This is such a simple sewing project, yet it looks polished and is quick to make. You’ll only need a small amount of fabric making it perfect for scraps you’ve been saving. You can finish one in about an hour and wear it or gift it right away.
I designed this pattern because I wanted all the charm of a tied headband with the comfort and convenience of an elastic back.
Let’s get sewing!
P.S. My beautiful model is a family member. Thanks, Kaitlyn. ❤️
Why You’ll Love This Headband
This is one of those sewing projects you’ll probably want to make again and again!
If you’re new to sewing, it’s a wonderful for building confidence. If you’ve been sewing for years, it’s a quick, satisfying project perfect for great gifts, craft fairs, or adding handmade fun to your wardrobe.
The comfortable elastic back makes this headband easy to wear all day, whether you’re running errands, working out, doing yoga, or simply keeping your hair out of your face.
The best feature is the pre-tied back detail. It gives you the faux look of a tied headband, but the tie is already fixed in place over the elastic. Just slip it on and go. No tying, retying, or adjusting every time you wear it!
You’ll receive instructions for two front band styles. Choose the classic flat version for a clean, timeless look, or make the softly pleated version for a little extra texture and style.
This headband is especially adorable for little girls and makes the perfect accessory to coordinate with a favorite dress, outfit, or teddy bear dress. Since there’s nothing to tie, it’s easy for little hands to put on all by themselves.
If you’re sewing for little ones, be sure to check out my DIY Apron, Stuffed Bunny, and Build-a-Bear Outfit patterns for more projects that kids will love.
🍓 Get the Free Headband Pattern
Print this free pattern and start sewing today
Send Me the Free PDFDelivered straight to your inbox. Free for personal use.
Remember one thing: that you should not leave this earth until you have made it a little more beautiful, a little more lovelier, a little more loving.
— Osho
Materials
Here’s the supplies you’ll need. Not all items are pictured. The photographs are not perfectly to scale and are intended for reference only. Shoppable affiliate links included below.
Free PDF Sewing Pattern see below
Fabric
Interfacing HeatnBond
Knit Elastic ½-inch elastic
Matching Thread
Sewing Machine Janome
Iron and Ironing Board
Fabric Scissors
or Rotary Cutter Olfa
Straight Pins or Clips
Safety Pin or Tube Turning Tool
Ruler love my Omnigrids or
Measuring Tape
Serger (optional)
Fabric Choice
This headband looks great in almost any lightweight woven fabric. Cotton is my go-to because it’s easy to work with, but linen blends, chambray, cotton lawn, double gauze, and lightweight rayon are all wonderful choices. If you have fabric scraps you’ve been saving, this is the perfect project to use them.
Avoid heavyweight fabrics like canvas or denim, which can make the
headband bulky.
Free Pattern
Grab your free sewing pattern by clicking the button in this post. I’ll send the download link straight to your inbox. The printable PDF includes all the pattern pieces you need to get started. Then simply follow the step-by-step tutorial to sew your own headband.
Variations
One of the best things about this headband pattern is how easy it is to personalize. Here are a few simple ways to make each one unique.
Mix and Match Fabrics
Use one fabric for the outside and a coordinating print for the inside. The contrast adds a fun accent every time the headband shifts or the ties are visible.
It looks lovely in a variety of lightweight woven fabrics. Try sewing one in linen for a classic look, in casual chambray for a casual look, or in double gauze for soft, cushy comfort.
Add a Label
Sew on a small woven label into one of the side seams for a special touch. It’s a way to personalize gifts or showcase your creations.
Topstitch with Contrasting Thread
Choose a thread color that stands out to highlight the headband’s shape. A contrasting stitch can add just the right amount of detail without any extra work.
Change the Width
Create a narrower headband for an everyday look or make it wider for more punch and coverage. It’s easy to customize the style and comfort you prefer.
Try Different Elastic
Experiment with narrow, wide, or decorative lace elastic to create different looks and levels of stretch. Just be sure the elastic is soft enough to wear comfortably.
Sew Seasonal Headbands
Use holiday prints, florals, plaids, or festive fabrics to create headbands for different seasons. They also make wonderful gifts and stocking stuffers.
Make Matching Mother and Daughter Sets
Create coordinating headbands for moms, daughters, sisters, or friends. They make sweet gifts for birthdays, family photos, or special celebrations.
Looking for another easy project? Try my Hobo Bag or Basic Drawstring Bag and my Fabric Bag with French Seams, both sewing projects that are perfect for everyday use.
Instructions
Before you begin sewing, read through all of the steps so you can see how the front band and elastic back come together.
Choose Your Style:
The pattern includes two front band options.
Flat Headband (Style A)
The basic headband has an outer band that is smooth for a classic look. Both front band pieces are the same width.
Ruched or Pleated Headband (Style B)
The top band piece for the wide headband is gathered at each end before sewing. This creates soft pleats across the front of the headband.
After completing Step 3, the instructions (which include the elastic part) are the same for both styles.
Preparation
1 Cut the Fabric
Download and print the free PDF pattern at 100% scale. Cut all fabric pieces according to the pattern, along with one piece of interfacing.
2 Apply the Interfacing
Fuse the interfacing to the underside front band piece for extra structure and stability.
Top Headband
3 Create the Pleats (Style B only)
Skip this step if you’re making the Flat Headband. Machine baste across both short ends of the wider top band. Gently pull the bobbin threads until each end measures 3 inches wide. Spread the gathers evenly, then press them into soft pleats or perfectly imperfect folds.
