Peace and Plenty: Reversible Headband Tutorial

I posted this 2 years ago on my old blog and I've had some requests for it. Since my old blog is now private, I'm just reposting it here so that people can still access it. Have fun with it, and please send me a link so I can see your finished product! :)

First of all, I want to give most of the credit for this design to come from the website that I got the main dimensions and instructions from, the The Old Red Barn Co. Since making one from that site, I've made a few more adjustments that I thought were necessary for a better fit. The following is from me.

Have fun and don't be shy to make it! Really, this is a great beginners project! And once you get going, it's easier to make 2-3 at a time than just 1. Taking about 15 minutes to make 2, or longer, depending on how many times you need to stop to take care of your little ones. :)

Supplies for an adult size:
A fabric 3"x19" and 2"x6" (blue fabric in my example)
B fabric 3"x19" and 2"x6" (black/brown in my example)
3" of 3/4" wide elastic
Coordinating thread

First, cut your A & B fabric's to 3"x19"

Fold 19" strip in half and place on your cutting mat in the grid portion so you can use the 1/2" grid measurement where my finger is pointing.

Angle your ruler to 1/2" from the edge of the fabric on top, and exactly to the real edge of the bottom. Cut. (see next pic for full angle cut)

This cut gives the headband a nice contour shape for your head.

Repeat on the other side. Now the top should measure 2" across and the bottom should be 3".

Repeat for fabric B.

Unfold and iron flat. Then press down approx. 1/4" on each of the ends of both fabric A & B.

I make sure both A&B fabrics match up on the length when placed on top of each other. If you need to, iron again those 1/4" edges until the fabrics are the same length.

Place both fabrics, right sides facing and pin long edges.

Cut 2"x6" of both fabrics A&B.

Place right sides together and pin. (I only pinned one side because it's so small). Cut 3" of elastic.

Thread your machine with coordinating thread. I'm using a blue thread for the top and brown for my bobbin thread. (that way each fabric has their matching thread color since this is a reversible headband!)

Using 1/4" seam allowance (or the edge of your presser foot), sew along each 6" edge.

Then take your 19" long fabric (right sides facing) and sew along with 19" edge.

Make sure the ends are still open.

Turn right side out. I use a chopstick.

A little trick from me. I also use the chopstick's edge to press firmly against the seam line on each side. This helps the seam open up for a better and more flat press with the iron.

Press flat.

(yes, I will be making myself a new ironing board cover soon, this one is yucky.)

Insert the elastic into of the ends of the smaller strap (6" one). Make sure the elastic peeks out just a little from the edge of the fabric. See?

This part's a little tricky. Pinching the elastic and fabric together with your fingers, insert the small strap into the large strap's end opening. Make sure you don't lose the elastic in the process. Then sew over the opening several times. I went back and forth about 4 times for a good hold.

Now for the next side, you need to pull out the other end of elastic by fishing through or sliding down the fabric. Again, have a little of elastic peeking out at the top. Then repeat the same steps to insert elastic end into the long strap as you just did for the other side.

Again, sew back and forth a few times to secure the strap.

And lastly, top stitch along the flat long strap (not the elastic bunched up fabric).

And you're done!!! See? EASY!

View of the top stitching.

Now, go crazy and make some for your friends and kids!

You can also just skip the tapering cut and cut out (2) 2"x19" long fabrics for a straight headband like the green and pink one shown on the left (I didn't make that one reversible). The right blue and red headband is with the tapered cut.

For a child's size ages 2.5-4.5 years old: