Updated Free Headband Pattern

2018 Update: I just found a YouTube video showing how to stitch, turn, press this! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rYGs5f0m88o

Who needs a little scrap-buster? Need to make a quick Valentine’s day gift?  I’ve updated the multi-size tie-bow headband pattern from this post.  The cutting lines are now in colors (but still can be printed in B/W), and the sizing is slightly adjusted to make the smaller sizes easier to tie.

Here is the updated file: 2107 Blog Headband Pattern

(right click to open in new window, then file or print by clicking this tab in the upper right corner:

Instructions are the same as before so I’ll re-post them here…photos show the original B/W pattern.

Happy Valentine’s Day!  Spread the love..share this super simple pattern with your sewing buddies! And if you don’t have time to sew, watch for a headband giveaway coming up on my Instagram.

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How to Make the Bunny Headband

1. Start out by measuring the head circumference:

….and then choose size from this chart, OR just go by age:

2. Print out the pattern:

3. Cut out the pattern size you want (sorry there is no “layers” function as I don’t have Illustrator…..when I start digitizing larger patterns I’ll have to get it though….).  There are just two pattern pieces: the tie ends (2 parts to tape together at the star) and the back which covers the elastic:

4. Cut out your fabric:

• 1 Back Elastic Cover
• 4 Ties (can be 2  each of 2 different fabrics, or all 4 of one fabric):

Headbands are a great scrap-buster: when I looked at this particular scrap I realized the print would work better with the headband placed along the crosswise grain.   Technically it’s better to use the straight-grain which is stronger and has less stretch, however since this is not a garment (requiring correct drape and flow), I decided it was okay to turn the pattern pieces 90-degrees:

I used a coordinating print for the underside. It’s important to use the same grain for both the outer-fabric and under-fabric:

(It’s much easier and faster to cut straight lines using a rotary-cutter alongside a ruler!)

You should have:

• 1 piece Back Elastic Cover
• 2 mirrored Outer-fabric Ties
• 2 mirrored Inside-fabric Ties

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5. Sew the tie ends: Pin the ties together, right side of outer fabric touching right side of inside fabric:

Stitch along the edges with a 1/4″ seam allowance (.6 cm), leaving the non-rounded end un-stitched:

Trim the seam allowance  at the ends:

Turn the ties inside out: using a chopstick makes this easier:

Press ties:

(Optional) edge-stitch:

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6. Back elastic cover: Fold the back elastic cover in half lengthwise, right sides of fabric together, and pin along the raw edge:

Stitch along the long edge, with 1/4″ seam allowance, leaving the short ends un-stitched:

Turn inside out (easiest to do with a safety-pin):

  

 

Press:

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7. Add back elastic. Measure elastic piece (here’s the chart again):

Cut elastic and pin a safety-pin onto one end of your elastic:

  

Starting with the safety-pin, pull the elastic through the fabric tube; when the end of the elastic matches up with the end of the fabric tube, stop pulling and stitch the tube end to secure the elastic:

Continue pulling the elastic through to the other side of the tube:

Remove the safety-pin and stitch the second tube end to secure the elastic:

Stretch to adjust gathers:

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8. Put it all together!  Place elasticized tube in the center of one non-curved  tie end:

Fold the fabric tie around the elasticized tube:

Stitch across the end, securing the elasticized tube into the tie end:

Pull apart, flip inside out, and your raw edge is hidden!

  

(Optional) you can bar-tack the pleat closed…if you are selling headbands this is when/where you can stitch in your labels:

Repeat for other side:

  

And voila!

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9. Time to tie your bow! This is the hardest part for me to explain so if anybody has a better way please let me know….it’s also difficult to do with one hand while the other has the camera….

The upper tie  dives under the lower tie and upwards:

…and then folds down:

The lower tie  folds backwards:

The the upper tie  comes down over the flipped lower tie:

..and gets tucked under and through:

Pull the tie ends and secure your bow!

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Here are some cuties I made to send to my daughter in design school….all made of scraps from pajama bottoms I’ve sewn for her:

Here are some itty-bitties….see why I wanted appropriate elastic widths?

Please have fun with this pattern but do not copy or sell the file…of course you are welcome  to sell headbands sewn using this pattern (please give credit to 7PineDesign, thanks!)

Pinterest link:  https://www.pinterest.com/pin/23855073006376038/

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