Crafting A Wedding Hair Band: A Step-By-Step Guide

Wedding hairbands are a great way to complete any bridal look. They can be used to add a touch of glamour and are a versatile accessory that can be used to elevate any hairstyle. From fabulous flower crowns to dainty jewel-encrusted headbands, there are many options to choose from. You can even make your own headband with some simple craft supplies.

Choosing the right fabric

Fabric Type

Cotton fabric is a popular choice for hairbands as it is lightweight, breathable, and gentle on the hair. It is also easy to sew, making it a suitable option for beginners. Cotton fabric is widely available and comes in various colours and patterns, allowing you to find the perfect match for your wedding outfit.

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Fabric Weight and Texture

Opt for lightweight fabric to ensure your hairband is comfortable and breathable. A fabric with a soft texture, such as cotton lawn or voile, will feel pleasant against your skin and hair. Avoidsection knit fabrics, as they may not be as comfortable or secure on your head.

Fabric Design and Colour

Consider the design and colour of the fabric to complement your wedding outfit and theme. You can choose a solid colour that matches your dress or go for a patterned fabric that adds a unique touch to your look. Fabric with tiny motifs is perfect for small items like hairbands, as it can create a delicate and elegant appearance.

Fabric Preparation

Before cutting and sewing, pre-wash and iron your fabric to ensure it is clean and free of any wrinkles. This step is crucial to prevent any surprises, such as shrinkage or colour bleeding, after your hairband is complete. Additionally, allowing for extra fabric when cutting is a good idea, as some fabrics tend to shrink, and you can always trim the excess later.

Elastic Integration

When incorporating elastic into your hairband design, consider the type and width of the elastic. A standard width of 1/2 inch is commonly used for adult-sized headbands, but you can adjust the width to your preference. The elastic should be secured to the fabric securely through sewing, ensuring it doesn't slip out with wear.

Adding elastic

Firstly, choose a fold-over elastic, which is the preferred elastic for headbands. It comes in a variety of colours and patterns and can be purchased at your local fabric store or hobby shop. The elastic should be 1/8", 3/8" or 5/8" in width, with 3/8" being the most common size for headbands.

Next, measure your head to ensure the perfect fit. Use a flexible tape measure and start at the nape of your neck, wrapping it around where you want the headband to sit. Cut the elastic according to this measurement, remembering to subtract about an inch to ensure a snug fit. Test the size to make sure the elastic has some stretch to it.

Now, seal the ends of the elastic to prevent fraying. You can use a fray-stop spray or quickly pass the ends through a flame to singe them. Curve the elastic into a circle, ensuring the shiny, finished side is on top, and that you don't accidentally twist the elastic. The ends should overlap by about a quarter of an inch.

Finally, connect the ends of the headband together. You can use a hot glue gun or sew the ends together. If gluing, press the glued ends together and hold for a few seconds. If sewing, use a needle and thread that matches your elastic and put a few stitches through the overlapped ends, then tie a knot to secure.

And there you have it! A simple elastic headband, perfect for a wedding or any other occasion.

Cutting the fabric

The first step to making a fabric hairband is to cut your fabric to size. The amount of fabric you will need depends on the type of fabric you are using and the size of the headband you want to make.

For a standard adult-sized headband, you will need a piece of lightweight cotton fabric that is approximately 14" x 6". If you are using a different type of fabric, such as voile or a simple cotton, you may need a slightly larger piece of fabric, around 18" x 5".

Once you have your fabric, fold it in half lengthwise, with the right sides facing each other. This will create a longer, narrower piece of fabric that you can work with. At this point, you may want to secure the fold with pins to keep the fabric in place as you work.

Now it's time to cut the fabric for the elastic tunnel. This piece will be smaller and will vary depending on the type of headband you are making. For a standard elastic headband, cut a piece of fabric that is approximately 2" x 2". If you are making a headband with a crossed-top design, you will need a longer piece of fabric, around 20cm x 13cm.

