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

Learn how to make a headband! A fabric headband is probably one of the most useful accessories in your wardrobe. It is practical and decorative and so easy to sew. Headbands are best made of stretch fabric for maximum comfort.  Use yours to keep your hair off your face while applying make-up, or wear it out on a windy day. Headbands are practical sports accessories and a great way to use up scraps of fabric with stretch.

How to Make a Headband Tutorial

This headband sewing pattern tutorial will show you how to make 3 easy styles. They all start with a tube of fabric and then are finished differently.

1. Plain Headband
2. Bow Headband
3. Twist Headband

What You Need 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 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.

How to Make a Fabric Hairband Pattern

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)

Fabric Cutting Sizes

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)

How to Sew a Headband, Step by Step Instructions

Style 1 - Plain Headband

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 ⅜" (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 ¼" (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 ½ 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.

Style 2 - How to Make a Headband with a Bow

Step 1-3: Sew the Tube

Start with the same method as the plain headband above

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

Step 4: Stitch Ends

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.

Step 4: Make Center

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 3x3 inches. (7.5x7.5cm).

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.

How to Sew a 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.

Step 1-3: Sew a Tube

Start with the same method as the plain headband above

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

Step 4: Fold the Twist

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

Move up the top layer by 1 ¾" (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.

Add Variety to DIY Headbands

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.

How to Make a Headband - In Conclusion

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

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2. How to Make Fabric Bows -
3. DIY Hair Accessories
4. Felt Bow Template
5. How to Make a Scrunchie
6. DIY Felt Bow