Tutorial: Headbands out of Ribbing/Bias Tape

Headbands out of ribbing/bias tape – such a fun, sporty project!

Headbands are one of my favourite things – the problem? I have a big head, so most are rather tight and uncomfortable. My solution? Unique headbands made out of ribbing and bias tape!

The fabric

Two types of ribbing and bias tape I’ve already made.

First, measure your head – mine is just about 24 inches where I would like the headband to sit. Next, measure how much ribbing or bias tape it will take to cover that length. Easiest way – simply stretch the ribbing around you head. For me, I use 14 inches of ribbing, yet since bias tape only has a little ease (no real stretch) I use 23 ½ inches.

Let’s work with the ribbing first! Cut a strip 2 inches wide by 14 inches long (or use custom measurements).

Pin right sides together and stitch using your stretch zigzag setting.

Now turn it inside out (or right-side out, I should say!) Feel free to take a little break while you do this – mine took about 7 minutes to turn. I enjoyed some Olympic highlights – I can’t believe how strong those synchronized swimmers are! Wow! Bobbi – a nod to you!

Iron your seam (I pinned my to the ironing board so it wouldn’t slip or flip around). Note: I use glass pins, so I can iron over them.

Now stitch together the two ends – this is the trickiest part. I used my machine for one side (the side that you will see) and then I hand stitched the other side (the side that will help keep my fly-a-ways in place!) Or see below for another method.

Volla – done! Or, you can add your label!!

I use dissolvable tape to keep the label in place while I fold each edge over the other.

Pin label and stitch…

Done!

Another trick?

Put one end of the ribbing end into the other, and pin. Stitch closed.

Cover with a label, stitch, and wear away!

Ribbing into headbands – so comfortable, never tight, and sporty!

Now – for the bias tape tips. The part I like about making headbands out of bias tape is that, if you make your own bias tape, the choices are endless!

Cut out a little of the bulk by clipping the edges out – fold the other side in a little so it will fit more snuggly into the other end.

Pin and stitch. On this example, I’ll be stitching along the diagonal to try and hide the stitch.

Now, insert label and pin before you topstitch – I like to put mine on the back, so they will hang down a little. For me, it adds, not only a bit of colour, but a little character, too.