It's important to note that if you are using a gauze fabric, it tends to shrink, so allow for extra fabric when cutting. You can lightly preshrink the fabric in water and iron it when it's half dry before cutting it to the specified measurements.

Sewing the headband

Making a wedding hairband is a fun project that allows you to express your unique style. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to sew your own headband for your wedding:

Sewn Elastic Ribbon Headband:

• Choose a thin ribbon or trim, preferably with a width of 1" or less, and with embellishments like beads and sequins on only one side to prevent hair tangles. Opt for ribbons with elastic for added comfort.
• Purchase elastic in a matching or complementary colour, ensuring it is thinner than your chosen ribbon.
• Cut the ribbon to size by wrapping it around your head, marking the overlap point, and then cutting 5" inwards from this mark. Cut a 4" length of elastic.
• Sew the ends of the ribbon together with a small seam, and then attach the elastic to the underside of the seam. Secure the thread with knots.

Sewn Braided T-Shirt Headband:

• Source a large, stretchy t-shirt, and cut out five long strips of equal length (measure from just above your forehead to the nape of your neck) and a width of about 1". Cut an additional piece that is 3" wide and 1/3 the circumference of your head.
• Sew the ends of the five strips together, then tape or tack this end to a surface to keep it in place while braiding.
• Braid the strips together using a five-strand braid technique. Start with a three-strand braid, then incorporate the other two strands from the left side as you continue braiding. Pull the pieces tight as you weave to create a flat braid.
• Sew the other end of the braid together to secure it.
• Attach the shorter, wider piece of fabric to the ends of the braid with a needle and thread to form a closed circle. Ensure this piece sits at the underside of your head when wearing the headband.

These simple sewing projects will result in beautiful, custom headbands that will add a unique touch to your wedding look.

Decorating the headband

Fabric and Ribbon

Wrapping your headband in fabric or ribbon is an easy way to repurpose an old hair accessory. Measure the width of your headband, and then cut a piece of fabric or ribbon that is twice as wide and equally as long. Wrap the fabric around the headband, and attach it to the underside with some fabric glue. You can also use hot glue, but be careful not to burn yourself! Tuck the ends of the fabric under to create a neat finish.

Yarn or String

Covering your headband in yarn or string is another simple way to decorate your hairband and there are so many colours and types available. Coat the headband in a thin layer of glue and then wrap the yarn or string in tight rings around the headband. Continue until the entire headband is covered, and then cut the excess. Seal the ends with an extra dab of glue.

Beaded Applique or Feathers

Choose a pretty brooch, fabric applique, or grouping of feathers and decide on the perfect location for them on your headband. Then, use hot glue to attach them. Feathers can be a great way to add a boho twist to your wedding headband.

Bows

Making a bow headband is a fun way to add a girly twist to your wedding outfit. Simply use your favourite fabric scraps and a hard headband to form a pretty headband with a bow. Feel free to adjust the size and number of bows to your liking.

Flowers

Floral headbands have become very popular with the rise of indie fashion. You can create a headband that gives the illusion of a halo of flowers with either artificial or fresh blooms. You can also use artificial flowers to create a flower crown.

Sparkles

To add a bit of glam and glitz to your wedding hair, use sequins, glitter, or beads to make your hair shine. You could also use a sparkly, rhinestone headband or one with faux diamonds to add some extra sparkle.

Braids

Braided headbands are a great way to keep hair off your face and can be made from old t-shirts. Cut five long strips of fabric from an old t-shirt and then braid them together. Sew the ends together and then attach to a piece of fabric to form a circle that will fit your head.

Knits

If you love to knit, why not make a knitted headband? Choose any colour you like and spend a little time making a special hair accessory.

Veils

A veil can be attached to a headband to create a unique and ethereal look. You could also add some words to your veil, such as "love", to commemorate your big day.

Frequently asked questions