gifts.
Headband Sewing Patterns
In this blog post, we have rounded up 36 pretty little headbands to sew to help you stand out in the crowd for all the right reasons. And if you love projects that let you put all your odd little fabric scraps to good use, then that is another reason for you to love this post.
If you are only starting out with sewing right now, a fabric headband should not overwhelm you, so it is a great place to start. Here you will find multiple DIY fabric headbands that you can use to dress up your outfit, wear to the gym, and even give as a precious gift.
Types of Headband Sewing Patterns
In this roundup you’ll find a wide variety of free sewing patterns, including:
Twist headband sewing patterns
Wide fabric headbands
Bow headbands
Baby headbands
Athletic headbands
Knotted headbands
Fleece ear warmers
Wired headbands
Fabric head wraps
35 FREE Headband Sewing Patterns
Scroll on to find 35 eye-catching and FREE sewing patterns for headbands below:
How to Make a Headband – 3 Ways
Learn how to make a headband in 3 different styles. Includes a twist headband, bow headband and plain headband. Easiest pattern for headbands by Treasurie.
This headband sewing project won’t take much time and it will help you make use of leftover fabric scraps to make cute last minute gifts. By Melly Sews.
With this pattern, you can make a pretty yet practical headband that will keep your ears safe from the cold. It is really simple to make and only requires some scrap material. By Mary Martha Mama.
The wired headband will stay in place, so it is great for tucking your hair away from the face. Also, it can be shaped in multiple ways easily. By Sew Can Do.
You can make multiple headbands in a go with this free pattern. It is super simple, makes use of elastic, and is totally beginner-friendly. By mary Martha Mama.
The wide headband with the oversized top knot makes it a lovely accessory for any little girl, so make sure to try it if you have a precious little one in your life. By Sweet Red Poppy.
This pattern is perfect for making a headband that will serve you well while you work out, go on a hike, or play some tennis. It pulls off the sporty look so well, too! By Swoodson Says.
This pattern is well suited to beginners, since fleece is so easy to work with. Also, it is a multi-sized pattern so you can make this for just about anyone. By Choly Knight.
This elastic headband pattern lets you create a style that can either be squeezed and worn thin or spread out to cover a wider section of hair. By Scattered Thoughts of a Crafty Mom.
Try this free fabric headband sewing pattern if you are looking for an easy one. You will need an elastic band for the back and leftover fabric scraps. By Sew Crafty Me.
This pattern will have you sorted if you are on the hunt for a little gift for a toddler girl. This pattern turns out adorable and is quite simple to make. By Coral and Co.
A wonderful way to recycle your old t-shirts. If you have a soft t-shirt in knit fabric that is old and worn out yet to refuse to part, you can cut it into strips and use a fold-over elastic to make this. By Melly Sews.
This pattern will teach you to make a 1920s-inspired lacy headband for yourself and your loved ones. With a combination of hand sewing and machine sewing, you can whip up this DIY lace headband in no time. By Melly Sews.
We love sustainable projects. You can make a practical, cozy, and stretchy headband using this pattern and by repurposing some old t-shirts. This DIY headband pattern requires very little sewing and comes with instructions for different sizes. By Make It Love It.
Learn how to make your very own fabric flower headband in just a few minutes. This pattern comes with sizing instructions for three different sizes, so you can make child and adult variations if you like. By Sew Crafty Me.
This DIY fabric headband sewing pattern is another great option for beginners to try out. You can use fabric and fold over elastic, and make these cuties in no time. By Alice and Lois.
This pattern will provide you with a variety of designs and lots of inspiration. It comes in 5 different styles: bow, tied, regular, twisted, and double hoop. The sizes range from baby to adult with 5 variations. By Heather Handmade.
This pattern requires very little sewing to make, so even a beginner can get the satin flowers and glitter ribbons right with ease. By Polka Dot Chair.
Use a soft flexible tape measure and place it around your head where you will wear the headband.
If you are making a headband as a gift, you may need some head circumferences to reference:
6-10 years – 21″ (53.5cm)
Small Adult – 22″ (56cm)
Large Adult – 23″ (58.5cm)
Most patterns will cut the fabric slightly smaller than the head circumference in order to get a tight fit. This is particularly important for stretch headbands.
Headband Sewing Patterns FAQs
Which fabric is the best for making headbands?
Stretch knit fabric, especially polyester knit fabric, is great for making headbands. It stretches well, and it is not that bulky. If you are making a woven fabric headband then try fat quarters of quilting fabric. These pre-cuts will save you money and are generally the perfect size.
How many yards of fabric is needed to make a headband?
You will need about 1/4 yard (20cm) of fabric and matching thread for making a headband.
How wide should I keep my headband?
Typically, a headband should be about 4 inches wide. This width works best for covering your ears. However, you can always change it to your liking.
Are fabric headbands more suitable for hair?
Yes, fabric headbands are great for hair since they do not pull hair or damage them. They are much better for healthy hair than elastic headbands.
In Conclusion
Whether you’re sewing a cozy winter ear warmer, a stylish twist headband, or a cute baby bow headband, these free headband sewing patterns offer something for every age and skill level. They’re quick to make, use very little fabric, and are a great way to turn leftover scraps into practical handmade accessories. If you’re just getting started, try my beginner How to Make a Headband tutorial first, then come back to explore the rest of the patterns in this collection.
Luisa Clare is the founder of Treasurie, a sewing and crochet education platform offering step-by-step tutorials and printable patterns. With over 15 years of experience in dressmaking, pattern design, crochet, and craft education, she specialises in teaching beginners through clear, easy-to-follow lessons. Her tutorials and patterns are used by home sewists and crocheters worldwide to build practical skills and confidence. Learn more about Luisa and Treasurie.
