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How to sew a headband – 4 tutorials, tested!

How to sew a headband

I love headbands so I’m sharing how to sew a handband with 4 tutorials I tested out! I think they look cute with a ponytail, they hide if I haven’t showered in days, they use up fabric scraps, and for whatever sensory reason they just feel good. Prepping for postpartum wear and life, sewing up some new headbands was #1 on my list and I thought I’d share the free patterns I tried out! 

I included all of these in a longer post with over 20 free headband pattern options for women if you want even more to choose from!

Looking for even more sewing inspiration? Here are some other posts you might be interested in!

How to sew a headband

First up is the only woven headband I sewed, with a super fast tutorial and pattern piece from Alice and Lois. This is also a great way to use up FOE (fold-over-elastic) scraps if you have them. I skipped the top-stitching because I’m lazy. I think this would be a pretty blank canvas for embroidery or applique as well. This used up a weird shaped scrap from my Serger Cover Tutorial.

Second is a popular turban-esque style, I used the twisted headband tutorial from Do It Yourself Divas (I added a band to cover the seam). Super fast and I liked how it used up some really narrow strips of fabric.

This was probably the fastest to sew, a modified narrow version of the ruched head wrap from Delia Creates. I still have a hunk of this fabric left for something fun; I also used it for a slouchy beanie to fit my son, seen in this post.

Last but not least, a knit, gathered headband from Sew 4 Home.  I added two bands (the plain black fabric) to cover the seams instead of fussing with folding and topstitching as tey did. This was the very last of one of my favorite fabrics; you can see where I used it in a maxi dress and leggings a while ago for a Greenstyle Creations blog tour.

how to make athletic headbands

Bonus! I have since shared my own tutorial, the simplest out of the 5 and with really clear pictures. Check out how to make athletic headbands here.

I made a few in each style – they will certainly be worn out by the time we get through the newborn stage with a toddler also at home. Do you have any favorite styles I missed? Do you think it’s ridiculous an almost 30 year old wears these on the daily? Don’t tell me if you do.


Pin this post about how to sew a headband with this collage photo or link:

4 free headband sewing tutorials - all tested and compared!These are great knit fabric scrap busters and a fun, quick thing to sew for women. There is a pattern that uses FOE and woven fabric, and three different patterns that use knit fabric.

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Kyrstin

Tuesday 5th of January 2021

Thank you so much for sharing these I appreciate it! I'm also using them for my postpartum hair!!! Would you be able to share how you did the band to cover the seam on the twisted style headband from Do it Yourself Divas? 😊

Stephanie - Swoodson Says

Tuesday 5th of January 2021

Hi Kyrstin! I don't have any photos or anything of that, sorry! I'm working on a different headband style tutorial of my own and will include it in that, but I know that's not much help right this second for you :/

Kathy Neander

Wednesday 5th of June 2019

Hi Steph. Looking for headbands and I found you. Love what you are doing. Kathy

Stephanie - Swoodson Says

Sunday 11th of August 2019

Hey Kathy! That is so funny. It's a little surreal that craft blogging is my job now :P This is an old post but I still wear all of these weekly haha. I wish you were closer so we could talk sewing in person!!

Kristina

Tuesday 28th of February 2017

Thank you for this awesome tutorial. My daughter just started playing tennis and she has been asking me to buy her these headbands. I am going to sew her a bunch of those.

Stephanie - Swoodson Says

Wednesday 22nd of March 2017

Glad to be of help!

Pam @Threading My Way

Tuesday 8th of September 2015

Don't know how I missed this, Stephanie. I haven't worn headbands since I was a kid. I love how they look on you, though, especially the turban-esque style. Maybe I should try wearing one again.

Stephanie - Swoodson Says

Friday 11th of September 2015

Thanks Pam! I love them, wear them all the time. You should give them a shot :)

Vicky myers

Friday 22nd of May 2015

What a great post, I keep meaning to try out making some headbands. I don't use them but think they would be great for keeping the hair out of my eyes when sewing:)

Stephanie - Swoodson Says

Friday 22nd of May 2015

I now have this picture of you, feverishly hunched over a sewing machine with hair flying :) But yes, headbands would be great for that!

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