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Tutorial: Easy Ribbon Headband

This is a fun and quick accessory to create, especially if you have a lot of ribbon laying around at this time of year. Chances are that you already have everything you need! We made two versions with different types of ribbon. The red striped band uses just one ribbon, and the green one has two coordinating ribbons stitched one on top of the other. The bows are a little off center and sparkles with a pretty rhinestone button. This is very customizable so have fun using up some of your holiday ribbon stash, and show us pictures of your creations in the Colette Patterns flickr group!

Items needed:

  • 31” of ribbon
  • 31″ of contrast ribbon (optional)
  • one small elastic hair band or 2 1/2″ length of thin elastic
  • one large button
  • one small button
  • thread
  • needle
  • scissors

1. If using two ribbons, sew the contrast to the main ribbon.

2. On one end, fold the ribbon over twice so that the edge is concealed. Sew along the top of the fold, making sure to backtack at both ends.

3. Sew the small button about 1/4″ above the stitch line.

4. Place a pin 9″ from one edge of the ribbon. From that pin measure 11″ and place another pin. Match up the pins, wrong sides facing. Sew across the ribbon at this point.

5. Push the loop flat. The loop should be positioned evenly across the sewn line. Place your button in the middle of the loop. Stitch on large button over the middle of the bow.

6. Fold the unfinished end of the ribbon once. If using elastic, sew the ends together several times with a small zigzag stitch. Place the rubber band or elastic over the fold. Fold again and stitch down. Be careful not to stitch the rubber band. You are merely making a loop for it.

In case you’d like to do the striped, single ribbon version, here are some extra instructions:

When you come to #5, instead of sewing in the button, you should baste across the middle of the loop. This will attach it to the ribbon. Leave a long thread tail.

Cinch the the fabric, pulling the thread. When you’ve achieved the desired look, knot the thread tightly. Thread a needle and weave the ends into the back of the bow for extra security. Now you can sew a button in the middle and finish the last step.

And there you have it: a sweet and simple ribbon headband!

Caitlin Clark

Caitlin is the Colette Patterns design assistant. You can follow Caitlin at her blog, the story girl.

Comments

chelsea a

March 18, 2011 #

Quick question: In part 5, after you sew in the loop, what do you do with it? I have read it over and over and can’t figure out how this plays into wearing the headband and how, in fact, it’s worn!

Am I missing something? Help!

Caitlin

March 18, 2011 #

The loop goes around the button on the other end of the headband, that’s how it stays on your head. :)

chelsea a

March 18, 2011 #

Thanks, Caitlin! I seriously read through it 3 times and something wasn’t clicking. Awesome response time!

jessi

May 31, 2012 #

loving the hair bands

Erica

October 31, 2013 #

I love this. Great idea for all the ribbon I have kicking around!