I almost always have scrap fabric left over after I complete projects. And since I don’t like letting it go to waste, I carefully fold it up and put it back into my fabric stash. The problem is, after a few projects, I end up having way too many fabric scraps in my collection! One great way to use up fabric scraps is to create adorable headbands. Not only are they cute, but they’re the perfect accessory to help dress up a messy bun! 🙂

There are a variety of different DIYs for headbands, and today I’m going to be sharing with you my 2nd DIY headband tutorial. (Here’s the link to my braided DIY headband). What’s great about this headband is you don’t need to use knit or stretchy fabric. Any fabric you have can be used to create this knotted headband. (Similar to what you can buy at Anthropologie (see below), but without the price tag 🙂 )

I love elastic headbands, but by the end of the day, I have a headache because it’s too tight. When I make my headbands, I make sure to add extra length and stretch, so the headband fits comfortably on my head all day long! Please feel free to adjust any of the measurements to make them work best for you!

DIY Headband Supplies

• Fabric scraps
  • 9-12″ wide by 15″ long
  • 2 1/2″ wide by 12″ long
  • 3″ w by 10 1/5″ long (tapered into a V at the ends)
• 6 inches of elastic (3/4″ – 1″ thick)
• Matching thread
• Scissors
• Sewing machine
• Safety Pin

Steps to Create Your DIY Headband

Step 1: Cut out your four pieces of fabric:

• Pattern Piece #1: Cut 1, 9-12″ wide by 15″ long
• Pattern Piece #2: Cut 1, 2 1/2″ wide by 12″ long
• Pattern Piece #3: Cut 2 ties, 3″ w by 10 1/5″ long (tapered into a V at the ends)

Step 2: Take pattern piece #1 and fold it in half (matching the two longer ends). Next, sew along the edge of the fabric.

Step 3: Turn your fabric right side out and iron (The seam should be in the middle of the fabric).
Step 4: Repeat step two and three with pattern piece #2.
Step 5: Attach a safety pin to the end of the elastic and push it through pattern piece #2. Make adjustments to smooth out the elastic and fabric and add a basting stitch to secure the elastic.

Step 6: With right sides together, lay pattern piece #1 down and place pattern piece #2 directly on top.

Step 7: Fold the fabric around the elastic and secure with a basting stitch. Before you sew your final stitch, turn your headband right side out, and make sure you like how the fabric is laying. Once you’re happy with how it looks, sew a final stitch. Repeat this step for both sides of the headband.

Step 8: Unfold your headband to enclose your stitches! If you’re not adding a bow, you’re done!

How to Add a Bow to Your Headband

Step 1: Pin the right sides of pattern piece #3 together and stitch around the edges of the bow. Leave enough room to be able to turn the bow right-side out.
Step 2: Next, turn the bow right side out and iron.
Step 3: Stitch the whole together with a blind stitch or stitch on your sewing machine.
Step 4: Tie your bow to your headband, and you’re done!

I love simple and quick sewing projects that use up my scrap fabric! I have been wearing my headbands all the time and cannot wait to make more out of my fabric scraps. Are you enjoying these tutorials as much as I am? I have a few more DIY headband posts in the queue and plan to be sharing them soon.