Free Pattern Friday: Simple Ribbon Headband

New Feature: Free Pattern Friday

I've been wanting to create a new feature on this blog so I've decided to start a "Free Pattern Friday."  Now, this doesn't mean a free pattern every friday (I'd need to leave my full time job for that!)  It does mean that on every other friday or 3rd Friday or so, a simple, new free pattern will be listed here.  It might be a remake on a oldie but goodie, or it might be something entirely new and it could be any of my crafts (knitting, crocheting, sewing, etc).

I hope you enjoy!

This Friday's free Pattern is for a simple ribbon headband...

I saw these cute little things all over the place, Target and Craft Markets and I love the idea so I decided to sit down on day and do some measurements to figure it out!  It's a quick 10 or 15 minute project that uses items you probably already have at home.  Such a great way to use up those precious odds and ends of ribbon and trim you have lying around. 

Let's get started!  First, gather your materials. 

You'll need:

• <1 yard of ribbon or trim
• 2 hair elastics (the larger size and I recommend the ones with no metal closures)
• fray check and scissors or rotary cutter
• sewing machine with coordinating thread

Sizes:

This pattern is sized for adult, lg child and sm child.  For our purposes, a large child would be about 7-10 years old size wise and small child averages 5-7 years.

Adult - Cut ribbon 17 inches long

Large child - Cut ribbon 14.5 inches long

Small Child - Cut ribbon 12 inches long

Custom Size:

Make your own custom fit!  Start by measuring your head where you normally wear a headband to get the distance all the way around in inches.

• Take that number and subtract 5 inches
• The final number is the length of the ribbon to cut.

Directions:

Gather your ribbon and notions.  Figure out what size you want to make (see size notes above)

Cut your ribbon to the proper length, fray protect the ends and trim any loose threads.

 

Prep your elastics.  Take the two ends and lay it over the other, take both ends and pull it through and tighten to a knot.

Attach the ribbon to the elastic.   Wrap the ribbon end around the end of the elastic on each side.  It should be folded 1/2" up.  Pin to hold.  Repeat other side.

 

Adjust your machine to sew a shorter stitch length than standard.  Put on your 1/4" foot if you have it.  For example, I adjust my bernina to sew a 1.8 length from a 2.4. 

The shorter stitch length helps keep the ribbon in place.  You should stitch 1/4 from the rubber band on the right, as shown below.  Take care not to sew the band itself, just right before it.  Sew once across, backtacking at both ends, and then back again so you go over it at least twice so it will hold.

Repeat other side.  Fray stay the ends and stitches and trim any extra.  Let it dry and it's ready to wear!

 

Easy peasy headband!  Now rinse and repeat and make some more.  I made a stack for my nieces birthdays to include in their birthday cards with their standard birthday cash.  They love 'em. 

I loved creating a more mature version in imported Japanese lace trim.  You can find the trim here.  Doesn't it look like something you'd buy at anthropologie?  Instead it only costs $2.50 to make!  Can't beat that!

Questions?  Feel free to ask and I'll leave the response in the comments so it helps everyone.  Thanks!

Comments

[Sarah H]

Cute pattern!

[Margaret]

Love it! What a great idea. Thanks for sharing.

[theLady]

Brilliantly simple! An excellent DIY.

[Angelika]

That is such a cool idea. Thanks for your freebees.

[Hilary]

Thank you so much for the adorable free pattern! Those headbands are just lovely. I adore the lace one!

[tiennie]

Very cute on you! Great idea!

[Katie]

I am a slacker when it comes to going to my sewing machine, so I hot glued them instead. They turned out amazing! I would like to mention though that slightly wider ribbon works better than very thin. Thanks so much!!

[kmckiernan]

Re: TypePad: [Knitty Gritty Thoughts] Katie submitted a comment on "Free Pattern Friday: Simple Ribbon Headband"

What a great idea!  Thanks so much for sharing!

[Allison]

So cute...dd won't leave in headbands long so this might work better for her. Gonna try it; if you don't have fray-check - or if you want a faster, no drying version...use a match or lighter (I use my long clicker for the grill), light, hold near the end of the ribbon. You'll see the edges slightly "melt" and draw up. Do this along the width of the cut edge. Let cool - about 30 seconds...no fraying!

[Theophanie]

I see myself stuffing socking with these!

[Theophanie]

I love it!