DIY Guide for Creating a Flexible, Twisted Headband
A twisty headband is a stylish and comfortable accessory that can be easily made at home using jersey knit fabric and a sewing machine. Here's a step-by-step guide to creating your own twisty headband.
Materials Needed
- 2 rectangular pieces of stretch jersey knit fabric, each about 6.5” x 19” (or your preferred size for headband width and length)
- Sewing machine with a ballpoint needle
- Clips or pins
- Scissors
Steps
- Cut two rectangular pieces of stretch jersey knit fabric, each about 6.5” x 19” (or your preferred size for headband width and length).
- Place the two pieces right sides together, matching edges.
- Sew the long edges together using a narrow zigzag stitch or a stretch stitch (such as the "lightning bolt" stitch), which allow the fabric to stretch without breaking the seams. Set your machine to a narrow zigzag with a small width and a slightly longer stitch length to balance strength and stretch.
- Turn the sewn tube right side out.
- Twist the tube in the middle to create the signature twist.
- Fold the twisted tube into a loop, matching the short ends.
- Sew the short ends together, again using a zigzag or stretch stitch to maintain elasticity.
- Clip the folds in place during sewing to help keep the fabric in place.
- Fold the seam inward or finish as desired for a clean look.
Tips and Tricks
- A 1/2-inch seam is sewn down the side that has been clipped.
- Clips are used to hold the folds in place during sewing.
- The top half is shifted so the edge is centered on the bottom half.
- The fabric is folded in half lengthwise before sewing.
- Clips or pins are used to keep the fabric in place during the process.
Using a zigzag or stretch stitch is essential because it provides enough stretch to accommodate the knit fabric's natural elasticity and prevents seam popping during wear. A narrow zigzag is ideal for regular seams, while a stretch ("lightning bolt") stitch is considered the best for sewing knits on a regular machine.
This method creates a comfortable, stretchy, and durable twisted headband from jersey knit fabric. For visual guidance, sewing tutorials like the one at [3] show the twist construction clearly.
Incorporating a twisty headband into your lifestyle can be both fashionable and economical as you can easily make one at home with resources like a sewing machine, clips or pins, scissors, and stretch jersey knit fabric. Expand your home-and-garden hobbies by adding a fun craft project to your repertoire, such as creating fashion-and-beauty accessories like a twisty headband.
