Transform Old T-Shirts Into Trendy Headbands: Easy Diy Guide

how to make diy t shirt headbands

There are many ways to make a DIY headband from an old T-shirt. The process is simple, stylish, and sustainable. The first step is to cut a strip of fabric from the T-shirt that is twice the width you want the headband to be and a comfortable length around your head. Then, fold and sew the ends together, turn it right side out, and fold it again. If you don't want to sew, you can simply cut a large piece of fabric from your T-shirt, fold it in half, and cut along a pattern to create a headband. You can also cut three loops of fabric from the bottom of the T-shirt, stretch them out, and weave them together to create a knotted headband.

Characteristics Values
Materials Old T-shirts, scissors, glue gun, sewing machine, measuring tape
Skills Sewing, cutting, gluing
Time 22 minutes
Difficulty Easy

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Choosing the right fabric

The first step to making a DIY headband from a T-shirt is to choose the right fabric. The ideal fabric for a headband is stretchy, soft, and easy to work with. It's best to use a medium or large t-shirt to ensure the headband isn't too tight.

When selecting a t-shirt, consider the purpose of the headband. If it's for fitness, choose a material that absorbs sweat well. If it's for fashion, focus on colour and texture. For example, a grey headband goes with everything.

The knit grainlines of the fabric should go vertically up the height of the headband, the same way the t-shirt is made. This ensures the headband stretches properly.

If you want to add a logo or design to your headband, look for a t-shirt with a logo or use fabric paint to create your own design. You could also use a tie-dye shirt for a colourful look.

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Cutting the fabric

The first step in making a DIY T-shirt headband is to cut the fabric. For this project, you will need a T-shirt made from stretchy fabric, such as jersey or another soft, stretchy material. The size of the T-shirt will depend on the desired size of your headband, with larger shirts resulting in a looser fit. It is important to ensure that the fabric is cut in the direction of the most stretch to allow for optimal flexibility.

When cutting the fabric, it is recommended to use fabric scissors to achieve a clean cut. The dimensions of the fabric strips will vary depending on the desired width and length of your headband. For a simple headband, cut a strip of fabric that is twice the width you want and a comfortable length to fit around your head. This strip will then be folded and sewn together to create the headband.

If you prefer a knotted headband, you will need to cut three loops from the bottom of your T-shirt, each about 2 cm wide. Fold the shirt in half and cut through both the front and back layers to ensure even strips. These loops will then be stretched, turned into strings, and woven together to create the headband.

For a more intricate design, you may choose to cut out specific sections of the T-shirt, such as the bottom portion of a turtleneck, to serve as the base for your headband. This method involves cutting the fabric in a specific pattern, which can often be downloaded for free, to create a wide headband that is perfect for running or styling.

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Sewing the fabric

Method 1:

  • Cut your fabric to the desired length and width. For an average adult, a good measurement is 20 inches long by 5 inches high. You can adjust the length to your preference, but ensure the knit grainlines are vertical, matching the orientation of the t-shirt.
  • Fold the fabric in half on the long side, so the total height is now 2.5 inches by 20 inches long.
  • Sew the edges together. Leave a 1-inch gap before you reach the end and then continue sewing.
  • Stick your fingers inside the tube you've created, grab the end, and pull it up through the tube. Stop pulling when the edges meet up with the start of the tube.
  • Line up the seams inside and outside to create a flat, even surface all around the hole.
  • Sew the open end shut, and trim any excess fabric close to the seam.
  • Flip the headband inside out through the 1-inch gap you left earlier.
  • Finally, sew up that gap by hand or machine to completely hide the seams.

Method 2:

  • Cut a strip of fabric from the body of the T-shirt—twice the width you desire and a comfortable length around your head.
  • Fold the strip end-to-end and sew the ends together, either by machine or hand.
  • Turn the strip right side out and fold it. You now have a simple headband.

Method 3:

  • Cut two large pieces of fabric using a pattern, and cut two narrow strips as well.
  • Pin the right sides of the fabric pieces together.
  • Sew or serge along the long ends. You can use a narrow zig-zag stitch or a long, straight stitch.
  • Turn each piece inside out and press them.
  • Turn the raw edges under on the larger piece and press again.
  • Insert the small piece inside the opening of the larger piece and pin it. Stitch it in place.
  • Repeat on the other side to form a complete loop. Adjust the length as needed for a comfortable fit.

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No-sew alternatives

Braided Headband

Take a T-shirt or any stretchy fabric and cut it into strips. You will need five strips to create a braided headband. Cut the strips long enough to tie around your head. Braid the strips together, then tie it around your head, and you're done!

Figure-8 Twist Headband

Take a stretchy T-shirt and cut a 6-inch wide strip from it, removing the bottom seam as well. Twist this strip into a figure-8 shape three times, then fold it in half with the knot at the top. Pull the ends into a circle, keeping the knot in the front center. This method takes about five minutes and results in a cute and functional headband.

Turban-style Headband

Cut a strip between 4 and 5 inches wide from your T-shirt. You can do this by first cutting off the hem and then measuring up from that. Stamp polka dots on the strip using gold paint and the eraser of a pencil. Twist the strip twice and bring the ends together to form a looped turban. For a knotted look, twist the headband three times before bringing the ends together.

Cross Headband

Take a long piece of stretchy fabric, which can be cut from an old T-shirt, and cross it twice over the top of your head. Secure it with bobby pins if needed, and you've got a simple and stylish DIY cross headband.

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Creative options

There are many creative ways to make DIY T-shirt headbands. Here are some ideas to get you started:

  • Use a T-shirt with a favourite logoPaint a design: Get creative and paint a unique design on your headband. You can use fabric paint or even regular acrylic paint, depending on the desired effect. This option allows you to personalise your headband and make it truly one-of-a-kind.
  • Tie-dye: Using a tie-dye shirt will give your headband lots of colours and a groovy, retro feel. You can even tie-dye the T-shirt yourself before cutting it up, ensuring a completely custom look.
  • Add elastic: If you prefer a tighter headband, consider using elastic instead of fabric for the smaller piece in the middle. This will make the headband more form-fitting and secure.
  • Use a cami: For adults, a stretchy cami may work better than a T-shirt. The softer, stretchier fabric can be more comfortable and easier to work with.
  • Knots and twists: Instead of sewing, you can create a headband by cutting a strip of fabric, twisting it into a figure 8 shape a few times, and then folding it in half. This method is quick, easy, and doesn't require any sewing skills or equipment.
  • Weaving: For a more intricate design, cut the T-shirt into strips and weave them together to create the headband. You can use colourful hair ties to help with the weaving process and add a bit of extra flair.

Frequently asked questions

You will need a stretchy or jersey T-shirt, scissors, a measuring tape, and a sewing machine. You could also sew the headband by hand if you don't have a sewing machine.

First, lay a large piece of fabric on the section of the T-shirt with the design you want and cut it out. Cut the back of the tube to create one long piece of fabric. Fold the fabric in half and place the pattern on the fold. Cut along the pattern and continue cutting in a straight line to the edge of the fabric. Repeat on the other side. Tie the fabric around your head.

Cut three loops out of the bottom of your T-shirt, each about 2cm wide. Stretch the loops out and cut them at the seams to turn them into six individual strings. Separate the strings into two groups of three and create a fish shape with one group. Lay the fish on its side and drape the other group over it in a U-shape. Bring the top of the fish's tail over the U and then pull the bottom end of the U-shape under the fish's head. Pull on the top part of the U-shape and bring it over the fish's head and under the bottom band of the U-shape. Tighten the weave and glue the ends of the headband together.

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