3 Easy DIY Twisted Headbands: Simple Sewing Tutorials for Adults & Babies

Headbands are a stylish and practical accessory for both adults and babies, offering a comfortable way to keep hair out of the face and adding a touch of personal flair to any outfit. Whether you're looking for a quick and easy project to add to your crafting repertoire or a thoughtful handmade gift, creating your own headbands is surprisingly simple. Forget expensive store-bought options; with just a few basic sewing skills and readily available materials, you can craft beautiful and unique headbands tailored to your exact preferences. This tutorial focuses on three delightfully simple twisted headband designs, perfect for all skill levels.

From delicate and dainty styles ideal for newborns to more robust and colorful options for adults, these designs offer versatility and customization. We’ll guide you through each step of the process, using clear instructions and accompanying images to ensure even complete beginners can achieve professional-looking results. Ready to get started and create some gorgeous headbands? Let's dive into the detailed, step-by-step instructions for each design.

Safety Guidelines

  • Always supervise young children during crafting and never leave them unattended with small parts like buttons or pins.
  • Use fabric that is soft and gentle against the skin, especially for baby headbands. Avoid anything with rough textures or loose threads.
  • Ensure all seams are securely stitched to prevent unraveling and potential choking hazards, particularly for babies' headbands.

Methods: Single Twisted Headband

Tools Needed

  • Fabric with Lycra or stretch
  • Rotary cutter & mat (optional)
  • Scissors
  • Turning stick or pencil eraser
  • Thread
  • Straight pins
  • Measuring tape
  • Sewing machine

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Prepare Fabric

    • 6 inches wide x (head measurement - 2 inches) long.
    Cut fabric: 6 inches wide x (head measurement - 2 inches) long.
    Prepare Fabric
  2. Create Tube

    • Fold fabric in half lengthwise, right sides together, and pin.
    • Sew a seam along the long edge using a stretch stitch or narrow zigzag stitch.
    • Turn the tube inside out using a turning stick.
    Turn the tube inside out using a turning stick.Turn the tube inside out using a turning stick.
    Create Tube
  3. Twist and Sew

    • Offset the edges and wrap one end around the other, right sides together, aligning the top edge with the back seam.
    • Sew along the edges about 3/8 inch from the edge.
    • Trim the seam and turn right side out.
    Trim the seam and turn right side out.Trim the seam and turn right side out.Trim the seam and turn right side out.Trim the seam and turn right side out.
    Twist and Sew

Tips

  • Use fabric with Lycra or good stretch for comfortable wear.
  • Use a stretch stitch or narrow zigzag stitch to prevent the seam from popping.
  • The right side of the fabric will curl when pulled.

Methods: Double Twisted Headband

Tools Needed

  • Fabric with Lycra or stretch
  • Rotary cutter & mat (optional)
  • Scissors
  • Turning stick or pencil eraser
  • Thread
  • Straight pins
  • Measuring tape
  • Sewing machine or Serger

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Prepare Fabric Strips

    • 6 inches wide x (head measurement - 2 inches) long.
    Cut two strips of fabric: 6 inches wide x (head measurement - 2 inches) long.
    Prepare Fabric Strips
  2. Sew Fabric Strips

    • Sew a seam along the long edge of each strip using a serger or stretch stitch.
    Sew a seam along the long edge of each strip using a serger or stretch stitch.
    Sew Fabric Strips
  3. Turn and Position Strips

    • Turn both strips inside out.
    • Place the two strips together, seam sides facing each other, and flatten.
    Place the two strips together, seam sides facing each other, and flatten.Place the two strips together, seam sides facing each other, and flatten.
    Turn and Position Strips
  4. Join Fabric Strips

    • Align the seam edges and sew all four edges together using a single needle machine and a small seam allowance.
    Align the seam edges and sew all four edges together using a single needle machine and a small seam allowance.
    Join Fabric Strips
  5. Finish Headband

    • Trim excess fabric and turn right side out.
    Trim excess fabric and turn right side out.
    Finish Headband

Tips

  • A serger makes this process much faster.

Methods: Flat Twisted Headband

Tools Needed

  • Fabric with Lycra or stretch
  • Rotary cutter & mat (optional)
  • Scissors
  • Thread
  • Straight pins
  • Measuring tape
  • Sewing machine

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Prepare Fabric

    • 6 inches wide x (head measurement - 2 inches) long.
    Cut fabric: 6 inches wide x (head measurement - 2 inches) long.
    Prepare Fabric
  2. Create Tube

    • Fold fabric in half lengthwise, right sides together, and sew a seam.
    Fold fabric in half lengthwise, right sides together, and sew a seam.
    Create Tube
  3. Turn and Fold

    • Turn inside out. Fold in half again with seam at the top or bottom.
    Turn inside out. Fold in half again with seam at the top or bottom.
    Turn and Fold
  4. Twist and Prepare for Final Seam

    • Twist one end and fold in half, aligning edges. Pin.
    Twist one end and fold in half, aligning edges. Pin.
    Twist and Prepare for Final Seam
  5. Sew the Headband

    • Pin and sew only through two layers for a cleaner finish.
    Sew around the edges, leaving a small opening to turn right side out. Optional: Pin and sew only through two layers for a cleaner finish.
    Sew the Headband
  6. Close Opening

    • Close the opening using a whip stitch or top stitching.
    Close the opening using a whip stitch or top stitching.
    Close Opening

Tips

  • For a cleaner finish, pin and sew only through two layers of fabric.
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Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Uneven Fabric Cutting

Reason: Inaccurate cutting leads to a headband that's lopsided or doesn't twist evenly.
Solution: Use a ruler and rotary cutter for precise cuts, or carefully fold the fabric in half before cutting to ensure symmetry.

2. Too Much or Too Little Fabric Tension

Reason: Pulling too tightly creates a headband that's too small or uncomfortable; pulling too loosely results in a floppy, ill-fitting headband.
Solution: Maintain consistent, gentle tension throughout the sewing process, adjusting as needed to achieve a snug yet comfortable fit.

FAQs

What kind of fabric is best for DIY twisted headbands?
Soft, stretchy fabrics like jersey knit, cotton lycra, or even rib knit work wonderfully for twisted headbands. Avoid stiff fabrics that won't twist easily.
How do I ensure the headband fits properly?
Measure the circumference of the head you're making it for. Add a bit of extra length (about 1-2 inches) to account for stretching and twisting. You can also try it on during construction to adjust as needed.
Can I use a sewing machine, or do I need to sew by hand?
Both methods work! A sewing machine makes it quicker, especially for adults' headbands. Hand-sewing is perfectly fine, especially for smaller baby headbands, and it can be a relaxing activity.