How to Make a Headband (Free Sewing Pattern) 3 STYLES

Learn how to make a headband with this easy sewing tutorial featuring three different styles. Fabric headbands are practical, comfortable, and a great way to use up knit fabric scraps. Whether you need a simple headband to keep your hair out of your face, a cute bow headband, or a stylish twisted headband, these beginner-friendly projects are quick to sew and comfortable to wear. Stretch knit fabrics make the best headbands because they fit securely without needing elastic. Read on to learn how to sew a plain headband, a bow headband, and a twisted headband.

Supplies to Sew a Headband

• Knit fabric scraps, with at least 50% stretch.
• Stretch or ballpoint needles
• BASIC SEWING SUPPLIES – Scissors or rotary cutter and cutting mat, ruler or measuring tape, iron and ironing board, sewing machine.

Best Fabric Headband Fabric

The best fabric for your headband is a stretch fabric because it will fit on your head with some stretch and stay on your head. When you use stretch fabric, you do not have to worry about elastic. There are different types of knit fabrics, and a cotton knit is the best option for a headband. It is not too stretchy, or flimsy. A cotton knit, used for T-shirts and casual clothing, is light and elastic. It is easy to sew and will make up into headbands quickly. 

The stretch fabric headband will fit different-sized heads because of its stretch. Use your stretch scraps and try out the fabric for suitability before cutting and sewing. If you are into recycling, a favorite old t-shirts, now past its use-by date, will make an interesting headband.

Fabric Headband Sizes

You need to make a simple rectangle pattern and decide on the width to suit your needs. 

• LENGTH – Measure the circumference of your head and make the pattern 1 inch (2.5cm) shorter, to allow for the stretch in the fabric. An average adult head is 22 inches in circumference, so cut the length to 21 inches.
• WIDTH – Double the final width measurement (because the hairband will be folded in half to sew it up) and add a small seam allowance. The choice of the width is up to you. You may want a wide band covering your ears and keeping your head warm in winter, or you may prefer a narrow one to wear as a hair accessory. 

Here are some head circumferences in case you are making a gift.

• 6-10 years – 21″ (53.5cm)
• Small Adult – 22″ (56cm)
• Large Adult – 23″ (58.5cm)

Here are the rectangle sizes that I cut. The finished width of the plain was around 2″ (5cm), and the bow and twisted were 3.5″ (9cm).

STYLE	WIDTH	LENGTH
Plain	5″ (13cm)	21″ (53.5cm)
Bow	8″ (20cm)	21″ (53.5cm)
Twisted	8″ (20cm)	21″ (53.5cm)

Styles Included

• Plain Headband – A simple fabric headband with invisible joins that is perfect for everyday wear.
• Bow Headband – This style features a gathered center detail that creates the appearance of a bow.
• Twisted Headband – The twisted headband uses an interlocking join to create a stylish knot effect.

How to Sew a Headband (Step by Step)

Step 1: Cut the Fabric

Cut out your headband rectangle with the fabric’s stretch running along the length of the pattern piece.

Step 2: Stitch the Long Seam

Fold the piece of fabric in half with the long edges matching and the wrong sides together. Pin to secure and prepare to sew the band. Sew the raw edges along the long side of the fabric band with a 3/8″ (1cm) seam allowance.

Sew with a stretch stitch or narrow zigzag (L2.5 W1). Your seam must be able to stretch; otherwise, your band will not have elasticity, and the thread will snap. Remember to use a jersey or stretch needle, so you do not damage the fabric.

Trim the seam to 1/4″ (6mm) to reduce bulk.

Step 3: Turn and Press

Turn the fabric tube through to the right side. A safety pin attached to one end and then put through the center can help you turn it right way out more easily. Press so that the seam is in the middle.

Step 4: Fold in One End

Press the raw edge of one end inside the tube by 1/2 inch (12mm).

Step 5: Test Length and Stitch Ends

Put the raw edge end inside the folded end. Pin it in place and then try it on your head in case you need to adjust the size. My fabric was really stretchy, so I ended up cutting off a couple of inches of extra fabric to make it tight on my head. Stitch the join either with a hand invisible stitch or with your sewing machine. If you stitch with the sewing machine the join will be more visible, but you can hide it underneath your hair.

Headband Sewing Pattern Variations

Headband with a Bow

Start with the same method as the plain headband above

• Cut a rectangle with the stretch along the length.
• Fold the fabric right sides together lengthwise and stitch. Trim seam.
• Turn the right way out and press the seam to the center.

Since the ends will be covered, we can use the easiest method to close the loop. Fold the headband in half, so the seam is on the outside. Pin the ends. Try the headband on for length and trim any excess. As mentioned previously, I ended up cutting about 2 inches from the length as this was a very stretchy fabric.

Stitch the ends together. Trim and press open the seam.

Turn the headband loop to the right side. Make a faux knot to cover the seam and give extra style and finish to the headband. Cut a small strip of fabric 3×3 inches. (7.5×7.5cm).

Fold the fabric in half lengthwise, right sides together, and sew the sides together in the same way as you did the band. Turn to the right side and press the seam in the center.

Put the center around the join in the headband. The seam of the center piece should be on the outside. Pull to gather in and stitch the ends. You will probably need to trim some excess. It is easiest to stitch in from the raw edges and then trim at the end. I ended up removing about an inch.

Turn the loop to the right side, so now the seam is hidden.

Twisted Headband

The twisted headband is a very simple variation of the basic DIY headband using the stretch of the fabric for elasticity. You can run this up in a couple of minutes.

Start with the same method as the plain headband above

• Cut a rectangle with the stretch along the length.
• Fold the fabric right sides together lengthwise and stitch. Trim seam.
• Turn the right way out and press the seam to the center.

Fold the strip in half, right sides together. with the seam on the outside.

Move up the top layer by 1 3/4″ (4cm), so the ends are offset. The edge of the tube will align to the center seam underneath.

Fold the top back over the bottom layer. This means there is now a fold along the top seam.

Fold the bottom layer up to meet the seam of the top piece. You now have an interlocked sandwich.

Stitch along the raw edges through all layers.

Open up and reveal the twist.

Headband FAQs

How to Make a Headband – In Conclusion

Now you know how to make a headband in three easy styles. Whether you choose a simple band, a bow headband, or a twisted design, these projects are quick to sew and make wonderful gifts. Experiment with different colors and prints to create headbands for every season and outfit.

Love making hair accessories? Explore my DIY Hair Accessories guide for more easy projects, including scrunchies, fabric bows, felt bows, flower clips, and lined alligator clips.

Now you have completed your basic headband, there are simple ways to add some detail. Buttons sew on nicely to the plain headband. Add a crochet flower or find some attractive badges or motives. Pom poms and ribbon bows look sweet on a child’s headband. Headbands make charming gifts and sell well on a market day. They are quick to run up, and they are cost-effective because they use up your scraps. Make them out of school colors to show support for your school teams. You will surely be a hit and a popular team member on the sideline.

More Hair Accessories

1. How to Line an Alligator Clip
2. How to Make Fabric Bows –
3. DIY Hair Accessories
4. Felt Bow Template
5. How to Make a Scrunchie
6. DIY Felt Bow