How to Make a Twisted Headband

First published on by
(Updated 17th January 2022)

This guide will show you how to make a twisted fabric headband – the perfect DIY hair accessory to coordinate with your favourite outfit. This easy beginner sewing project uses a small amount of fabric so it’s great for using up scraps of fabric you may have left over from other projects.

For this guide we have used William Morris craft fabrics - they have a small pattern repeat and come in a range of coordinating designs perfect for small craft projects, like making twisted fabric headbands. Fabric headbands will also work well with cotton prints, linen and even velvet as long as it’s easy to sew and manipulate. We’ve opted for two coordinating fabrics, but this also works just as well with one design.

Let us inspire you to get sewing with how to make a twisted fabric headband.

What you will need:

  • Fabric
  • Sewing Machine
  • Pins
  • Scissors
  • Elastic
  • Measuring tape
  • Iron
Step One

Step One

Firstly, lay out your fabrics and cut two pieces, measuring 18 inches x 7 inches. Then cut out another piece measuring 3 inches x 11 inches.

Step Two

Step Two

With your three fabric pieces, fold in half lengthways and pin. Next you will need to sew the raw pinned edges. Once sewn, using a safety pin or free hand, turn the two fabrics tubes the correct way around. Then iron, aligning the seams upwards.

Step Three

Step Three

Cut 6 inches of elastic. Attach a safety pin to one end, and thread through the smallest fabric tube you’ve created. Pin the elastic to each end to secure and then stitch each end.

Step Four

Step Four

Now fold one larger piece of fabric with the seam facing inwards in half. Take your small fabric piece with the elastic inserted and lay it on top the of the larger folded fabric piece, ensuring the one edge of the smaller piece is aligned to the raw edge of the larger piece.

Now fold the raw edge of the larger piece of fabric over the smaller piece, and pin in place. Sew the pinned raw edge.

Step Five

Step Five

Feed your other large piece of fabric through the piece you’ve just been working on, making sure the seam is facing upwards. Fold the edges of your inserted piece in half to align the raw edges and then pull the fabric straight to create the twist. As with Step 4, align the smaller elasticated fabric piece up with the raw edge, fold over and pin.

Step Six

Step Six

Now sew along the pinned raw edges. Finish by turning the raw edges out and then tucking them in. Now you should have a lovely, twisted fabric headband. Don’t forget you can experiment with fabric colours and designs for statement or elegant twisted headbands.

(staging) Just Fabrics
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