How to make headbands: free sewing pattern and upcycling project!

These quick-sew headscarves, designed by Jennie Jones, use just one or two fat quarters of fabric and are a great first sewing project if you’re new to making your own clothes and accessories.

Sew that stash and pick a couple of your favourite prints to make these pretty and practical headscarves! Scroll down to find a step-by-step guide to transforming a T-shirt into a stylish headband, too.

Quick-sew headscarf

You will need

• Fabric, light to medium weight cotton, two fat quarters
• Elastic, 1.2cm wide, 12cm long
• Basic sewing kit

Notes

Seam allowances are 1.5cm, unless otherwise noted.

Easy headbands DIY

Step one

For the top, cut two pieces of fabric to 43x12cm each, using two different prints. For the back, cut one piece of fabric to 28x7cm, using either of the prints already chosen.

Step two

Place the top pieces right sides together and pin. Sew along both long side edges. Turn right side out and topstitch down the long edges, approx 0.5cm from the edge.

Leave the raw short ends open. The image shows the piece folded in half so the two short ends meet.

Make your own cuddly pals

If you’d like to have a go and making your own toys, check out our guide and discover how to make owl softies.

Step three

Gather up one short raw edge, folding the fabric neatly so it measures approximately 3cm. Pin in place and repeat on the other short edge. Make sure the gathers are placed in the same way. Baste stitch along each of the gathered sides.

Step four

Pin your elastic to one of the short ends, as shown. Sew in place, making a few reverse stitches. Do not repeat on the other side.

Step five

Take the back piece and fold the short ends to the wrong side by 0.5cm and pin. Fold the piece in half lengthways, right sides together, and pin. Stitch across the long raw edge, catching down the sides of the short ends. Turn right side out.

Step six

Attach a safety pin to the loose end of the elastic and insert it into one open end of the tube. Feed them through the tube.

Locate where the elastic is attached to the top panel and insert this inside the tube to hide the raw edges. Pin.

Step seven

Make sure the elastic is not twisted inside the tube. Remove the safety pin and pin the elastic to the short end of the top piece, as in step four.

Sew in place. Insert this gathered end inside the tube as well, to hide the raw edges. Pin.

Step eight

Topstitch over the pinned seams. Don’t sew through the elastic itself. Pull the elastic taut as you sew for a nice, straight seam.

Feeling summery?

Try our camisole sewing pattern.

Transform a T-shirt into a headband

You will need

• 2 XL men’s T-shirts
• Basic sewing kit

“These easy T-shirt transformations are quick solutions to bad hair days and great for festivals or the beach. I’ve opted for a big floral print that’s on trend for this summer.”

– Jennie Jones

Turban headband refashion

Step one

Take an XL men’s T-shirt and cut a horizontal tube – mine is 15cm (6in).

Step two

Take the tube and, holding both ends, twist them twice to make a figure of eight shape.

Once you’ve learnt how to make a headband why not get started on your next sewing project? Learn how to make a face mask: 3 ways to sew your own and how to refashion a shirt into a cami top. Plus we have a round up of the best sewing patterns for beginners so you can start making your own clothes.

Step three

Bring the ends together, and you’ll have your finished headband.

Sailor’s Knot Headband

Step one

Cut four vertical strips approx 5cm (2in) wide through the front and back of the T-shirt. Trim off the top and bottom seams so that you now have eight strips.

Step two

Pull the strips so they roll up, then section them into two lots of four. Create a loop with one lot of strips and a U-shape with the other. Overlay the U-shape on top of the loop.

Fall in love with sewing

For more sewing inspiration, read our guide to The Great British Sewing Bee to find everything you need to know about the next series.

Step three

Create a Carrick Knot by threading first the U-shape ends, then the loop ends under and over each other. Look closely at the photo to see in which order this is done.

Step four

Making sure you keep the whole knot flat, hold all four ends and slowly and carefully pull them gently – this will create the knot.

Step five

Try your headband on and cut the strips so there is a gap of around 5cm (2in) at the back when on – this will close once the headband is tied. Leave two strips 15cm (6in) longer than the others from each bunch. These will be the ties which you’ll use for tying your headband on when you’ve finished.

Step six

Cut a binding piece of fabric, 6x8cm (2³⁄₈x3¹⁄₈in) and turn the long edges under by 1cm (³⁄₈in) to the wrong side. Place the short strips flat inside, tucking them under one turned-over edge.

Step seven

Fold the binding piece around the short strips, turning the short ends under, then pin and sew into place to secure the strips. Repeat with the strips at the other end of your headband.

Step eight

Tie the long tie ends together and your headband is now ready to wear.

Stitch your own wearable accessories

These lovely headbands make great, everyday accessories or wonderful gifts for a fashionable friend. Whether you sew your own using a chosen fabric or transform an old shirt, you can wear these headbands with pride knowing you made them!

Discover your next sewing project

Find out how to make a halter dress and get into making your own clothes.

Jennie Jones

Jennie Jones discovered sewing when she had children and her work is featured regularly in Simply Sewing magazine. Her Fast Fat Quarter designs show makers how to craft modern gifts, accessories and homewares using just one or two pieces of fabric. She shares a mix of handmade loveliness with a bit of vintage thrown in on her Instagram @thestitchinghut. Jenny harbors a fairly serious fabric buying habit

See author's posts