4 Sew Front Band
Place the top and bottom band pieces with the right sides of fabric together. Pin the layers together, aligning the raw edges. If you’re making the pleated style, the edges may be a little wavy. That’s perfectly normal. Simply match the raw edges as you pin.
Sew a straight stitch along both long edges using a ¼-inch seam allowance, leaving both short ends open. Trim the seam allowances if needed.
5 Turn Headband Right Side Out
Turn the headband right side out through the opening. Use a turning tool, chopstick, or blunt point turner to gently push out the corners and smooth the seams.
6 Press and Topstitch
Press the headband flat, gently shaping and smoothing both long edges. For the pleated style, gently pull the edges outward as you press so they lie flat. Keep the pleats on the top of the headband and don’t let them wrap around to the underside. Topstitch close to the edge along both long sides, leaving the short ends open.
Elastic Back Band
7 Sew the Elastic Casing
Fold the back band piece in half lengthwise with right sides together. Sew along the long edge, backstitching at both ends. Turn the tube right side out and press.
8 Insert the Elastic
Thread the elastic through the casing, making sure one end doesn’t slip inside the tube.
9 Secure the Elastic
Stitch one end of the elastic securely to the casing. Pull the elastic through until the casing gathers evenly, then stitch the opposite end of the elastic to the other end of the casing.
10 Join the Two Bands
With right sides together, insert one end of the elastic casing into one end of the front headband and sew across the end using a ¼-inch seam allowance.
Before sewing the second end, try on the headband. If you’d like a snugger fit, trim a small amount from the front band before stitching the final seam. Once you’re happy with the fit, sew the remaining ends of the headband together to complete. Optional: Finish the seam allowances with a serger or zigzag stitch to help prevent fraying.
Decorative Tie
11 Decorative Tie, Optional
Choose one of the three decorative tie styles for the back of your headband. With right sides together, sew around the entire perimeter, leaving a 2 to 3-inch opening for turning.
12 Finishing
Turn the tie right side out, then gently push out the corners with a turning tool, chopstick, or similar tool. Press flat. Tie it around the elastic casing using a single knot. Give the headband one final press or fluff the pleats, and enjoy your new headband!
FAQs
Yes! This pattern is designed for children, teens, and adults. Before sewing the second side of the elastic band to the front band, simply try it on and adjust the length if needed for a comfortable fit.
Absolutely! This is one of my favorite beginner sewing projects because it teaches several useful sewing skills without feeling overwhelming.
Both styles are beginner friendly. The Flat Headband is the easiest because it skips the gathering step. The Pleated Headband adds one extra step to create the soft pleats, but after Step 3, both styles are sewn exactly the same way.
Lightweight woven cotton is the easiest choice. Linen blends, chambray, cotton lawn, and double gauze also work beautifully.
Interfacing helps the front band keep its shape and gives the finished headband a more polished look. I would definitely recommend using it.
No. The back tie is permanently fixed over the elastic, giving you the stylish look of a tied headband without having to tie it each time you wear it. Simply slip it on and you’re ready to go.
Yes. Machine wash on a gentle cycle and lay flat or tumble dry on low.
Yes! You’re welcome to sell headbands you make using this pattern. Please do not copy, redistribute, or sell the pattern itself.
Helpful Tips
These are some of the simple routines I use for almost every sewing project. They don’t take much extra time, but they make a big difference in the finished result.
Measure Twice
Double-check your measurements before cutting. Fabric is much easier to trim than it is to replace.
Press as You Sew
Press after each sewing step instead of waiting until the end. This helps seams lie flat and gives your finished headband a crisp, professional look.
Clip Corners and Trim Seam Allowances
Trim away extra bulk and clip corners before turning the fabric right side out. Your curves and pointed ends will look much smoother.
Check Fabric Direction
Lay out your pattern pieces before cutting to make sure directional prints, stripes, or florals are facing the right way.
Don’t Skip the Topstitching
Topstitching helps the headband keep its shape and gives it a polished, finished appearance.
Test the Elastic First
Elastic stretches differently depending on the brand, so wrap it around your head before sewing to make sure it feels comfortable without being too tight. Give your elastic a gentle stretch before using it. Older elastic can lose its stretch over time.
Ready to sew your wardrobe? My DIY Drawstring Athletic Skirt and Elastic Waist Skirt Pattern are great for a beginner-friendly skill level.
If you make a headband, let me know in the comments below! I love hearing about all of your creations. Happy making!
Follow along on social media at Pinterest, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube, and subscribe to my newsletter for more sewing inspiration.
xo,
Cindy
Did you make these DIY Fabric Headbands?
I would love to hear all about it! Let me know what you thought by leaving a comment below and sharing it on Instagram, Facebook, & Pinterest!
Thank you!
About Bloom
Cindy Munson is a lifelong sewer, pattern designer, and former graphic design studio owner. She shares approachable, stylish sewing projects through her blog, Be Brave and Bloom. Her mission is to help others discover the joy of making and live a more creative life. Cindy works from her sunny sewing studio in Minnesota, where she lives with her husband of over 30 years.
These fabric headbands are so quick and fun to sew in different colors and prints, especially when you can use smaller pieces from your fabric stash! If you have any questions about the pattern, sizing, or construction, please leave them below. I’m always happy to help! 🙂